Custom Crating - Sunset International Shipping

Custom Crating

Due to the rigors of international shipping, there is a need for more durable packing.
Let our highly skilled professionals assist you with those precious paintings and fragile items.

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With Sunset Moving, you will always know what to expect. Our team of highly skilled professionals will be there for you, every step of your moving process. To show you just how devoted we are to our business, we are going to offer you services like planning the move, tracking the shipment, and even designing and creating a custom built crate for any of your sensitive or valuable belongings. You will not have to worry about any fragile items that are going through the moving process. The highly trained and vastly experienced workers of the Sunset Moving are going to do their very best at preserving the pristine condition of your valuable personal possessions. We provide a wide variety of custom designed wood crates and boxes. We can help you with the design of your container, construction of your container, and arrange for the shipping and insurance of your item. We are well aware that not everything fits perfectly inside a box. That is why we have decided to offer custom crating as one of our options, since we understand what is like shipping antiques, artwork, family furniture you must preserve, your beloved motorcycle or china plates and services. We don’t want you to agonize over whether it will survive the air freight to your destination, or whether it was well secured at the airport. It is our job to deliver you this luggage in the same intact condition as we packed it. Of course, primarily what concerns us as designers is starting with the best style to match the item in question. Different boxes and crates have different loading capacities, and those that seemingly could fit, don’t always end up as the best choice. Just as critical is accounting for shock and vibration, as we are all acquainted with obstacles of transportation and moving. To overcome this issue, we have contacted some of the best specialists at developing proper cushioning materials, based on item weight, fragility and overall sensitivity to vibrations. Lastly, we make sure your item is adequately secured inside a box or a crate, and so your shipment is now able to withstand any kind of shipping environment rigors. Allow us to provide you with stability and careful handling of the items you hold close to your heart, and don’t hesitate, give us a call today so we can set up a crate and ship you off to your desired destination in a carefree manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is custom crating and when do I need it?

Custom crating is a build-to-fit wooden crate designed to protect specific items during international transit. It’s recommended for art, antiques, mirrors, marble, glass, large electronics, sculptures, pianos, and any irreplaceable or fragile piece that needs more protection than standard cartons provide.

How are custom crates built?

Each crate is constructed on-site from kiln-dried lumber, plywood panels, and corrosion-resistant fasteners. Interiors are lined with foam, padding, or shock-absorbing inserts shaped to the item. Crates meet ISPM-15 international phytosanitary standards for export-grade wood.

Can you crate artwork and antiques?

Yes. Sunset specializes in crating paintings, sculptures, antique furniture, glass-front cabinets, and other delicate or high-value pieces. Climate-controlled crating with moisture barriers is available for items sensitive to humidity changes.

What is the maximum size of a custom crate?

We build crates of virtually any size, from small art crates under 2 feet to oversized crates 12+ feet long for pianos, large statues, or industrial equipment. For very large pieces, we coordinate with specialized riggers.

Do custom crates meet international shipping regulations?

Yes. All Sunset custom crates are built with ISPM-15 compliant heat-treated wood, marked with the official stamp required for export. This meets customs and quarantine requirements for every destination country.

How much does custom crating cost?

Pricing depends on item size, materials, and complexity — small art crates start around $150–$300, while large or complex crates can run $500+. Contact Sunset International Moving at 805-209-1426 for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your move.

Moving Services

Whether you choose to move by air or sea, we can help you budget and plan. We can even do all your packing for you. Schedule a call today!

Free Storage

Moving can be tough. That’s why we provide 30 days of free storage to make it easier.

Learn more about storage »
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