The art of logistics isn’t just moving an item from point A to point B. It’s also ensuring that goods are transported safely, securely, and efficiently. One such process is crating. Crating is the process of packaging items. It is critical in the defense sector to ensure military products, such as ammunition, tech equipment, or military assets are delivered safely and without damage.
Protection Against Damage
The defense industry often operates in various environments, ranging from high altitudes to harsh terrains. Products delivered to these locations are subjected to shocks, vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and more.
For example, electronic warefare equipment can be highly sensitive to physical damage. Crates made from durable material, like plywood or steel, help to absorb any of the shock that may occur during transportation. It can also help to prevent any scratches on the equipment that might cause damage. For larger and heavier equipment, custom-designed crates can include reinforced metal frames, lifting points, and shock-absorbing pads to accommodate for the heavy weight.
Minimizing Transportation Costs
Logistics can be extremely costly and the defense industry is no exception. When done correctly, crating can optimize space and minimize expenses by ensuring that products are efficiently packed and properly secured. By minimizing the space available in shipping containers, crates can reduce the volume of freight required to transport equipment, which ultimately saves money.
Crating systems that are stackable or modular allow for more efficient handling in warehouses and transit. When crates fit together, space is used more efficiently, allowing more cargo to be shipped and reducing the truck space needed.
Sustainability in Crating
New practices are emerging to make crating more sustainable. Recycled materials such as reclaimed wood, metal, and plastic, address environmental concerns and reduces carbon footprint.
Military organizations are looking at reusable crates designed for multiple uses. These crates are engineered with durability in mind to endure different environmental factors. Eco-conscious companies are also looking into biodegradable items such as foam or cellulose-based packing peanuts that reduce environment impact of single-use items.
Within the defense sector, logistics isn’t just about delivery. It’s about the safeguarding of the products within. Proper crating is fundamental to providing protection, improving efficiency, and minimizing risks. At JetCo Federal, we price ourselves in our engineering for custom primary and secondary packaging and crating solutions. As logistics become more complex, innovation and reliability is key to these solutions.
