Knockdown Crates and How They Can Help Your Supply Chain

In shipping and logistics, space is money — and time isn’t far behind. Whether you’re managing domestic shipments, international logistics, or recurring transfers between facilities, finding smart ways to save on storage, freight, and labor can make a real difference.

One solution more companies are turning to? Knockdown crates.

Also known as collapsible or flat-pack crates, these designs offer the same protection as a traditional wooden crate but with added convenience, flexibility, and cost-efficiency.

 

What is a Knockdown Crate?

A knockdown crate is a fully engineered wooden shipping crate that’s designed to be assembled and disassembled as needed. Instead of arriving pre-built, this custom crate ships flat in panel form, ready to be quickly put together on-site with basic tools.

At Reid Packaging, now part of TransPak, we custom build knockdown crates to fit your product’s exact dimensions and shipping requirements, meaning you get a snug, secure fit without the bulk of a fully assembled crate taking up space before it’s needed.

 

How Knockdown Crates Support Your Supply Chain

 

1. Save Storage Space
   One of the biggest advantages of knockdown crates is how little space they take up when not in use. If you’re storing crates between shipments or receiving crates for field packing, the flat-pack design can dramatically cut down on warehouse or facility clutter.
 
2. Lower Shipping Costs
   Because they ship flat, knockdown crates help reduce freight volume, which translates to lower shipping costs — especially when you’re dealing with high volumes or frequent back-and-forth between locations. We’ve had many clients discuss their need to reduce transportation costs in logistics and this is one of the best solutions.
 
3. Easy to Assemble On-Site
   When you don’t know exactly where or when you’ll be crating your product, knockdown crates give you flexibility. Your team can assemble them wherever they’re needed — whether that’s on a production floor, at a job site, or in a warehouse.
 
4. Strong Enough for Reuse
   Don’t let the convenience fool you—knockdown crates are built for strength. These aren’t throwaway boxes – they are heavy duty shipping crates when assembled. We build them to withstand heavy loads and protect high-value goods, and with proper handling, they can be used again and again.
 
5. Custom Fit for Your Product
   Like all our custom packaging solutions, knockdown crates are built around your specific needs. From weight limits to protective foam interiors or moisture barriers, we can tailor each crate to the demands of your product and its journey.

 

When Should You Use Knockdown Crates?

Knockdown crates are a great fit when:

• You need to save space in storage or transit
• You’re shipping between facilities and want to reuse crates
• You’re packing products in the field
• You want to streamline your shipping and receiving processes

At Reid Packaging and TransPak, knockdown crates are just one of the many ways we help our customers move products efficiently, safely, and sustainably—without wasting space or resources.Want to find out if knockdown crates are right for your supply chain? Let’s talk.