Well, actually, wrong.  Completely and totally wrong.  That’s why we were recently dismayed by this Washington Post article in which it’s suggested that a mover could construct their own shipping crates to save moving expenses.

Let us be clear here.  There are certain circumstances in which building your own shipping crates is a perfectly acceptable option. Those circumstances are if you’re an experienced builder, who understands the unique stresses and pressures shipping crates are subjected to, and knows the best way to cushion and protect the contents of the crate – no matter what.  Also important is access to the right high quality materials and tools to get the job done right.  Of course, you want to make sure you have the time and space to build crates – which is rare, when you’re in the middle of moving your household or business, but it could happen.

However, if you can’t realistically say that you are an experienced shipping crate builder with material, time, and the skills needed to build a shipping crate, it might be better to leave the task to an professional packaging and shipping company.  When you consider the cost of having the job done right, by the pros, against the hassle of having to do it yourself — and the anxiety of not knowing if your possessions will arrive safely! — having shipping crates built specifically for your moving needs becomes the obvious option.

Valuable, fragile objects, such as chandeliers, artwork, large mirrors, antiques, and more are best moved in sturdy shipping crates built specifically to protect and cushion that item.

Each country has its own set of export crating rules and specifications — and no two sets are alike. What’s acceptable when transporting freight to one country might be totally inadequate for another. Failing to comply with export crating rules and specifications can have catastrophic results: shipments can be refused, held up at import stations, or even confiscated. Just to make matters worse, there is no one simple place where one can discover what all the export crating rules and specifications are in order to comply with them.

What are your export crating options?

As a business owner, you can spend valuable time and energy devoted to the challenging study of export crating rules and specifications. Given an adequate amount of time devoted to study, you’ll learn what crating materials are acceptable, what dimensions are allowed, what binding and labeling requirements exist and more. That’ll put you in good shape — at least until the rules change again.

Meanwhile, your business will suffer from a lack of attention and energy. After all, you’re busy studying export crating rules and specifications.

Or, conversely, you can let the experts handle it. Working with a international shipping specialist allows you to benefit from the experience and insight of professionals who navigate the labyrinthine maze of export crating rules and specifications on a daily basis. It’s their business to know the rules — and more importantly, know when the rules change. They’ll advise you accordingly, so your shipments are always in compliance.

Call 800-400-7204 or click here for a free quote.