Zac Stewart, VP of New Business Development, Project Management, and Training at Express Packing, is a quintessential example of how passion, commitment, and adaptability can shape a successful career in the packing industry. Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at Zac’s journey and his role in shaping the future of Express Packing.
Discovering a Niche Zac’s path to Express Packing was fueled by his expertise in construction and management. He was drawn to the industry’s dynamism and its demand for a diverse skill set, finding a new challenge in the world of crating and shipping.
A Day in the Life Zac’s daily responsibilities are as varied as they are vital. From overseeing facility operations to planning delivery schedules and preparing cut sheets for large crates, his role is a balancing act of precision and efficiency.
Challenges and Triumphs In the fast-paced environment of Express Packing, Zac often navigates tight customer timelines, turning potential crises into success stories through strategic team placements and decisive action. The ability to meet these urgent needs is what Zac finds most rewarding about his role.
The Power of Teamwork Collaboration is key at Express Packing, and Zac exemplifies this through his leadership. He recalls a time when a crucial crate needed an expedited completion. By rallying the team to come in early and work together, they managed to finish the crate just in time, stenciling it as it was being loaded onto the truck.
Growth and Learning Zac’s 18-year tenure at Express Packing has been marked by continuous professional growth. Under company president April Francis’s mentorship, he has honed his management skills and expanded his knowledge through various trainings, including Dangerous Goods handling and OSHA forklift certification.
Beyond the Office Away from work, Zac is a dedicated sports enthusiast, coaching youth basketball and baseball/softball. His commitment to community is evident in his volunteer work at the Hawthorne Community Center. Inspirational figures like Kobe Bryant, whose book “The Mamba Mentality” he has read twice, motivate Zac to achieve greatness.
Looking Ahead Zac envisions Express Packing expanding beyond crating and packing to include cross-docking and warehousing in the next five years. As for his role, he sees himself as a crucial part of this evolution, helping to steer the company into new ventures.
Advice to Others For those looking to join the packing industry, Zac advises keeping the bigger picture in mind. Recognizing the essential role of crates in global logistics is key to understanding the industry’s impact.
Memorable Moments One standout memory for Zac involves staying at a client’s facility until 2 a.m. to ensure a shipment was ready for a 6 a.m. deadline. This dedication exemplifies the commitment of the Express Packing team.
Company Culture and Values At Express Packing, the culture is family-oriented and team-focused. Zac highlights the importance of recognizing the value of each team member, underscoring the belief that their collective strength is the company’s backbone.
Zac Stewart’s journey at Express Packing is a testament to the importance of versatility, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His story is not just about business development but about building a culture that values every team member’s contribution, fostering an environment where challenges are opportunities for growth.
Express Packing: Your Partner in Success When you choose Express Packing, you’re not just opting for a service; you’re embracing innovation, quality, and packaging solutions crafted with precision. Ready to embark on a seamless shipping journey? Reach out to us today and discover how we can elevate your shipping experience, no matter the destination.
Shipping – it’s more than just getting items from one location to another. It’s an art form, especially when it comes to specialty crating and shipping, which is a world apart from your traditional shipping methods. At Express Packing, we understand that some assets are too valuable, fragile, or unique for the standard shipping approach. Here’s why specialty crating and shipping is an entirely different ball game.
Unveiling the Specialty in Shipping
For the uninitiated, it may seem that comparing quotes is all it takes to choose a shipping provider. This common misconception fades away when faced with the task of transporting items that are not just “another parcel.”
A Pledge of Safety and Punctuality
Every shipping company promises to deliver on time, but how many are committed to the safety of your items? Specialty crating and shipping do not rely on a “hope for the best” packing strategy. Instead, there’s a dedicated commitment to ensuring the items arrive safely and on time.
Tailored to Your Needs
Unlike the cookie-cutter solutions of traditional shipping, specialty shipping providers, like Express Packing, start with a comprehensive assessment of your needs, ensuring that your shipment is not just sent off but is safeguarded every step of the way.
Engineering Your Asset’s Safety
After identifying the unique needs of your items, our trained packaging engineers employ meticulous packaging, bracing, and crating techniques. This bespoke protection is akin to crafting a suit of armor tailor-made for your assets.
Diverse Experience
Specialty shippers are often the go-to for challenging shipping requirements. With each unique project, our expertise deepens, allowing us to draw from a wealth of experience for future projects, no matter how unusual they may be.
