Wooden boxes or crates are commonplace in the storage and transportation industry because of their versatility. Such boxes are used to carry all kinds of stuff, especially fresh produce. Notably, wood boxes remain the most affordable solution for transporting fresh produce from farms. Wooden boxes come in different shapes and sizes since there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the various applications. Additionally, wooden boxes can be recycled into other items, making them environmentally friendly. This article is a guide for those planning to buy wooden boxes for storing and transporting fresh farm produce. Read on.

Treated Wooden Boxes for Durability

Moisture is the most common problem that weakens wood. Furthermore, untreated wood is susceptible to changing weather patterns and damage by insects. Investing in treated wooden boxes can save you money in the end because it increases the lifespan of your boxes. The added cost of buying treated wooden boxes can be realised as savings because you won't have to buy boxes frequently. The most common forms of treatment include heat treatment and fumigation. Apart from increased durability, it is an international requirement for wooden boxes that will be used for storage and transportation to be treated to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

Wooden Box Size

Wooden boxes, just like any other type of storage crates, come in different sizes and styles based on client requirements. You are likely to find wooden boxes available in standard sizes and non-standard sizes, depending on the type of cargo you plan on transporting. If you want to store cargo that cannot fit in the standard-size wooden boxes, then find a supplier who specialises in designing custom boxes. Note that the cost of purchasing customised boxes can be high compared to the cost for standard wooden boxes because of the diverse specifications. Regardless of the size, make sure that the boxes are compliant with the national and international standards for safety and strength.

Hardwood and Softwood

Wood used to produce boxes can be categorised into hardwood and softwood. Softwoods, such as pine and cypress, are the most common woods used to make wooden boxes that are used in everyday storage and the shipment of fresh produce. Teak, walnut, maple and oak are examples of hardwood used for designing wooden boxes. Even though custom wood boxes made of hardwood can be expensive, they last longer and are resistant to the elements. Softwoods also grow faster; as a result, they are cheaper compared to hardwoods. Besides, hardwood is desirable due to its overall strength, and thus is ideal for shipping heavy products.