When shipping valuable, fragile, or sensitive equipment, fully enclosed OSB and plywood crates provide the strength, durability, and protection your cargo needs. These crates are designed to keep equipment safe from dust, moisture, impact, and environmental exposure, making them a popular choice for domestic and export shipments. Compared to corrugated packaging, OSB and plywood crates offer superior strength while remaining cost-effective and lightweight.
At Wisconsin Lumber & Pallet, we supply custom-built OSB and plywood crates tailored to your specific shipping and storage requirements. Whether you need a one-time-use export crate or a heavy-duty industrial container, we design crates that provide maximum protection with minimal waste.
Strengths and Weaknesses of OSB and Plywood
OSB (Oriented Strand Board) Strengths & Weaknesses
OSB gains its strength from layers of compressed wood strands arranged in cross-oriented patterns and bonded with strong adhesives, creating high shear strength and resistance to warping. This structure makes OSB durable, cost-effective, and ideal for load-bearing applications like crates and sheathing.
However, OSB is more susceptible to moisture absorption, which can cause swelling and delamination over time if not properly sealed or protected.
Plywood Strengths & Weaknesses
Plywood derives its strength from multiple thin layers of wood veneer glued together with alternating grain directions, providing high stability, impact resistance, and moisture durability. This cross-laminated construction gives plywood superior flexibility and resistance to cracking, making it an excellent choice for reusable crates and high-stress applications.
However, plywood is typically more expensive than OSB, and lower-quality grades may have voids between layers, reducing overall strength and uniformity.
Why Choose OSB and Plywood Crates?
1. Superior Protection Over Corrugated Boxes
- OSB and plywood crates are much stronger and more impact-resistant than standard corrugated cardboard boxes.
- Provide rigid structural support for heavy, fragile, or sensitive equipment.
- Ideal for stacking and racking applications without risk of collapse.
2. Designed for Export Shipments
- Fully enclosed crates protect against moisture, dust, theft, and handling damage.
- Meet ISPM 15 heat-treated wood requirements for hassle-free international shipping.
- Prevent damage from long-distance transit via ocean freight, air freight, and ground transportation.
3. Cost-Effective and Lightweight
- OSB (Oriented Strand Board) offers a more affordable alternative to solid wood crates while maintaining durability.
- Plywood crates are lighter than traditional lumber crates, reducing shipping costs.
- Provides a balance of strength and affordability, making it a smart investment for large shipments.
4. Customizable for Your Specific Needs
- Available in various sizes, thicknesses, and designs to accommodate different products and industries.
- Can be built with reinforced framing, interior bracing, foam lining, or shock absorption for additional protection.
- Designed for quick assembly and disassembly, allowing for reusable or collapsible crate options.
5. Sustainability & Recyclability
- OSB and plywood are engineered wood products, maximizing the use of raw materials with minimal waste.
- OSB is made with short fiber strands while Plywood is made from older growth timber!
- Both materials are recyclable and more sustainable than disposable plastic crates.
- Many companies use reusable plywood crates to reduce packaging costs and improve eco-friendly supply chain practices.
Types of OSB and Plywood Crates We Offer
1. Standard OSB and Plywood Crates
- Fully enclosed design for maximum protection.
- Ideal for export shipments, machinery, and fragile components.
- Custom-built to match your product dimensions and weight requirements.
2. Knock-Down (KD) Plywood Crates
- Collapsible for easy storage and return shipping.
- Reduces warehouse space requirements when not in use.
- Commonly used in modular shipping applications.
3. Skidded Plywood Crates
- Includes a built-in pallet base for forklift and pallet jack compatibility.
- Eases handling and transportation, especially for heavy equipment.
- Improves stability and load distribution during transit.
4. Heavy-Duty Stackable Crates
- Designed with added support beams and thick paneling for extra strength.
- Ideal for shipping large, heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
- Can include internal foam padding or blocking for shock absorption.
5. Custom Cut Crates for Unique Applications
- Tailored to unusually shaped, delicate, or high-value items.
- Can include foam inserts, dividers, or weatherproof coatings.
- Designed to meet custom industry-specific packaging standards.
Industries That Benefit from OSB and Plywood Crates
Our custom plywood and OSB crates are widely used across various industries, including:
- Manufacturing & Heavy Equipment – Secure packaging for machinery, parts, and industrial tools.
- Aerospace & Defense – Protection for sensitive aerospace components and military-grade shipments.
- Medical & Pharmaceuticals – Clean and sterile packaging for medical devices and lab equipment.
- Automotive & Engineering – Safe transport of engines, transmissions, and precision parts.
- Electronics & High-Tech Equipment – Shock-resistant crates for delicate electronics and computer hardware.
- Fine Art & Museum Shipping – Custom protective solutions for paintings, sculptures, and exhibits.
No matter your industry, we design cost-effective, durable crates that ensure your products arrive safely and securely.
OSB vs. Plywood: Which is Right for You?
| Feature | OSB Crates | Plywood Crates |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Strong in all directions | Strong in one direction |
| Cost | Usually less than plywood | Usually higher cost than OSB |
| Moisture Resistance | Can absorb moisture, especially if stored outside (not recommended to contact water) | Higher moisture resistance, better for humid environments, OK for short periods in rain, but not recommended |
| Weight | Comparable 45-50 lbs for 7/16″ OSB | Comparable 45-50 lbs for 1/2″ Plywood |
| Best Uses | Budget-friendly, and more sustainable – Solid deck pallets, solid OSB Boxes with framing, domestic or export, stacking applications | Derived from older growth trees, so less desirable from a sustainability standpoint – Solid deck pallets, solid Plywood Boxes with framing, domestic or export, stacking applications |
Both OSB and plywood offer excellent protection and structural integrity, making them ideal for industrial and export applications.
Why Choose Wisconsin Lumber & Pallet for OSB and Plywood Crates?
- Custom-Built Solutions – We design crates tailored to your exact specifications and shipping needs.
- Export-Ready Compliance – Our crates meet ISPM 15 standards for international shipping.
- Cost-Effective & High-Quality – Affordable packaging that outperforms corrugated boxes in strength and durability.
- Sustainable & Efficient – We prioritize eco-friendly packaging solutions with engineered wood materials.
- Fast Production & Reliable Supply – Get your crates on time and on budget, no matter your volume.
Order Custom OSB and Plywood Crates Today
Ensure safe and secure packaging for your products with custom OSB and plywood crates from Wisconsin Lumber & Pallet. Contact us today to discuss your packaging needs, get a custom quote, and start optimizing your shipping operations.
Protect your shipments with durable, cost-effective OSB and plywood crates. Get a quote today and ship with confidence.