Overcoming Environmental Hurdles
The journey of your shipment is filled with environmental challenges such as shock, vibration, and humidity. Specialty shipping addresses these with solutions like vapor-barrier bags and desiccant materials to safeguard against corrosion and other damage.
Navigating International Waters
The labyrinth of international shipping regulations is complex, but specialty shippers are well-versed in protocols like the ISPM 15 standards for wood crating, ensuring your shipment won’t be held up or destroyed by customs.
Handling Hazmat with Care
Hazardous materials require careful handling, and while some shippers shy away, specialty shipping companies embrace the challenge, adhering strictly to regulatory guidelines to ensure safe and compliant transport.
The White-Glove Difference
High-value or delicate items need more than just packing; they need white-glove service. This premium care is a hallmark of specialty shipping, where the handling of your items is as important as the shipping itself.
Leveraging Advanced Logistics
Beyond the in-house expertise, specialty shippers like Express Packing leverage global networks to provide insights on shipping trends, helping clients navigate the complexities of logistics efficiently.
Beyond a Single Project
We aim to build partnerships, not just complete transactions. By providing reusable crates and cost-effective solutions, specialty shippers invest in a client’s long-term success.
Embracing the Specialty Approach
Understanding the intricacies of specialty crating and shipping is crucial for those with assets that demand extra care. It’s not just about moving items; it’s about ensuring they arrive in pristine condition, regardless of the challenges along the way.
Express Packing: Your Partner in Success
When you choose Express Packing, you’re not just opting for a service; you’re embracing innovation, quality, and packaging solutions crafted with precision. Ready to embark on a seamless shipping journey? Reach out to us today and discover how we can elevate your shipping experience, no matter the destination.
In the fast-paced world of logistics and packaging, it takes a dedicated team to ensure that products get from point A to point B safely and efficiently. Amanda McKinney, Vice President of Finance & Administration at Express Packing, is one of the driving forces behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly. In this behind-the-scenes profile, we’ll delve into Amanda’s journey, her day-to-day responsibilities, and the values that drive her and the company forward.
Background and Role Amanda’s journey to Express Packing is a testament to the unexpected paths that careers can take. She initially got involved through a chance encounter when she offered to help sort jerseys for a girls’ travel basketball program run by April Francis, the company’s president. Little did she know that this small act of kindness would eventually lead her to a leadership role in the packaging industry.
A stay-at-home mom at the time, Amanda joined the Express Packing team after her youngest child started school in 2018. “I honestly didn’t know much about wood crates or construction,” Amanda says. “But I have a passion for customer service and a background in account management and knew I could bring all those skills and more to the team.”
Day-to-Day Responsibilities Amanda’s role at Express Packing is dynamic and multifaceted. She wears many hats, handling financial matters and most administrative duties. “Being a small business there isn’t much that comes through that I don’t touch in some way,” Amanda explains. “I handle anything financial and most of the administrative duties as well. No day is typical as there are always things that pop up and need attention!”
Challenges and Rewards One of the biggest challenges Amanda faces in her position is facilitating effective communication between different departments, both internally and externally. However, the most rewarding aspect of her job is the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of people, from the Express Packing team to the drivers who visit their facility. She strives to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
Teamwork and Collaboration Collaboration is at the heart of Express Packing’s success. Amanda emphasizes that every team member plays a vital role in ensuring customer satisfaction. She recounts a significant project where the team had to adapt and collaborate effectively to meet the unique needs of a new customer, highlighting the importance of teamwork in their industry. “A couple of years ago we took on a new customer that was a little different than our typical business and we all banded together to strategize the most effective procedures to handle this,” Amanda says.
Professional Growth Working at Express Packing has been a continuous learning experience for Amanda. The small business environment allows for hands-on experience in various aspects of the business. Every challenge presents a new opportunity to learn and grow professionally.
Personal Touch Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and is actively involved in running multiple youth sports leagues. Her personal motto, “Do the right thing, even when no one is looking. It’s called integrity,” reflects her commitment to ethical values.
Vision and Future Looking ahead, Amanda envisions Express Packing continuing to grow over the next five years. She foresees the onsite crew evolving into a standalone department while she continues to support all aspects of the business in her role.
