Lightweight and practical packaging for industrial equipment
Transporting industrial machinery does not always require a fully enclosed crate. In many situations, equipment benefits from a packaging solution that provides structural protection while remaining lightweight, accessible and easy to handle.
Gerritsen Packing designs and manufactures custom slatted crates for machinery, industrial components and export shipments. These crates provide strong structural protection while allowing ventilation, easy inspection and efficient handling throughout the logistics process.
Because of their open construction, slatted crates are widely used in machinery transport, export shipments and project logistics, where a balance between protection, weight and practicality is required.
What are slatted crates?
Slatted crates are wooden transport crates built with spaced slats instead of solid panels. This open structure creates a strong protective frame while keeping the packaging lighter than fully closed export crates.
The design allows equipment to remain visible and ventilated while still protecting it against impact during handling and transport.
Slatted crates are particularly suitable when equipment:
- does not require full enclosure
- benefits from ventilation during storage or transport
- must remain visible for inspection or customs checks
- needs lightweight packaging for efficient logistics
This makes them a practical and cost-efficient solution for many industrial shipments.
Advantages of slatted crates for industrial transport
A slatted crate combines structural strength with logistical efficiency. Compared with closed crates, the open design offers several practical advantages.
Reduced packaging weight
Because the crate uses spaced wooden slats instead of full panels, the total packaging weight is significantly lower. This can reduce overall transport costs, particularly for international shipments.
Ventilation and airflow
The open structure allows natural airflow around the equipment. This is beneficial for machinery that may retain residual moisture after production or cleaning.
Easy inspection and visibility
Equipment inside a slatted crate remains partially visible, which can simplify inspection by logistics operators or customs authorities.
Safe handling and loading
Slatted crates can be designed with integrated forklift access and lifting compatibility, allowing safe handling during loading, unloading and repositioning.
Flexible sizing
Each crate can be built around the exact dimensions and weight of the machinery or components being transported.
Custom-built for machinery and equipment
Every industrial shipment has different requirements. Machine dimensions, lifting points and transport routes all influence the design of the packaging. Gerritsen Packing therefore designs each slatted crate according to:
- equipment dimensions and weight
- lifting and handling requirements
- transport method (road, sea or air)
- container or truck loading conditions
- storage duration and environmental conditions
This ensures that the crate not only protects the equipment but also supports efficient logistics throughout the transport chain. For international transport, wooden packaging must comply with phytosanitary regulations. Gerritsen Packing manufactures slatted crates using ISPM 15 certified wood, ensuring that the packaging meets international export requirements.
Depending on the shipment, slatted crates can also be combined with additional protection measures such as:
- shrink wrapping
- barrier foil packaging
- moisture protection
- custom transport bases or frames
This allows us to create a packaging solution that matches the specific requirements of the equipment and the transport route.
Request advice or a quotation
Looking for a practical and cost-efficient packaging solution for machinery transport or export shipments?
Our specialists will help you determine whether slatted crates are the right solution for your equipment and transport conditions. Our focus is simple: protecting your equipment while supporting efficient and safe transport.
Contact Gerritsen Packing to:
- discuss your packaging requirements
- receive technical advice
- request a custom quotation
Get in touch today and discover how we can support your machinery transport with the right packaging solution.
