Custom Pallets & Crates for Machinery and Industrial Equipment
Shipping machinery is different from shipping general freight.
Industrial equipment often has concentrated weight, irregular base footprints, exposed components, or a high center of gravity. Standard pallets are rarely designed with those variables in mind.
Custom pallets and crates allow the support structure to match the equipment — not the other way around.
Why Machinery Often Requires Custom Support
Many machines are:
Heavy but unevenly balanced
Built on narrow steel frames
Top-heavy or asymmetrical
Sensitive to shifting during transit
Handled multiple times between origin and destination
A pallet that “holds the weight” is not necessarily a pallet that protects the load during forklift handling, freight transfer, and delivery.
Custom construction addresses those risks directly.
Common Machinery Packaging Challenges
Concentrated Load Points
Equipment often rests on small mounting feet or steel channels.
Without proper blocking and reinforcement, weight concentration can cause:
Deck board deflection
Structural weakness during handling
Instability during movement
Custom builds distribute weight appropriately across runners and support members.
Forklift and Handling Stress
Freight carriers may handle machinery multiple times.
Each lift introduces dynamic stress — especially if the load is tall or unevenly balanced.
Custom pallets and skids can be designed to:
Provide proper forklift entry
Increase rigidity
Reduce torsional movement
Improve overall stability
For more detail on load capacity considerations, see:
→ How Much Weight Can a Pallet Really Handle? Load Limits Explained
Protection of Exposed Components
Some machinery includes:
Control panels
Motors
Protruding hardware
Sensitive surfaces
In these cases, a fully enclosed crate may be more appropriate than a pallet.
If you’re unsure which solution fits your shipment, see:
→ When Do You Need a Crate Instead of a Pallet?
Built to Match the Equipment
Custom machinery packaging is typically designed around:
Exact dimensions
Load distribution characteristics
Handling requirements
Destination conditions
For example, a 2,000-lb machine with a narrow base may require additional runners and blocking to prevent deflection during forklift handling. A tall unit with a high center of gravity may require wider support or bracing to reduce tipping risk.
The goal is not maximum lumber.
It is appropriate structural support for the application.
If you are preparing specifications, this guide may help:
→ How to Determine Specifications for a Custom Pallet or Crate
Cost Considerations
Machinery packaging varies depending on size and construction.
For general budgeting ranges, see:
→ What Does a Custom Pallet or Crate Cost?
Pricing is determined by materials, reinforcement level, and compliance requirements.
Request a Quote
If you have dimensions and weight available, we can provide pricing based on your specific load.
If you’re unsure what information is needed, we can walk through the requirements with you.
Or give us a call at (630) 765-5476.