crates

Crates are containers used for shipping and storage, typically made from wood, plastic, or metal. They are designed to be sturdy and reusable, with features such as reinforced corners, nail or screw fastenings, and handles or removable lids. Crates are usually distinguished from simple boxes by their ability to bear heavy loads and to tolerate rough handling, and they may be ventilated or fitted with stacking supports.

Wooden crates have been widely used for centuries in trade and industry. They are built from boards joined by nails or screws and often feature slatted sides that allow ventilation and reduce weight. Plastic and metal crates are common for reuse, especially in cold storage, automated handling, or high-demand environments because they resist moisture and corrosion. Crates are frequently designed to fit standard pallet sizes to facilitate mechanical handling.

Historically, crates supported long-distance transport of fruits, vegetables, textiles, machinery, and other bulk goods. In international trade, wooden packaging is subject to phytosanitary requirements, such as ISPM 15, mandating heat treatment or fumigation to reduce pest risk. Reusable crates can be returned and repurposed, reducing waste and packaging cost.

In addition to physical crates, the term appears in software and computing. A crate is a package or library containing code, particularly in Rust, where crates are distributed via the crates.io registry and managed with the Cargo tool. The term can also describe any container in data or virtualization contexts, though this usage is less formal.