Behind the Scenes One memorable and light-hearted anecdote Amanda shared was when President April had to visit a customer site and unexpectedly didn’t have appropriate pants for the dress code. Amada recounts, “When we go to visit customers, we have to follow their dress codes. This may require vests, hardhats, or boots. Our President, April, unexpectedly had to go to a customer site and did not have appropriate pants on. She looked around the room and I said, “we are going to have to switch pants, aren’t we?’ Sure enough, we switched pants so she could complete her visit. We do what needs to be done to ensure our customers are satisfied!”
Advice for Others For those considering a career in the packing industry or at Express Packing specifically, Amanda advises being open to learning and utilizing new tools while always maintaining a strong foundation in the basics of packing.
Values and Culture The company culture at Express Packing is built on treating everyone like family. Amanda and her colleagues work hard to create a welcoming and caring environment for everyone involved with the company.
Amanda McKinney’s journey from a volunteer helping sort jerseys to Vice President of Finance & Administration at Express Packing is a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. Her story highlights the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities and always doing the right thing in both professional and personal endeavors.
Express Packing: Your Partner in Success When you choose Express Packing, you’re not just opting for a service; you’re embracing innovation, quality, and packaging solutions crafted with precision. Ready to embark on a seamless shipping journey? Reach out to us today and discover how we can elevate your shipping experience, no matter the destination.
Shipping internationally involves more than just choosing a carrier and waiting for your goods to arrive at their destination. One of the most crucial elements of international shipping that many overlook is the importance of heat-treated pallets. If you’re in the shipping business or considering international shipping for your products, understanding the ins and outs of heat-treated pallets is invaluable. Here’s why:
Why Heat-Treated Pallets?
You might wonder why heat-treated pallets are a requisite for international shipping. These pallets undergo a heat treatment process to eliminate potential pests and diseases found in untreated wood. The process complies with guidelines established by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
Who is the IPPC?
The IPPC is an international treaty aimed at protecting global plant health and promoting safe trade. Created in 1988 under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the IPPC has 195 member countries. If you are shipping to any of these countries, your wood pallets must comply with ISPM 15 regulations, which govern the heat treatment of wood packaging in international trade.
The Importance of ISPM 15
Introduced by the IPPC in 1993, the Internal Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) aim to protect plant resources globally. ISPM 15 specifically outlines the heat treatment requirements for commercial wood packaging materials like pallets, crates, and barrels.
The Nuts and Bolts of Heat-Treated Pallets
Commonly abbreviated as HT pallets, heat-treated pallets are a must for international shipping. They undergo a rigorous treatment process to kill off pests and other natural contaminants. This process involves elevating the core temperature of the wood to at least 132.8 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 30 minutes. The treatment typically happens in large kilns or ovens, and the end result is a wood pallet that is not only compliant but also sterilized for use in international shipping.
Why Opt for Heat-Treated Pallets?
Compliance and Safety
Firstly, using heat-treated pallets is mandatory for international shipping as per IPPC regulations. Beyond compliance, these pallets offer environmental benefits by mitigating the spread of pests and diseases, thereby protecting the product, the environment, and people involved in the shipping process.
Cost Efficiency
An often-overlooked benefit is the reduction in shipping costs. Heat treatment reduces the moisture content in wood, making the pallets lighter and thereby decreasing shipping costs over time.
The Heat Treatment Process
Debarking: Most insect eggs are found within the bark of wood, so the first step is to remove it.
Heat Treating: The pallets are subjected to heat treatment inside large kilns.
Stamping: Post-treatment, pallets are stamped with IPPC markings to signify compliance with ISPM 15.
The Longevity of Heat Treatment
The best part? The heat treatment is permanent unless the pallet undergoes any repair with new material. In that case, it needs to be re-treated and re-stamped.
Why Choose Express Packing for Your Heat-Treated Pallets?
At Express Packing, we’re committed to providing you with the highest quality shipping solutions that meet all international regulations. We offer heat-treated pallets that are ISPM 15 compliant, ensuring that your goods reach their destination without a hitch. Our expertise in specialty crating and shipping makes us the go-to choice for all your international shipping needs.
Choose Express Packing for worry-free international shipping that meets all compliance standards. You can count on us.
April Francis, president of Express Packing, has seen the company through tremendous growth and transformation. With a history rooted in simple sales, she now stands at the helm of a company that signifies commitment, service, and adaptability.
