FAQs

GET TO KNOW US

Frequently Asked Questions for Craters & Freighters Nashville

Below are answers to the questions we are most frequently asked. If you have a question that isn’t addressed please contact Craters & Freighters Nashville.

Resources

FAQs
Videos
Photo Gallery
Blog

General FAQs

Can Craters & Freighters Nashville handle unusual items like musical instruments for air travel?

Yes – the Nashville team is skilled at custom solutions for unique shipments, even musical instruments. One traveling musician needed to ship a harp overseas and was anxious about airline rules. C&F Nashville built a custom crate that met Delta Airlines’ baggage policy (under 150 inches and under 50 lbs), allowing the harp to fly as checked baggage with no extra fees. Airline staff were surprised it could travel that way, but after confirming the policy, they accepted it. The harp made multiple flights and arrived without damage. The client was so impressed with Nashville’s patience and “excellent work” that she kept the custom box for future tours.

How reliable is Craters & Freighters Nashville for critical shipments?

Extremely reliable – even over many years of service. Long-term Nashville clients report shipments arriving on time and intact. One pro audio industry customer has used C&F for a decade to ship large recording consoles and equipment worldwide, saying their service has been “2nd to none” with no shipment ever lost or damaged. He also praised their deep knowledge of international documentation, which has been “perfect” every time.

Are C&F Nashville’s crates compliant with export regulations like ISPM-15?

Yes. All crates built by C&F Nashville meet required standards, including ISPM-15 – the international standard for treated wood packaging. This ensures acceptance through customs worldwide. A Nashville logistics partner called them “THE crating experts – very professional and always compliant,” and praised the team’s organization and customer service.

Has Craters & Freighters Nashville upgraded their services or technology recently?

Absolutely. The Nashville location continues to invest in quality and efficiency. One customer commented that the team had made “serious investments in time and equipment” over the past two years, resulting in higher work quality. Every detail of her complex order was handled perfectly, giving her full confidence in the final outcome.

Will the Nashville team go the extra mile to meet customer needs?

Yes – and they have a proven record of doing so. One customer thanked “everyone from C&F” for “every late hard day” they worked to get her project finished. She said the effort “was so awesome” and promised to return for any future crating or pallet needs.

Shipping FAQs

How will my item(s) be shipped?

Depending on the item and level of service requested, we ship by truck, air, and sea.

Do you ship nationwide?

Yes. We currently have 65+ individually owned and operated franchise locations across the country that specialize in shipping nationwide and internationally. Whether you’re a residential or business customer, we can assist you with all of your logistics needs.

Do you offer international shipping?

Yes, we do! Contact us for further information, quotes and availability. Please see our International Shipping page for more information.

Do you pick up and deliver?

Yes, we offer pickup and delivery services. Visit our Pickup & Delivery page for more information.

Can you provide white-glove delivery?

Yes, we offer white-glove services as an added option in shipping. Visit our White-Glove Delivery page for more information

Do you offer time-critical and overnight services?

Yes, please contact us for more information and pricing and check out our Just-In-Time (JIT) Crate & Pallet Delivery page.

Do you ship art, antiques, fragile and high-value items?

Yes! Please see our Art & Antiques page.

Do you provide military and government shipping?

Yes, please see our Military & Government Shipping page.

Do you ship heavy industrial machinery and equipment?

Yes, we do! Please see our Heavy Equipment Crating & Shipping page.

Do you provide estate shipping services?

Yes, Please see our Estate & Trust Shipping page for more information.

Do you handle hard to ship items?

We can handle and hard to ship fragile, high-value, & large shipments with care, ensuring safe delivery across the globe.

Can I prepare my own crate for shipping instead of using Craters & Freighters’ crating services?

Yes, you can. While we offer expert custom crating for maximum protection, some customers prefer to build their own crate for domestic shipments. If you're considering the DIY route, our step-by-step guide to building a crate from pallets is a helpful resource.

Commercial FAQs

Do you ship containers?

Yes, we handle everything from small shipments to large, dedicated full container load shipments.

Do you offer debris removal?

Yes, please contact us for information and pricing.

Do you handle hazardous material and dangerous goods?

Yes, we can pack and ship most hazardous materials according to 49 CFR, IMDG, and ICAO regulations. Please visit our Hazmat Shipping page for more information.

Crating FAQs

Are all of your crates/boxes custom made?

Yes, each container is custom-designed and built to fit the needs of the item(s) you are shipping.

Do you handle sensitive electronic equipment?

Yes, please visit our IT & Electronics page for details.

Do you provide ISPM 15 crates for export?

Yes, we have extensive knowledge of ISPM 15 policies and regulations.

What are the requirements for ISPM 15 crates?

According to the US Department of Agriculture:
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 require all solid wood packing material to be heat treated and stamped with an official mark. ISPM 15 requirements apply to all hardwood and softwood (coniferous and non-coniferous) packaging materials. The standard does not apply to wood packaging made wholly of manufactured wood products such as plywood, particle board, oriented strand board, or products created using glue, heat and pressure or a combination of these. The second alternative, Fumigation with Methyl Bromide (MB), while still acceptable is being phased out because of environmental reasons. The fumigator must be registered in the program in order to issue the ALSC Quality Mark. Important note to exporters: ISPM 15 requirements apply to all coniferous (softwood) and non-coniferous (hardwood) packing materials including dunnage. U.S. Inspection Agencies control the issuance of the ALSC Quality Mark, and the presence of the Quality Mark ensures WPM produced in the U.S. and destined for export meets the importing countries regulations. Trading partners are adopting the ISPM15 in their import regulations. As the National Plant Protection Organization of the United States, the United States Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the wood packaging material industry, has developed an export program to guarantee compliance with the import requirements of trading countries. The program insures certified treatment and marking of wood packaging material for international trade, while maintaining traceability of the packaging material. The integrity of the program is dependent upon industries compliance.

Do you do on-site crating?

Yes, we can provide on-site crating at your place of business.

Do you make reusable crates?

Yes! Save time, effort, and money by allowing us to design and build you a reusable crate, whether it’s for trade shows or other purposes.

Do you provide heat shrink wrapping?

Yes, please visit our Heat Shrink Wrapping page for more information.