Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Crating & Containerization Services
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Crating & Containerization Services Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Crating and containerization services include packaging stocked or custom foam boxes, cases or crates, which suppliers sell along with the labor required to encase goods in these protective containers. Services also include the procurement of packing and unloading services for trailers and intermodal containers that buyers purchase or lease from third parties. Key buyers include energy and transportation sector manufacturers, transportation and warehousing providers, new and used car dealers, aircraft dealers, and heavy equipment dealers.
This Report Includes:
- Crating Services
- Containerization Services
Not in this Report:
- Container Shipping Services
- Crate Shipping Services
Global Crating & Containerization Services Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Crating & Containerization Services market.
Warning Trends
United States announces additional tariffs on China
- In February 2025, the United States announced 10.0% tariffs on imports from China. The tariffs took effect on February 4, 2025.
- The tariff plan applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties and fees that are in place, with limited exceptions.
- In response, China announced a 15.0% tariff on products such as coal and natural gas, as well as a 10.0% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, pickup trucks, and large cars. The tariff executive orders indicate retaliatory tariffs could lead to further escalation in rates.
- Providers in this market rely on inputs often sourced from China. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.
United States postpones plans for sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico
- In February 2025, the United States announced 25.0% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
- Though initially set to take effect on February 4, 2025, the implementation of tariffs on Canada and Mexico has been postponed 30 days to allow for further negotiation.
- The tariff plan initially proposed by the US applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties or fees that are in place, with limited exceptions.
- Providers in this market rely on input costs often sourced from an affected country. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.
Neutral
Lumber prices rise in response to tariffs and reduced supply
- In the last 30 days, lumber prices have increased by 5.3%, continuing a consistent upward trend in lumber prices that started in the third quarter of 2024.
- In August 2024, the Department of Commerce raised tariffs on lumber imported from Canada, the United States’ primary foreign lumber supplier, from 8.05% to 14.54%. This tariff hike has gradually reduced the lumber supply from Canada by making prices for imported Canadian lumber less competitive with domestically produced lumber.
- Simultaneously, Canfor Corp. eliminated 670 million board feet of lumber mill capacity in the United States in response to weak lumber markets.
- These trends have combined to limit lumber supply in the United States, pushing prices upwards. However, a weak housing market continues to keep prevailing lumber prices relatively low compared to previous years.
Global Crating & Containerization Services Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1Europe | 2,505 |
| #2United States | 1,380 |
| #3Oceania & Southeast Asia | 1,230 |
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Geography Drilldown - US
Average Cost of Crating & Containerization Services
United States
2025 Market Pricing$30.00 to $XX.XX
per labor hourAverage Price
Prices in the Crating & Containerization Services market range from $30.00 to $XX.XX, depending on Labor Hours, Size and Weight of Goods, Type of Container, Protection Needed and Location. For example, lower prices are associated with 16 labor hours, whereas higher prices are associated with 48 labor hours.
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Crating & Containerization Services Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Crating & Containerization Services market, prices in the US have grown 2.1% from 2022 to 2025. Subscribers can access price trend forecasts, price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data. Learn more
United States (2022-2025)
2.1%
Compound Annual Growth RateUnited States (2025-2028)
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Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Crating & Containerization Services
Total cost of ownership is Low in the Crating & Containerization Services market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Hidden Fees may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Billed During
Insurance
Unforeseen
Hidden Fees
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2025, buyer power amounts to -1.5 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Price Driver Volatility. It is most negatively impacted by Market Share Concentration. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
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Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Medium, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Truck Manufacturers
- Gas Stations
- Lumber Wholesalers
- Foam Manufacturers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Auto Part Manufacturers
- Gas & Petroleum Wholesalers
- Sawmills
- Chemical Product Manufacturers
Biggest Crating & Containerization Services Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Crating & Containerization Services vendors by revenue in the US are Nefab Group, Craters and Freighters and Packing Service Inc. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Parcel Service, Inc. | International | ATLANTA, GA | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| FedEx Corporation | International | MEMPHIS, TN | >10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Packing Service Inc | National | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 25-50 | < 5 | ||||
| Independent Packing Services Inc. | National | Crystal, MN | 25-50 | < 5 | ||||
| American Export/WSI Packing & Crating | Local | Anaheim, CA | 25-50 | < 5 | ||||
| Abbot & Abbot Box Corp. | Regional | Long Island City, NY | 25-50 | < 5 | ||||
| Arrow Express Packing & Shipping | Global | Freeport, NY | 51-100 | < 5 | ||||
| Nefab Group | Global | Jönköping, SE | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Craters and Freighters | National | Golden, CO | 51-100 | < 5 | ||||
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Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Crating & Containerization Services market is 5.8% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Wages. The cost trend for this component is rising, when considering movement between 2024 and 2025. To understand cost forecasts for 2026 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
Average vendor risk in this market is low, as most firms in the market are financially stable. This stability benefits buyers because operational firms are more likely to compensate for damages incurred during packing.
