In today’s complex supply chain ecosystem—especially within sectors such as defense, aerospace, and high-tech manufacturing—the margin for error in packaging and logistics is virtually nonexistent. With the increasing demand for durability, traceability, and standardization, military specification (MIL-SPEC) compliance has become an essential requirement for both public sector contracts and private enterprise logistics. This is where industry collaboration becomes a strategic advantage.
MAC Packaging and our team at Crating Technology are joining forces to demystify two of the most critical standards in military and industrial packaging: MIL-STD-2073 and ASTM D6251. Together, we bring decades of expertise in crating, custom packaging, and specification-driven solutions to ensure that what matters most gets there safely—and by the book.
Understanding the Standards
What is MIL-STD-2073?
MIL-STD-2073-1 is the Department of Defense’s standard for military packaging, outlining how items should be preserved, packaged, and unitized to ensure survivability through handling, shipment, and storage.
Key aspects include:
- Preservation Methods: From desiccant packs and vacuum sealing to barrier bags and cushioning, the preservation method must align with the material’s sensitivity.
- Marking Requirements: Specific rules for labeling, barcoding, and item identification.
Packaging Levels: Level A and Level B classifications that dictate ruggedness based on shipping and storage conditions.
What is ASTM D6251?
ASTM D6251 is the standard for wood-cleated panelboard shipping boxes. It covers:
- Box Construction: The makeup of the panelboard, cleats, fasteners, and reinforcement.
- Performance Requirements: Minimum strength ratings for protection during rough handling and environmental exposure.
Testing Procedures: Drop tests, vibration testing, and stacking performance to certify durability.
Why These Standards Matter
Failing to meet these standards can result in:
- Contractual Penalties
- Product Damage or Loss
- Logistics Delays
- Rejected Shipments by Government or Military Inspectors
Compliance ensures not only that the product arrives intact, but also that your organization meets its contractual and legal obligations. For contractors working on DoD projects, non-compliance can result in contract loss or debarment.
Designing Crates That Comply
When building crating and packaging solutions to meet MIL-STD-2073 and ASTM D6251, compliance goes beyond carpentry—it’s about adhering strictly to the specifications defined by the military or client. Our collaboration ensures that every crate we produce aligns with the precise standards required.
Step 1: Understanding Military Specifications
For MIL-STD-2073 crates, all requirements—including preservation methods, cushioning, and labeling—are determined by the military or contracting agency prior to issuing the contract. Our role begins with a meticulous review of these specifications to ensure complete compliance.
Step 2: Material Selection
We strictly follow the material and design specifications set forth in the contract. For MIL-STD-2073, this means using the prescribed preservation methods such as desiccants, barrier bags, or cushioning, as specified. For ASTM D6251, we employ high-density panelboards and compliant wood cleating to ensure structural integrity.
- MIL-STD-2073: Preservation methods and materials are determined by the specified packaging codes.
- ASTM D6251: We utilize non-pressure-treated wood and high-density panelboards, avoiding any use of pressure-treated wood unless specifically required.
Step 3: Custom Fabrication
Our fabrication process focuses on ensuring that every crate is built to the precise standards outlined:
- Structural Integrity: Reinforced panelboard and compliant cleating ensure durability.
- Cushioning Systems: Shock-absorbing bases and cushioning, when specified, protect sensitive items.
- Secure Hardware: Tamper-evident seals and bolted closures maintain security.
- Compliance Labels: We use compliance-ready labels and barcodes for accurate identification and traceability.
MAC Packaging provides packaging validation, while our team ensures all aspects of fabrication align strictly with the issued specifications—nothing more, nothing less.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced suppliers can fall into traps when dealing with military packaging. Here are the top three mistakes—and how we mitigate them:
- Incorrect Specification Interpretation
- Our solution: Every job begins with a compliance review and checklist to match contract requirements to the correct MIL-SPEC codes.
- Our solution: Every job begins with a compliance review and checklist to match contract requirements to the correct MIL-SPEC codes.
- Improper Labeling or Documentation
- Our solution: Digital templates, integrated barcoding, and packing lists that meet WAWF (Wide Area Workflow) and IUID (Item Unique Identification) regulations.
- Our solution: Digital templates, integrated barcoding, and packing lists that meet WAWF (Wide Area Workflow) and IUID (Item Unique Identification) regulations.
- Inadequate Validation
- Our solution: We ensure packaging design is reviewed and validated against contractual and environmental requirements before production begins.
Final Thoughts: Why Collaboration Matters
Navigating MIL-STD-2073 and ASTM D6251 isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting lives, investments, and reputations. The synergy between crating technology specialists and military packaging experts like MAC Packaging ensures every crate we build or package we secure exceeds both expectation and regulation.
This partnership bridges the gap between wood and spec—between structural integrity and technical documentation—delivering a robust, compliant, and scalable solution for mission-critical logistics.
Whether you’re shipping avionics to a remote base, precision electronics to a global partner, or prototypes to a secure lab, our combined expertise offers peace of mind backed by compliance-driven craftsmanship.
