Valley Box Blog

Improve Your Crate Packing Department

alicia@valleybox.com (Valley Box Company) — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMT

A company’s crate packing reflects the business as a whole, so it's important to make a good first impression with thoughtful crate design.

Start by taking a look at the three main factors that affect the crate packing department;

Labor skill set
Storage space costs
Actual packing time

Understanding Lumber Sizing - For wood crates

alicia@valleybox.com (Valley Box Company) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Did you know 4x4s are not actually 4 inches by 4 inches? They're actually closer to 3-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches! Why isn't lumber the same dimensions as its name? Unraveling the mystery of this confusing wood-sizing phenomenon can certainly leave you scratching your head. We're here to help you figure it all out.

One of the first things to consider is actual height and width are different from the nominal size of the piece of wood you may be shopping for. For example, Alicia Guillette crating expert at Valley Box Company, says:

Tri Wall Box vs Wooden Container

alicia@valleybox.com (Valley Box Company) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:45:00 GMT

A tri-wall box is a unique & lightweight shipping solution that is made up of triple fluted corrugated material that can be used in place of a wooden container in some situations where shipping weight is a factor.

ISPM 15: Buying Dunnage with Stamp

alicia@valleybox.com (Valley Box Company) — Mon, 25 May 2026 21:30:00 GMT

If your company ships its products overseas, then you probably know all about ISPM 15, the heat treatment of wood, and that exporters face consequences for non-compliant wood products. If you're asking yourself, "Why do I need to heat treat wood?" you need to read this other Valley Box article.

Wooden Export Crates: Face Consequences for Non-Compliance

alicia@valleybox.com (Alicia Guillette) — Mon, 25 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

The USDA and APHIS have released an official notice to all U.S. Exporters regarding the alteration of certified wood products. Essentially, the notice states that ISPM 15 wooden export crates or pallets that are altered or repaired, must be re-certified by an approved wood packaging material production company.

Tri Wall Box Moves Through Customs Quicker

alicia@valleybox.com (Valley Box Company) — Mon, 25 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

There are so many reasons why a tri wall box is the clear-cut choice for many overseas shipments. Add customization, and this smart option is a slam dunk!

Although many packaging companies often offer a dozen or so stock sizes for you to choose from, nothing guarantees a perfect fit like a customized tri wall box. You provide the exact specifications and the packaging manufacturer company does the rest.

Why you Need ISPM 15 Stamps on Wood Crates

alicia@valleybox.com (Valley Box Company) — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:45:00 GMT

Heat treated wood bearing the ISPM 15 stamp is mandatory for overseas shipments with wood outer packaging. This came from the need to control plant diseases worldwide and compliance with the US Department of Agriculture.

The Insiders Guide to Wood Dunnage

alicia@valleybox.com (Valley Box Company) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:15:00 GMT

There are many different types of dunnage materials for wood shipping crates, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. There’s foam or plastic, inflatable or fabric, and then there’s wood.

Wood dunnage is one of the easiest types to obtain because it's often available in abundance on warehouse or facility floors, and it can fit just about any size shipment. Besides flexibility and availability, wood is super-efficient and environmentally friendly. In fact, wood is the only 100% renewable resource in the manufacturing of building products.

Aerospace Packaging: Space Module Crate

alicia@valleybox.com (Valley Box Company) — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

NASA’s Perseverance rover has been exploring Jezero Crater since 2021, uncovering some of the strongest clues yet that Mars may have once supported life. From unique minerals to ancient river-delta rock formations, each new discovery moves us closer to answering one of humanity’s biggest questions.

"Mars 2020 Sky Crane Processing in PHSF" created by Mars Nasa.gov
Credit: NASA / Kim Shiflett

What makes these breakthroughs possible is not only world-class science, but also the behind-the-scenes support that ensures every component arrives mission-ready. Manufacturers supplying parts to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena face some of the toughest aerospace packaging standards in the world. That’s where experts like Valley Box step in delivering custom crating solutions that protect sensitive equipment through transport, handling, and extreme environments.

When precision crating meets space exploration, the result is nothing short of out-of-this-world!

Aerospace Packaging for the Next Gen Space Race

alicia@valleybox.com (Valley Box Company) — Mon, 04 May 2026 07:15:00 GMT

With Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX pushing to dominate the new frontier of space travel it would seem that we're amidst a modern-day “Space Race!” Now, instead of two countries competing to explore space, we have three of the world's leading entrepreneurs going head-to-head to be the first to develop technology that will safely transport a human to Mars and back.