Market share concentration is low because of how the market for containerization services is fragmented, due to its low barriers to entry. Because crating and containerization requires relatively low startup costs beyond materials and labor, it is relatively easy for new providers to enter the market.
The level of supply chain risk for crating and containerization services is medium. Although some direct and indirect suppliers to market firms have low-risk levels, the effects of these suppliers are outweighed by those of medium-risk suppliers that pose a greater threat to the supply chain, such as truck manufacturers, auto parts manufacturers, and gas stations.
As a net importer in the crating and containerization services market, US buyers' procurement strategies may be influenced by factors such as cost considerations and international competition and will need to carefully evaluate pricing options and potentially seek out more cost-effective solutions. Being a net importer can restrict buyer power and reduce their ability to dictate terms and conditions in procurement transactions, and will have less control over pricing, quality, and availability of the goods or services they need.
Supplier Information
United Parcel Service, Inc.
United Parcel Service, Inc. is a public company operating internationally in the manufacturing, information and professional, scientific and technical services sectors. The company's offerings include business card printing, mailing software, 3d printing & rapid prototyping services, letter & parcel delivery... Subscribe to learn more
FedEx Corporation
FedEx Corporation is a public company operating internationally in the manufacturing, manufacturing, professional, scientific and technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include business card printing, banners, letter & parcel Subscribe to learn more
Box Brothers Corporation
Box Brothers Corporation is a private company operating regionally. The company's offerings include crating & containerization services. Founded in 1985, the company is currently headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, United States of America with an estimated 75 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Packaging Services Industries Inc.
Packaging Services Industries Inc. is a private company operating nationally. The company's offerings include crating & containerization services. Founded in 1976, the company is currently headquartered in Williamsport, Maryland, United States of America with an estimated 375 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Craters and Freighters
Craters and Freighters is a private company operating nationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include wooden shipping crates & boxes and crating & containerization services. Founded in 1990, the company is currently headquartered in Golden, Colorado, United States of America with an... Subscribe to learn more
Nefab Group
Nefab Group is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include wooden shipping crates & boxes and crating & containerization services. Founded in 1949, the company is currently headquartered in Jönköping, Sweden with an estimated 5500 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Arrow Express Packing & Shipping
Arrow Express Packing & Shipping is a private company operating globally. The company's offerings include crating & containerization services. Founded in 2006, the company is currently headquartered in Freeport, New York, United States of America with an estimated 75 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Abbot & Abbot Box Corp.
Abbot & Abbot Box Corp. is a private company operating regionally. The company's offerings include crating & containerization services. Founded in 1888, the company is currently headquartered in Long Island City, New York, United States of America with an estimated 37 employees. Subscribe to learn more
American Export/WSI Packing & Crating
American Export/WSI Packing & Crating is a private company operating locally. The company's offerings include crating & containerization services. Founded in 1980, the company is currently headquartered in Anaheim, California, United States of America with an estimated 37 employees. Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Crating & Containerization Services Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Customer Acquisition Cost and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT). Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Pricing and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Acquisition Cost | Total marketing costs Total sales cost Number of customers acquired | Determining how much it costs to establish a customer relationship is essential in negotiation and price planning. Using customer acquisition cost can be used to determine the efficiency of customer acquisition process. This information aids buyers by informing them of vendors with high acquisition costs, which will more than likely reflect on the price of crating and containerization services. | |
| Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) | Number of positive customer responses Number of customer responses | Overall customer satisfaction with a vendor is indicative of how cooperative and sympathetic they are to customer needs. Positive customer satisfaction shows that the vendor cares for customer success rates with using their containerization services. | |
Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Experience and Expertise
How often do you package products with similar specs to mine?
How have you tracked your success with these products?
Insurance
What insurance do you offer with your containerization service?
What is covered in the event of breakage during packing or shipment?
Specialization
What are the advantages of the protective covering and type of padding that your crates or containers use?
What thicknesses of plywood are used in your crates?
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Crating & Containerization Services RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should describe their organizations and explain why they are seeking crating and containerization services.
Buyers need to give a description of what they are packing. This overview should give vendors enough information to quickly evaluate whether they can provide the crating and containerization services required.
Statement Of Need
Buyers need to include a detailed description of the exact type of goods being placed in the crates and containers.
Buyers should also include a detailed description of the crating and containerization materials that will be used.
Project Budget
Buyers should explicitly state the amount of the contract award.
Buyers should explain whether they expect to pay for services after each shipment or at some other point during the life of the contract.
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- Supply chain and vendors
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- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
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