“I previously worked for Hahn Systems and Express was my customer for 20 years,” April recalls. “I sold them nails and staples. I remember when one of the previous owners, John Owens, used to come in the shop to pick up a few cartons of fasteners at a time. One day they had to start sending a truck to pick up a skid of fasteners instead. I got to watch them grow and then they started talking with me about possibly purchasing the company because they wanted to retire and knew I really wanted to operate my own business. I honestly thought they were kidding, but after really talking with them I knew they were serious, and it sounded like an excellent opportunity. They will always mean the world to my family because of the opportunity they provided to take over the company they built.”
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The beauty of running a small business, as April explains, is the fluidity of roles. While her primary responsibility lies in sales, April is often seen wearing many hats – from building crates and making coffee to answering customer queries on the phone.
“We are a small business so there is no typical day!” April says with a smile. “That is one of my favorite parts of being a small business owner. While it may be frustrating to spend the day putting out fires and being reactive instead of proactive, I do love the daily challenges we work through. I also love that there is no bureaucracy, and no waiting for huge decisions to be made. We make decisions and move forward. If we make the wrong decision we fix it, but decisions must be made and since this is my business, I am not waiting for anyone else to make them for me.”
Challenges and Rewards
The life of a small business owner isn’t without its challenges. April acknowledges that being at the top comes with great responsibility. One of the significant hurdles is employee management, particularly understanding and effectively managing the next generation of workers. April emphasizes the importance of adapting to the evolving workforce rather than resisting change.
Service is another challenge, as communication methods have evolved significantly over the years. The transition from face-to-face interactions to emails and text messages has created its own set of challenges, including the infamous “email abyss.” Staying on top of a growing to-do list is a constant battle.
Despite these challenges, the most rewarding aspect of April’s job is knowing that Express Packing makes a positive impact on people’s lives. From supporting employees to satisfying customers, the sense of fulfillment derived from helping others is a driving force behind her work.
April is particularly proud of the way her team came together during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis brought out their resilience and teamwork, allowing the company to grow both as a business and as a tightly-knit team.
Behind the Scenes
Express Packing has its fair share of memorable stories. “We run our delivery truck using Indianapolis firefighters,” April recalls. “They came one morning to start the truck up for a day of deliveries and a fire started under the hood! It was a small fire and easily contained and boy were we thankful a that point that our truck drivers are also firefighters. I can only imagine what could have happened since we are a wood crate manufacturer!”
Culture and Values
Nurturing a positive work environment has been central to April’s leadership. She emphasizes empowerment and continuous support to foster individual growth. “We participate in many team bonding activities.” April explains. “We have an annual cornhole tournament which the employees love! At the holidays we always have a meal together as a company. We have quarterly meetings with all employees to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Communication is crucial to our success. It’s not just about work, but understanding who our employees are beyond their roles. That’s how we build relationships.”
Personal Touch
When she’s not steering the ship at Express Packing, April immerses herself in youth sports. Recognizing sports as a potent tool for holistic child development, she enthusiastically supports various youth activities.
“I also enjoy crafting,” April says. “I use scrap wood from Express Packing to make décor for my home and office. This has turned into an opportunity for us to offer this to others through one of our affiliated companies, Shedlife Crafts.”
Advice and Reflection
To her younger self, she’d advise, “Trust your instincts. Move forward with expansion, but remember the core of what makes Express Packing special.”
Her pride in Express Packing’s commitment to quality and punctuality is evident. “Our dedication to ensuring that products reach safely and on time sets us apart,” April asserts.
April envisions a bright future for Express Packing. “In 10 years, I see us growing, evolving, but always remembering our roots. Express Packing has been going strong since 1987. I intend to keep this momentum moving forward and never look back.”
Express Packing: Your Partner in Success
When you choose Express Packing, you’re not just opting for a service; you’re embracing innovation, quality, and packaging solutions crafted with precision. Ready to embark on a seamless shipping journey? Reach out to us today and discover how we can elevate your shipping experience, no matter the destination.
In essence, April Francis’s journey with Express Packing is a testament to determination, adaptability, and visionary leadership. She’s not just the president of the company; she’s its heartbeat.
What comes to mind when you hear the words “wood crates”? You might think of an antiquated shipping relic, but you’d be surprised to learn that the humble wooden crate has been an unsung hero throughout history — and continues to be in our cutting-edge 62,000 square foot facility here at Express Packing.
Roots in the Woodland: A Historical Overview
Wooden crates have been our go-to for storage and shipping since the Middle Ages. Even as far back as the Paleolithic Era, humankind recognized wood as a versatile material — one that could be used to craft anything from hunting tools to the early wheels of commerce. By the time the 10th century rolled around in Europe, wood was everywhere: barrels, buckets, carts, mills, you name it!
