Crating Technology team performing off-site crating services at their Phoenix, Arizona location with wooden crates for industrial equipment.
On-Site vs. Off-Site Crating: Choosing the Right Option for Your Equipment
When your company handles sensitive, high-value, or oversized equipment, proper protection during transport isn’t optional — it’s mission-critical. Whether you’re preparing a semiconductor chamber, aerospace component, or industrial assembly line part, how and where you crate it determines the safety and efficiency of your shipment.
At Crating Technology, we offer both on-site crating and off-site crating to meet the specialized needs of our clients. Each approach serves a unique purpose — and neither is better than the other. It all depends on your industry, security requirements, and equipment type.
What Is On-Site Crating?
On-site crating means our technicians come directly to your facility — whether it’s a manufacturing plant, secure lab, or data center — and build the crate around your equipment at your location. This approach is designed for ultra-sensitive, high-security, or immovable assets that can’t be transported before being packaged.
Best for:
- Semiconductor equipment – fragile chambers, wafer handlers, lithography systems
- Data center hardware – server racks, switchgear, UPS systems
- Defense and aerospace components – classified parts, firearms, aircraft systems
- Hazardous materials or heavy machinery that can’t safely move before packaging
Benefits of On-Site Crating:
- Maintains full control of sensitive equipment
Many clients in the semiconductor, defense, and aerospace sectors can’t allow their items to leave their controlled environments. On-site crating keeps those assets secure, within your facility’s safety protocols. - Minimizes handling risk
Equipment that’s bolted down, extremely heavy, or hazardous doesn’t need to be moved twice. Crating on location eliminates transfer-related risk. - Custom-built precision on your schedule
We bring everything — ISPM 15 lumber, shockmount bases, foam systems, and shrink wrap — directly to your site. Each crate is measured and built around the item in real time. - Explore our On-Site Crating Services to see how this process works.
- Security and compliance assurance
For controlled industries, we follow all client access, safety, and cleanroom protocols, working under escort or NDA where required.
Related resource: ASTM Packaging Standards — the foundation for safe and compliant industrial packaging practices.
What Is Off-Site Crating?
Off-site crating takes place at Crating Technology’s Phoenix facility. This approach is ideal when equipment can be safely transported before packaging — and when precision tools, space, or staging control are needed.
Best for:
- Industrial machinery that requires engineered support
- Energy and power equipment staged for export
- Trade show and commercial assets needing reusable crates
- Medical imaging equipment or non-sensitive electronics
Interior of Crating Technology’s off-site crating facility in Phoenix, showcasing engineered crate assembly for various industries.
Benefits of Off-Site Crating:
- Controlled conditions, consistent quality
Our facility is purpose-built for precision — equipped with foam fabrication systems, shrink wrap tunnels, and heavy-lift machinery to handle large-scale crating safely. - Faster turnaround with full tooling access
All tools, materials, and resources are available on-site, allowing for efficient builds with no downtime waiting for supplies or workspace. - Integrated freight staging
We can block, brace, and stage containers directly for shipment, coordinating with carriers for pickup or export. Learn more about our Shipping and Packaging Solutions. - Reusable and sustainable options
Many of our clients use off-site builds for reusable crates that can return for future shipments — reducing waste and long-term costs.
On-Site vs. Off-Site Crating: How to Decide
| Factor | On-Site Crating | Off-Site Crating |
| Equipment Sensitivity | ✅ Ideal for secure, fragile, or classified assets | 🚫 Best for general industrial and commercial equipment |
| Security & Access Control | ✅ Stays within your facility’s restricted area | 🚫 Requires safe transport to Phoenix facility |
| Precision Tooling Availability | 🚫 Limited to mobile setup | ✅ Full equipment access at facility |
| Handling Risk | ✅ Minimal (no extra moves) | 🚫 Requires transport before crating |
| Large or Fixed Equipment | ✅ Perfect for immovable machinery | 🚫 Must be deliverable |
| Time Efficiency | ✅ When downtime is limited | ✅ When scheduling multiple builds |
| Industries | Defense, Semiconductor, Aerospace | Manufacturing, Energy, Medical, Trade Show |
Both methods deliver the same result: engineered protection that meets ASTM, ISPM 15, and export compliance standards.
Crating Technology: Engineered for Any Environment
Few companies can execute both on-site and off-site crating effectively. Crating Technology is equipped to handle both — adapting our process to meet your space, safety, and compliance requirements.
We proudly serve a diverse range of industries, including:
- Defense and Aerospace – Mil-Spec crating, secure builds
- Semiconductor and Electronics – ESD-safe packaging and foam isolation
- Healthcare and Medical Imaging – Foam inserts, vibration damping
- Oil, Gas, and Energy – Corrosion-resistant coatings, vapor wrap
- Industrial and Manufacturing – Heavy-duty skids, shockmount systems
- Trade Show and Reusable Crating – Lightweight, collapsible, and returnable designs
Whether we come to your site or build at ours, every crate is designed to ensure safe, compliant, and damage-free delivery.
Visit our Industries section page to explore specialized solutions for your sector.
Choosing Crating Technology Means Flexibility and Confidence
From classified defense assets to factory-scale equipment, our clients trust us to deliver protection without compromise. We evaluate every project based on:
- The sensitivity and size of the equipment
- Security and access control needs
- Shipping method and timeline
- Environmental exposure and compliance standards
That’s why no matter your requirements, Crating Technology offers the right crating method — delivered with engineering precision, professionalism, and integrity.
Ready to discuss your next project? Contact our team to determine which crating solution best fits your operation.
