Custom crafted trade show crates take time and great care in delivering a quality long lasting product.
Understanding the trade show environment and the rigors of cross country or over borders transportation is necessary in designing crates that are functional and durable.
These crates were designed based on custom requirements of a large Tile company who needed to safely transport show booth exhibit materials, tile flooring and slabs to multiple trade shows.
The need to safely transport numerous sized items for a number of shows required we understand the needs of each item and design crates that are easy to use for the trade show personnel but strong enough to handle a good amount of weight.
The first picture on the right shows a custom A Frame mounted onto a solid 2 X 6 slated base. This platform also is made as a four way base so that a pallet jack or forklift can enter from both the length or the width.
The stringers have an offset at the bottom that allows the wall to sit on the base. This allows us to create a wall that interlocks with the base and other wall. There is also an offset in the 1 x 4 cleating which crates an interlocking system when both walls are set on the base.
The larger slabs of tile travel on the A Frame inside the crate. Easy removal of the walls (the walls are not screwed on like most crates) allows access to the larger heavy slabs from each side of the platform.
When the walls are interlocked ratchet straps are used to keep the unit together and on the platform rather than screws. Personnel at the trade show will need no special tools like a cordless drill to get the walls on or off.
To make the job of un-crating and crating the materials at the trade shows even easier we added custom routed handles to the walls where it would make it easier to remove and replace the walls by providing a great pickup point.
By routing these types of handles into the crates cleating we eliminate the risk of having hardware handles damaged or knocked off during transportation.
We use many different methods of providing handles and hinged walls for expo and trade show crates, however in this case, easy access to heavy materials made removing the walls the best option for these materials.
Because tile flooring is so dense the wall framing needed to be solid. We designed the inner 2 X 4 framing to sit and interlock on the platform base while at the same time allowing the 1X4 cleating on the outside to interlock as well. This added strength and durability to these crates.
If you have an upcoming Trade Show or Expo and need help designing the right reusable crate for your materials give us a call. You may not need something as elaborate as interlocking wall shells for your items, but a good quality crate is important for any show.
To see a list of trade shows we have helped our clients attend visit our trade show page or give one of our trade show crating or shipping professionals a call Toll Free 855-474-4685 for a free professional consultation to make your next trade show a success. 
