Large Export Packing Cases
The basic UK design guide for large export packing cases and crates is BS 1133 Section 8: 2011 Packaging Code - Wooden boxes cases and crates. It is one part of BS 1133 which is a very detailed standard that covers plastic, paperboard, steel and glass packing in depth. European standards (ENs) have not covered small or large cases and crates simply because they are by definition totally flexible in size and loading capacity and there would be a negative benefit to the free European market to restrict this. The EN committee set up to produce the document some years ago rapidly decided to cease any work when this was decided.
Unbraced sawn timber packing case
BS 1133: Section 8, does not specify loadings and timber section sizes for skid or sill type bases for heavy content weights. There are examples where this is done (in English) such as the Japanese National Standard, but although the German trade association does a very useful guide it is not available in English. Further details of Far Eastern wood case and crate guides are downloadable in our PUBLISHED STANDARDS page.
Export packing cases and crates over a certain length have a load bearing base design typically as shown in NON-STANDARD PLATFORMS page. The design shown is of a skid base where the load bearing members run the length of the case and are below the case sheathing and the transverse load bearing timbers (cross members and headers). As loads increase to 5 tons or more, particularly longer cases, export packers may be uncertain of the sizes of timbers to use. The need for such data is something PalletLink has recognised as a result of assisting members in commercial designs. This has shown to be a problem wider than just in the UK in that we have been involved in inspections of large packing case collapses in ports as far away as South Africa and Hong Kong. As part of our existing free advisory service for Members we can check the sizes of base timbers needed for high payloads. Just call us (or preferably e-mail) with sizes, lengths and load positions.
Moisture condensation problems when large cases or containers are exposed to heat and cold have always been a hazard and some woods are more acid and exacerbate the problem. Datasheets below give guidance on avoiding moisture damage.
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21m Testing of boxes crates and packing cases (PDF 113kb)42a Moisture Protection in export packing. (PDF 32kb)42b Corrosive effects of wood in packing cases. (PDF 17kb)42c Metal corrosion inside wooden containers - acid woods (PDF 115kb)42d Degradation of wood by corroding metal. (PDF 11kb)43b Large Case Design Guides - National & Commercial. (PDF 111kb)43x Minimum Requirements for Industrial Packaging (PDF 1460kb)52d Nail assessment for pallet or box manufacture. (PDF 50kb)54b Coach screws in wood packaging. (PDF 35kb)75e Wood Equilibrium Moisture Content Table (EMC). (PDF 61kb)75g Frozen packs of pallet timber. (PDF 61kb)79d Timber hardness and compression strength for species. (PDF 110kb)82d2 Dew point in storage areas (PDF 207kb)83k Chemical treatment - termites. (PDF 55kb)91f The European Packing Module of 400 x 600mm. (PDF 11kb)92a Safety factors in wood pallets and packaging. (PDF 84kb)