Crates vs. Mother Nature
One reason wood became such a shipping mainstay was its natural resilience. Picture this: salty air, torrential rains, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Now imagine your goods surviving all that — thanks to wood’s durability and weather-resistant properties. It’s no wonder that, in the battle between wood and steel, wood often comes out as the clear winner.
What Makes a Crate?
Before we delve any deeper, let’s clarify what a crate is. In essence, a crate is a fully enclosing container often made from wood. It’s designed to protect what’s inside, whether you’re storing grandmother’s antiques or complex machinery. There are subtle differences between wooden boxes and crates, but the general idea is the same: protection and storage.
A Walk Through the Ages
Paleolithic Pioneers
Long before we had complex shipping routes, our ancient ancestors were already masters of material selection. Different wood types were picked based on qualities like durability, availability, and ease of crafting. Even back then, the art of choosing the right wood was in full swing.
Medieval Innovators
Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and you’ll see wood being used to craft not just boxes for storage but also for intricate machinery, carts, and even artistic pieces. And don’t forget the role of wood in shipping! Wooden ships and carts were the logistics backbone of their era.
The Advantages of Wooden Crates Today
Durability
Why has wood remained a top pick for shipping? One word: durability. High-quality wooden crates can withstand the test of time, saving your business from regular replacement costs.
Environmentally Friendly
In an age when sustainability is more crucial than ever, wooden crates tick the eco-friendly box too. They are biodegradable, and thus reduce your company’s carbon footprint.
Storage Made Easy
Thanks to their robust nature, wooden crates can be effortlessly stacked on top of one another. It makes warehouse storage a breeze. Heck, it even adds to your aesthetic if you’re into the rustic look!
Express Packing: The Modern-Day Wooden Crate Heroes
Our 62,000 square foot facility at Express Packing is a playground for all things wooden crates. We embrace this age-old shipping solution, making it fit for the modern world. Our wooden crates are customizable, durable, and environmentally responsible — a testament to their enduring importance.
So, if you’ve been wondering why we’re still clinging to this “wooden age” practice, now you know. It’s reliable, sustainable, and just as relevant as it was centuries ago.
Looking to make your shipping endeavors as timeless as the wooden crate? Contact us at Express Packing and let’s craft the perfect solution for you – whether it’s a single crate for an oversized fragile item or thousands of boxes to ship automotive parts. We’ve got you covered.
When you’re delving into the intricate world of crating, especially for automotive parts, machinery, and dangerous goods, it’s a tightrope walk. Fortunately, Express Packing is here to ensure you never make a misstep. Let’s unpack those common mistakes and how we’ve got solutions for each!
1. Ignoring the Weight and Size of the Item
Mistake: Using a one-size-fits-all crate for diverse items. Express Packing Solution: We offer a range of crate sizes and can even customize crates to perfectly fit your item, ensuring it remains safe and snug.
2. Skimping on Quality Materials
Mistake: Settling for low-quality crating materials. Express Packing Solution: We invest heavily in top-notch, durable materials that can brave the elements and the challenges of transport.
3. Forgetting to Label Dangerous Goods Properly
Mistake: Missing or unclear hazard labels. Express Packing Solution: Our team is trained in the proper labeling of hazardous goods, ensuring every crate is labeled clearly and meets all regulatory requirements.
4. Overlooking Proper Padding
Mistake: Neglecting the need for cushioning inside the crate. Express Packing Solution: We use industrial-grade padding materials, such as foam and bubble wrap, to ensure maximum protection.
5. Not Considering Climate Conditions
Mistake: Overlooking the effects of temperature and weather on shipments. Express Packing Solution: Our crates are designed to withstand varying climate conditions, ensuring your items are protected against potential weather-induced damage.
6. Overstuffing the Crate
Mistake: Cramming too many items into a single crate. Express Packing Solution: We assess each shipment individually, ensuring an ideal balance of space efficiency and item safety.
7. Failing to Secure Items Within the Crate
Mistake: Loose items within the crate causing potential damage. Express Packing Solution: Our team uses proven methods and tools, like tie-down straps and braces, to ensure items stay stationary during transit.
8. Ignoring International Shipping Regulations
Mistake: Overlooking international shipping norms. Express Packing Solution: We stay updated with global shipping regulations, ensuring your shipments are compliant every step of the way.
