The Expert Crating, Packaging, & Overseas Shipping of a Custom Laser Weeder
Our Seattle professional shipping company has designed and successfully implemented crating, packaging, and shipping strategies for numerous kinds of projects. However, when asked to handle the shipping of a large laser weeder to go overseas, we were intrigued.
Laser weeders are a robotic achievement that uses high-res cameras and technical computing to navigate through crops. The weeder can actively distinguish between what’s weed and what’s crop and mitigate the weeds immediately using powerful laser systems.
This weed control is invaluable to commercial farming, as it can be done in any kind of weather, and it kills the weeds at the growth point before they can steal the abundance of resources from the crop.
As you can imagine, this equipment is incredibly sensitive, fragile, oversized, and valuable. Our client had a strict timeline of 10 days that we had to adhere to, adding to the complexity of this unique custom crating and shipping process.
Here’s how we accomplished the feat:
The Design Process
We know that large pieces of technical agricultural equipment need meticulous attention and handling. Damaged arrivals are not an option, so proactive packaging and crating design is integral to our process.
Our CAD designer used proprietary software to gather precise information regarding the design of the laser weeder’s packaging. We also utilized engineering principles that allowed us to create a structurally sound and stable crate for the necessary size and weight of the object and to survive overseas shipping.
Crating the Laser Weeder
Because the laser weeder was 240″W X 117″L X 106″H and weighed in at 15,000 pounds, onsite crating was needed to ensure protection. Industry best practices must always be adhered to when packaging and crating oversized and heavy farming equipment.
Our experience allowed us to overcome challenges, such as the size and weight. We did this by taking special consideration for the laser weeder’s unique shape and weight distribution, using our proprietary software and high-quality materials.
Specific Techniques Used to Crate this Unique Equipment
Every shipping project is different, and one that’s as advanced as the laser weeder project requires many highly specialized techniques to get the best results.
Besides shrink wrap, padding, bracing, and tie-downs, we used premium materials, such as:
- Pressure treated lumber
- Layered foam padding
- Metal lashing hardware
- Eye bolts
These materials played a pivotal role in protecting the laser weeder while in the shipping stream. The materials complemented the techniques used. We used padding and diagonal cross-bracing pattern tie-downs, and the bracing system was designed to match the needs of the weeder precisely. The materials and techniques used worked expertly together, absorbing shock, distributing weight, and preventing shifting throughout transport.
Offering an Emphasis on Quality Control
At Craters & Freighters, we utilize excellence in quality control procedures to ensure every crate meets international shipping standards. Our warehouse is inspected monthly by an independent entity to maximize safety protocols, confirm compliance with ISPM-15 certified wood, and shipments can be held in customs overseas if crating is not in compliance.
For this specific project, the laser weeder’s needs were considered, and testing was conducted to validate the crate’s structural integrity and ability to withstand the anticipated travel conditions. About this project, our CAD designer said, “The challenge of the project was immense, having numerous kinds of electronics and sensitive devices to cater to, but our team stepped up, followed the plan, and truly surpassed the goal of highly specified and effective packaging for a safe arrival after a long journey around the globe.”
In Conclusion
We are happy to say that we met and surpassed the expectations of our first laser weeder shipping project.
From the initial consultation to the completion. Crating and shipping agriculture equipment that also happens to be advanced technology is challenging but possible. It’s important to work with the right professional shipping company, one with resources, experience, and skill. Our mission is to give you the comprehensive solutions you need, next-level logistics and customer support, and quality on every level. If you need time-sensitive, oversized, and unique shipping, contact our professionals or get a free quote you can rely on today.