How to choose the right supplier for your wooden crates and pallets

When you pack and ship technological or sensitive products, the packaging (crates or pallets) becomes a critical element in your supply chain. It must protect your products against impact, humidity, handling constraints, and more. Choosing the right wood packaging supplier  is therefore not just a question of price, but also of competence, reliability and conformity.

Here we present a comprehensive guide to help you make a strategic and sustainable choice for all your wooden pallet and crate needs, whether standard or custom-made.

Here are the 6 essential criteria for choosing a good supplier of industrial wood packaging

1. Compliance with international standards

To ensure that your shipment meets standards, your supplier must be ISPM-15 certified for exports. This is an international standard requiring heat treatment of wood (HT) to prevent the spread of insect pests. This standard is required by most countries, for both imports and exports.

A reliable supplier will provide you with:

• A declaration of conformity (if needed)

• IPPC-stamped packaging with a government accreditation code

• Clear traceability of its treated wood batches

Please note! It's important to know that in the event of non-compliance, your products may be detained at the border and returned at your expense. You may also be fined, required to fumigate at your own expense and, in some cases, have your goods destroyed.

2. In-depth technical expertise to understand your products and your reality

Every industry has its own unique characteristics. Your supplier must be able to design packaging tailored to your specific needs. For example, the packaging of an aerospace part has nothing in common with that of a machine tool or chemical product.

Your supplier must therefore have truly technical expertise:

• Calculating loads, centering and protection

• Selecting suitable wood (lightweight, moisture-resistant, etc.)

• Blocking solutions (foam, supports, cradles, wooden blocks, etc.)

In short, it's not just about designing and manufacturing a box, but rather building a safe, compliant transport solution optimized for your specific needs.

3. The ability to customize

Generic suppliers often offer standard pallets and crates. However, in 80% of industrial cases, customization is necessary to reduce storage or shipping costs, better protect products and meet customs or insurance requirements.

A good supplier will offer you:

• Plans and technical drawings (on request)

• Prototypes if required

• Adaptability to your weight, shape and packaging constraints

4. Fast and reliable delivery times

In any supply chain, delays can become costly. Your supplier must therefore be able to:

• Produce within a reasonable timeframe (approximately 5 business days for standard orders)

• Handle emergencies or express orders

• Ensure transparent communication in the event of delays.

It's best to choose a company that controls its production and, above all, has an integrated workshop and an inventory of certified wood to respond quickly to your request.

5. Logistics expertise and consulting services

A good supplier does more than just make crates and pallets. They also support you:

• In planning your shipments

• In making technical choices based on the products to be shipped and their destination

In other words, a good industrial packaging supplier is a logistics partner, capable of anticipating and solving your shipping challenges.

6. Solid reputation and valuable experience

A company that has been around for many years and has experience with various needs from all types of businesses is important. This means that a good supplier is one with a proven track record.

To verify their reliability, ask for:

• References in your sector

• Examples of completed projects

Another indicator that often speaks volumes is the professionalism and quality of the information available on the supplier's website, its presence on social networks and the number of years the company has been in business.

Your “checklist” for the right supplier

Criteria	Why is this important?
ISPM-15 certification	Mandatory for international exports
Technical know-how	For safe, appropriate and compliant packaging
Capacity to produce tailor-made products	For space optimization and customized protection
Deadlines and responsiveness	To meet your delivery deadlines
Logistics support	A partner that's more than just a supplier
Good reputation	To choose based on facts and experience

For your crates and pallets, choose CPCQ

At CPCQ, we design and manufacture export-certified wooden crates and pallets with all the customization your product requires. Our team has been supporting businesses since 2004, and our achievements speak volumes about our ability to produce custom industrial packaging. 

We offer a turnkey service and fast production. Contact us to discuss your wooden crate and/or wooden pallet packaging needs.  Also visit our website to learn more about our services.