9. Neglecting Insurance
Mistake: Not insuring valuable or hazardous shipments. Express Packing Solution: We offer comprehensive insurance options to give you peace of mind, knowing your shipment is covered against unforeseen events.
10. Not Regularly Training Your Staff
Mistake: Outdated knowledge and practices among staff. Express Packing Solution: Continuous training is part of our ethos. Our team is always up-to-date with the latest in crating best practices and regulations.
Putting It All Together
At Express Packing, we’re more than just a crating company — we’re stewards of your invaluable assets. Nestled within a sprawling 62,000 square foot facility, we engineer customized crating and packaging solutions tailored to items of every imaginable shape, size, and worth. Our wooden crates are meticulously crafted, ensuring they’re up to the task for even the most unique, weighty, precious, or delicate items. The best part? We don’t believe in size or weight limitations.
Whether you’re looking to ship a cherished piece of antique furniture, a hefty piece of industrial machinery, or anything in between, we’ve got the expertise to serve a diverse range of sectors, from government bodies to private entities. At the heart of our operations lies a simple ethos: every item, no matter how big or small, deserves our undivided attention and unparalleled craftsmanship.
When you choose Express Packing, you’re not just opting for a service; you’re embracing innovation, quality, and packaging solutions crafted with precision. Ready to embark on a seamless shipping journey? Reach out to us today and discover how we can elevate your shipping experience, no matter the destination.
At Express Packing, we like to think outside the box – or crate. Our innovative approach to crating is more than just a simple practice of putting an item in a wooden container. With the assistance of specialized software and an expert team, we design crates that meticulously match the asset’s needs according to the mode of transportation.
Customized Design for a Perfect Fit
Once the specifications and container are provided, the item is expertly positioned within the crate, and then packaged, blocked, and braced to ensure it is secured throughout its journey. This proven approach has enabled us to help deliver countless shipments thoughtfully and securely to happy customers all over the world.
Trust Your Precious Items with Express Packing
Whether it’s fragile, sensitive, oversized, heavy, or one-of-a-kind, Express Packing knows how to engineer effective crates and packaging for a successful shipment by air, land, or sea. Our 62,000 square foot facility is ready to meet your demands, with the highest quality materials to guarantee the safe shipment of your items around the globe.
Customized Crates for All Industries
1. Military/Government
Interpretation of packaging requirement codes (prc)
Specialization in various military packing standards
2. Dangerous Goods Packing
Knowledgeable staff trained in UN regulations
Manufacturing and certifying UN4D plywood boxes
3. Appliance Pallets
Precise manufacturing for appliances such as furnaces, refrigerators, ovens, and more
4. Oversize/Overweight Machinery Packing
Expertise in handling machinery in excess of 200,000 pounds
5. Custom Crating – Big or Small
Tailor-made packaging solutions for any application, from individual fragile items to bulk heavy machinery
6. Preservation Techniques
Options including vacuum-sealed bags, desiccant units, and various wraps
7. Cushioning/Dunnage
Wide range of cushioning solutions from bubble wraps to high-density foam
8. Onsite Crating
Dedicated crews are available for onsite packing, allowing for efficient work with minimal disruption at your location
Getting the Job Done
At Express Packing, we understand the importance of your assets and provide you with customized crating and packaging solutions for items of every shape, size, and value. Our wood crating and packaging solutions are perfect for unique, heavy, high-value, and fragile items, and we have no size or weight restrictions.
From antique furniture to industrial machinery, from government to private sectors, our varied services ensure customer satisfaction and on-time delivery. Your items deserve thoughtful attention to detail, and our experienced crating company stands ready to help with your specific crating requirements.
Choosing Express Packing is choosing innovation, quality, and a tailor-made solution for your packaging needs. Contact us today and let us help you ship your products safely and securely, no matter where in the world they need to go.
Are you aware of the multitude of packing options available to protect your valuable assets during transportation? From fragile items to heavy machinery, to dangerous goods, the range of packing challenges can be diverse and demanding. That’s where Express Packing comes in. With over 50 years of experience, we specialize in providing expert solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require a single crate for an oversized fragile item or thousands of boxes to ship automotive parts, we’ve got you covered. With a reputation for excellence, we design and build custom packaging for all applications, ensuring customer satisfaction.
