- Est. 2012Australian Manufacturer
- BayswaterMelbourne Workshop
- ISPM15Export Certified
- NationwideDelivery & Freight
Protection that pays for itself.
When freight gets knocked around in transit, the carrier rarely pays for it. A custom crate costs a small fraction of what's inside it, and it's the difference between your gear turning up in one piece or turning up in bits. We build every timber and plywood crate around your item's size, weight, and how fragile it is, then line it with custom foam so nothing moves.
Sizes run from lightweight boxes for regional runs to heavy plywood cases for oversized international freight, so you never pay for more crate than the job needs.
Clears Customs Clean
ISPM15Heat-treated, certified timber clears international quarantine. No holds, no fumigation, no nasty surprises at the border.
Built Around The Load
Custom SpecWe size the base and skids to your cargo's weight and how it sits, so nothing shifts, sags, or works loose on the road.
Made To Measure
Exact FitEvery crate is built to your item's exact dimensions, so there's no wasted space, less freight volume to pay for, and a snug hold that won't rattle.
Recent crate builds.
A few of the crates we've built. Tap any image to see it full size.
Choose your access point.
We build the opening around how your item needs to go in and come back out.
Top Loading
Our most common build. Good for loose items or anything you can drop in by hand or with an overhead crane.
- Most common format
- Crane-friendly
- Loose item packing
- Cost effective
Lift-Off Base
The walls and lid lift off together (or as separate panels), leaving the item sitting on a heavy-duty base you can drive a forklift under.
- Full open access
- Pallet-style base
- Forklift entry
- Heavy load rated
Side Loading
One or more walls come off so you can slide or forklift the item in from the side. Handy for rack-mounted gear.
- Removable wall panels
- Forklift from side
- Rack-mount friendly
- Re-usable design
We also build 50/50 split cases (lid and base split evenly) and front or rear-opening lids, and we can mix access points to suit the load.
Build it to spec.
Heavy-duty add-ons for mobility, access, and internal protection.
Mobility & Base
- Swivel CastorsBraked and unbraked options for easy rolling.
- Pallet Base2-way or 4-way forklift entry skids.
- Rubber FeetShock-dampening, anti-slip base pads.
Access & Hardware
- Butterfly LatchesRecessed, lockable heavy-duty steel latches.
- Hinged LidsPiano hinges for crates you open often.
- HandlesStandard crate and rope handles, or sprung recessed handles that sit flat for stacking.
- Label DishesRecessed holders for shipping labels and paperwork.
Internal Protection
- Foam LiningPE45 or EPE foam to protect delicate surfaces.
- Crate CushionsFoam cushioning that soaks up shock and stops the load moving.
- BracingCustom timber blocking to lock items in place.
- VCI BaggingVapour corrosion inhibitor bagging to keep rust off.
ISPM15 certified for export.
Our crates are built from responsibly sourced, sustainable timber. Every material is ISPM15 certified (heat treated), so your cargo clears international quarantine without hold-ups at the border.
Read the ISPM15 standardsCrating for every load.
Some of the jobs we crate for most often.
New & Used Machinery
Cheap insurance for expensive gear. Most carriers won't cover damage, so a crate is what gets your machinery there scratch-free.
Parts & Bulk Goods
Stack smaller items higher without pallets collapsing or stock going missing in transit, and get more into every container.
International Freight
ISPM15-rated materials cut the risk of customs and quarantine delays, and crates work well for LCL (less than container load) consignments.
Relocations & Storage
Moving interstate or putting things into storage? Crates up to double-pallet size let you ship or store several large items together.
Art & Exhibition
For artwork and museum pieces: single or multiple framed wall-art cases, roll-in cases with ramps, or custom-cut foam interiors.
Sea Freight
Plywood cases hold up well to weather. Add VCI bagging inside for rust protection on long ocean voyages.
Whatever you're shipping, we build the crate around it. Send your item's dimensions and weight for a free quote and we'll spec it for you.
Built in Bayswater, delivered Australia-wide.
Our workshop is in Bayswater, in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. We've built custom wooden shipping crates here since 2012, from single boxes for a regional run to oversized export cases heading out through the Port of Melbourne.
Drop your goods to us, or we'll come to you for an on-site measure and pack. Either way you deal with the people building your crate, not a call centre.
Measure to freight in four steps.
Assess
We look at the weight, dimensions, and how fragile it is.
Design
Pick the loading type (top, side, or lift-off) and any hardware.
Build
We build it from ISPM15 timber and reinforced plywood.
Pack
We pack your goods on site, or drop the crate off for you to pack.
Frequently asked.
Sizing, weight ratings, ISPM15, sea freight: the questions we get asked most.
Do you sell standard-size crates?
No, everything we make is custom. Every crate is built to the exact size of your item, which keeps your freight volume (and cost) down and holds the item snug.
What's the difference between a crate and a case?
A wooden crate usually has gaps between the timber slats (a skeleton crate), while a case is fully enclosed in plywood. Most of what we build is fully enclosed plywood cases, which give the item the most protection.
How much weight can they hold?
We size the base (skid) to your load, anything from light instruments to heavy industrial machinery.
Are they waterproof?
Plywood cases stand up well to weather, but they're not submersible. For sea freight we'd add VCI (vapour corrosion inhibitor) bagging inside the crate to keep rust off. Call (03) 9720 5300 or email sales@protectapack.com.au and we'll talk through your freight.
How much does a custom shipping crate cost?
It depends on the crate's size, the timber and plywood grade, the load weight, and any hardware or foam you add. Since every crate is built to size, we quote each job on its own. Send your item's dimensions and weight to sales@protectapack.com.au or call (03) 9720 5300 for a quick quote.
What's your lead time on a custom crate?
It depends on size, quantity, and how busy the workshop is, but most custom crates are done within a few business days. If you've got a freight deadline, tell us up front and we'll confirm a date before you commit.
Where are you based, and do you deliver to me?
Our workshop is in Bayswater, in Melbourne's eastern suburbs (Factory 18, 21 Barry Street, VIC 3153). We deliver across Melbourne, freight statewide through Victoria, and send crates interstate and overseas. Drop your goods to us, or we'll come to you for an on-site measure and pack.
Do you deliver crates Australia-wide, or can you pack on site?
Both. We can drop off a flat-packed or assembled crate, or come and pack your goods on site so the crate leaves freight-ready. We supply customers across Australia, so let us know where you are and we'll sort the best option.
Should I use a crate or a pallet?
A pallet only holds the base of your load and leaves the sides open to knocks, weather, and stacking damage. A fully enclosed plywood crate protects every face, can be sealed for sea freight, and is ISPM15 certified for export. For anything valuable, fragile, or heading overseas, a crate is the safer bet.
Ready to ship?
Send through your cargo's dimensions and weight and we'll spec the crate, base, and hardware. Built in Bayswater, delivered across Melbourne and Australia-wide.
- Quote within 24 hours
- Free, no-obligation
- Australian made