Lab Equipment Crating & Shipping Solutions
LAB EQUIPMENT SHIPPING EXPERTS
Solutions for Nashville Industries and Research Institutions
As Middle Tennessee continues to expand its presence in healthcare innovation, medical device manufacturing, music technology, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, businesses across the region are investing in high-value laboratory and R&D equipment that requires precision handling and secure logistics.
Craters & Freighters Nashville specializes in custom-engineered crating and freight solutions for sensitive, mission-critical assets—from cleanroom tools and analyzers to robotics and advanced diagnostics systems.
We also support university labs and academic departments preparing for semester startups, lab relocations, and collaborative research programs.
Trusted by Leaders in Innovation
Research departments can’t afford delays, damage, or costly replacements. That’s why leading institutions in Nashville and surrounding areas turn to Craters & Freighters for lab equipment crating and freight services. We work closely with:
- Biotech & Life Sciences – Crates for incubators, sample prep tools, and PCR analyzers used in regulated lab environments.
- Medical Device Manufacturing – Safe transport of imaging systems, surgical robots, and analyzers during facility upgrades or client demos.
- Semiconductors & Electronics – Cleanroom-compliant packaging for wafer testers and chip inspection systems worth $100K–$500K+.
- Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing – Crating for 3D printers, propulsion components, and high-tolerance instruments used in R&D.
Our services are ideal for universities such as Vanderbilt, Belmont, and Middle Tennessee State, as well as local community colleges, specialized training centers, and private research facilities throughout the Nashville metro area.
Custom Crating for Lab Equipment & Sensitive Instruments
From electron microscopes to medical analyzers and biotech incubators, Craters & Freighters Nashville designs and builds custom crates to protect sensitive scientific gear. We factor in weight, fragility, dimensions, vibration sensitivity, and environmental exposure.
Common items we handle:
- Centrifuges and analyzers – Often valued at $10K–$80K each and require balance-sensitive packaging.
- Microscopes and spectrometers – Used in materials testing and biology, with fragile optics and vibration sensitivity.
- Robotics platforms and automation tools – Complex, high-tech assets commonly used in semiconductor fabs and life sciences.
- Freezers, fume hoods, and containment cabinets – Bulky, fragile systems that require reinforced crates and moisture protection.
- Semiconductor and R&D test stations – Often integrated with electronics or fluid systems and require multi-material packaging.
Every crate is engineered in-house to meet your item’s specific protection requirements, whether it’s a single piece or a multi-unit lab relocation.
Academic Support: Research Labs and Campus Logistics
Craters & Freighters Nashville academic support includes:
- University labs and STEM departments – Coordinating with researchers shipping $50K+ equipment or receiving grant-funded devices.
- Campus facility teams and logistics – Handling installations or inter-campus relocations under tight semester timelines.
- Medical and engineering schools – Managing sensitive instrumentation required for research and student training.
- Media, art, and preservation units – Crating historical archives or AV systems for exhibitions and campus libraries.
Use cases include:
- Semester startup and lab refreshes – Typically spike in July–September with time-sensitive schedules.
- Multi-department lab relocations – Require scalable logistics and coordination across colleges or research teams.
- Incoming equipment from suppliers – Ensuring protected delivery from manufacturers to labs with minimal downtime.
- Research gear for global collaborations – Supporting outbound/inbound academic exchange or shared projects.
Our Lab-Focused Services Include:
- Shock & tilt indicators: Optional monitoring for sensitive gear
- Export compliance: For international academic collaborations
- Insurance coverage: Available for added peace of mind
- Custom CAD-designed crates – Engineered to account for fragility, dimensions, and mode of transport.
- On-site pickup and (where available) white-glove delivery– For high-value or sensitive assets requiring minimal disruption.
- Foam interiors, moisture barriers, and anti-static protection – Tailored to each device’s sensitivity level and environmental needs.
- Shock and tilt indicators – Monitoring tools that help document chain-of-custody and prevent shipping claims.
- ISPM-15 certified export crates – Required for international shipments to prevent pest contamination in wood materials.
- Domestic and international freight services – Coordinated with lab managers and shipping teams for seamless execution.
- Cargo insurance options available – Coverage for physical damage, loss, or delay on equipment worth thousands to hundreds of thousands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you crate and ship highly sensitive lab equipment like microscopes or spectrometers?
Yes. We specialize in crating fragile, high-value scientific gear. Our crates are engineered to absorb vibration and impact. Tilt and shock indicators are available for visibility into handling.
Do you offer on-site packing and pickup from businesses or university campuses?
Yes. We service businesses and institutions across the Nashville–San Antonio corridor. Our team coordinates logistics to minimize downtime and disruption.
What safety measures do you use for fragile or expensive lab gear?
We design every crate with the item’s specs in mind. We use dense foams, bracing systems, and optional monitoring to ensure safe transit—even for extremely delicate assets.
Can you handle full lab relocations or large equipment moves?
Absolutely. We scale our service to fit anything from one analyzer to an entire floor of lab equipment, with project management and freight planning included.
Do you provide international shipping and export compliance?
Yes. We routinely ship internationally for labs, hospitals, and manufacturers. We handle documentation and compliance for research and commercial clients and can help point you in the right direction for customs support.
Craters & Freighters Nashville is ready to provide a tailored estimate to match your shipping needs.
Start your lab moves and back-to-campus planning early. Contact Craters & Freighters Nashville for a consultation on crating and shipping your lab equipment safely and professionally.
Ask about our cargo insurance options for added peace of mind.
Serving most of Tennessee and Alabama, including Nashville, Chattanooga, and the rest of the United States!