The Art of Packing
Packing is an art, but it’s also a science. Ensuring the safe arrival of your items in their original condition requires a multi-layered approach to protection. At Express Packing, we understand the importance of each layer and employ expert strategies to safeguard your assets. So where do we start?
Inspection and Protection
First, we conduct thorough inspections of every asset and develop tailored crating and packaging strategies. Whether it’s a heavy-duty crate with extensive blocking and bracing or a corrugated container with suitable inner packaging, we recommend the level of protection required to ensure your assets arrive safely.
Blocking and Bracing
One crucial aspect of packing is blocking and bracing. This technique prevents large or heavy items from shifting or moving within their container during transport. Simply filling the space around an item with loose material is insufficient. To provide effective protection, we employ wood blocks or cradles that create a sturdy framework, immobilizing the item securely. Our skilled professionals use strategic blocking and bracing techniques to secure items of any shape or size, from industrial equipment to delicate artwork.
Great Crates
When it comes to packaging, Express Packing takes customization to the next level. We understand that each product requires its own unique packaging solution, taking into account factors such as the type of equipment, mode of transportation, and destination.
Our expertise lies in building crates that exceed industry standards, ensuring the safe transportation of your goods. Whether you need a heavy-duty wood box for ocean freight, a light-duty wood box for air freight, slat crating for domestic shipments, skidding for specialized handling, or even reusable and knockdown wood boxes for convenience, Express Packing can do it. Our custom-built crates provide the ultimate protection and peace of mind for your valuable items.
Automotive Parts Packing
At Express Packing, we have a dedicated automotive parts packing operation designed to meet the specific needs of this industry. We understand the delicate nature of plastic and metal parts and take extra measures to ensure their safe transportation.
For plastic parts, we utilize specific dunnage that provides optimal protection during transit, preventing any marring, scratching, or denting. Our expert team takes great care to protect all class “A” surfaces. Metal parts are preserved using techniques such as VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) methods, vacuum-sealed bagging, or the application of a temporary spray that can be easily removed upon arrival.
We offer flexible services to accommodate your needs. You can either choose to have us build the crate for you, or we can handle the complete packing process. With our convenient pickup and delivery services, we ensure your material reaches us safely. Additionally, we provide loading and unloading services at our dock, followed by meticulous packing and preservation of your parts. To give you peace of mind, we document the entire packing process with detailed photographs from start to finish.
Preservation Packing
When it comes to preserving your goods, Express Packing offers a wide range of techniques to ensure their longevity and protection.
We utilize vacuum-sealed bags made from durable 6 mil plastic, adhering to MIL-B-121 specifications. Our desiccant solutions come in multi-bag units, effectively controlling moisture and humidity levels. Additionally, we employ various wraps made from VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) materials to safeguard your products against corrosion and other environmental factors.
Cushioning/Dunnage
Express Packing understands the importance of proper cushioning and dunnage to prevent damage during transit. We carefully select the most cost-effective dunnage options based on the specific equipment being packed.
Our cushioning solutions include bubble and foam wraps, foam-in-place technology for custom-fit protection, high-density foam for added impact resistance, die-cut foam tailored to your product’s shape, as well as corrugated build-ups, paper wraps, and plastic wraps.
Military and Dangerous Goods Packing
With extensive experience in military packing, Express Packing is well-versed in all aspects, including preservation, dunnage, and unit containers. We specialize in meeting the rigorous standards of PPP-B-601, PPP-B-621, and MIL-C-104 wood boxes, ensuring the safe transport of military equipment and supplies.
Additionally, we have trained staff who possess in-depth knowledge of building crates that adhere to UN regulations for packing dangerous goods. While we don’t handle the packing of dangerous goods materials directly, we manufacture and certify UN4D plywood boxes to meet your specific shipping requirements. You can rely on Express Packing to provide the necessary crates and materials for you to pack your dangerous goods securely.
Here to Help
At Express Packing, we combine our expertise, industry knowledge, and attention to detail to offer superior packing solutions for a wide range of needs. Trust us to handle your diverse packing challenges with the utmost care, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
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Land or “ground” shipping can be made by train or by truck. In air and sea shipments, ground transport is required to take the cargo from its place of origin to the airport or seaport and then to its destination because it is not always possible to establish a production facility near ports due to the limited coastlines of countries. Ground transport is typically more affordable than air, but more expensive than sea, especially in developing countries, where inland infrastructure may not be efficient.
