Services buying guideLast updated October 2026

Packing and Crating

Most stone damage happens in transit.

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Palletised stacks of Crab Orchard flagstone in a stone yard

Photo: Brian Stansberry, CC BY 4.0

Overview

What it is

Most stone damage happens in transit. Professional packing uses heat-treated (ISPM 15) wooden crates for tiles and small pieces, sturdy bundles on A-frames or slab crates for slabs, foam or film interleaves on polished faces, corner protectors, and strapping and lashing that stops movement in the container.

Export packers also label every crate and prepare packing lists that match your shop drawings, which saves days on site.

Standards
ISPM 15 (wood), CTU Code (container packing)
Formats
Crates, bundles, A-frames, pallets
Protection
Interleaves, edge and corner guards
Labels
Piece numbers matching drawings

Applications

Best used for

  • Slab and tile exportsStandard export packing.
  • Fabricated topsCountertops and vanities.
  • Monuments and carvingsCustom crates.
  • Project cargoNumbered pieces for installation.

Hubs

Where to find them

Where the providers cluster, near the quarries, factories and ports that generate the work.

Costs

How it's priced

  • Per crate or per container.
  • Heat-treated timber costs more but is mandatory for most destinations.

Usually a small share of order value.

Before you order

Buying checklist

  1. 1Face polished surfaces together with interleaves.
  2. 2Crates must be tight, with no play.
  3. 3Photograph each crate before closing.
  4. 4Mark fragile items and the centre of gravity.

Vendor Network

Ready to source packing and crating?

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Keep reading

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Freight Forwarding and Logistics

Forwarders book containers, clear customs, arrange haulage and insurance, and manage the paperwork from quarry to site.

  • First-time importers
  • Samples and small orders
  • Door-to-door delivery

Best to buy: Feb–May

Read guideSee freight vendors
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Pre-Shipment Inspection

An independent inspector checks sizes, finish, colour and packing at the factory, before you pay the balance.

  • First orders with a new supplier
  • High-value slabs
  • Large project tiles
Budget
Read guideSee inspection vendors
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