Definition
A rigid shipping container made of wood, typically with a fully enclosed structure of walls, floor, and lid. Crates provide more protection than open pallets and are used for heavy, fragile, or high-value items such as machinery, electronics, and military equipment. Like pallets, wooden crates used in international trade must comply with ISPM-15 phytosanitary requirements. Crates are often custom-built to the exact dimensions of the product being shipped.
Related Terms
Pallet
A flat transport structure, typically made of wood, that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, or other jacking device. Pallets are the foundation of modern material handling and logistics, enabling efficient storage, stacking, and transportation of goods. The most common pallet size in North America is the 48x40 inch GMA pallet.
ISPM-15
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, an international standard developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) that governs the treatment of wood packaging materials used in international trade. ISPM-15 requires that wood packaging be debarked and treated by an approved method — primarily heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation — to prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases across borders.
Dunnage
Loose materials or custom-cut pieces of wood, foam, or other materials placed around and between cargo to prevent damage during storage and transport. In the pallet industry, dunnage refers specifically to wood pieces used to brace, cushion, or separate products on a pallet or inside a shipping container. Like pallets, solid wood dunnage used in international shipping must comply with ISPM-15 requirements.
Export Pallet
A pallet specifically prepared for use in international shipping, meeting the ISPM-15 requirements for phytosanitary treatment and marking. Export pallets must be made from debarked wood, treated using an approved method (heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation), and stamped with the internationally recognized ISPM-15 compliance mark. Non-compliance can result in shipment rejection, quarantine, or destruction at the destination port.
Batten
A thin, narrow strip of wood used as a secondary structural element in pallet or crate construction. Battens can reinforce joints, secure panels, or serve as spacers between components. In crating, battens are often nailed across boards to hold them together and prevent warping. They are typically thinner and narrower than standard deck boards.
Explore More Pallet Industry Terms
Our glossary contains 165+ terms covering everything from pallet construction to compliance regulations and industry organizations.