Business Details
36 Years
experience
Custom Crating & Freight Shipping Experts in Washington DC
Founded in 1990, Craters & Freighters Washington DC has established itself as a leader in specialized crating, packaging, and freight shipping solutions. With over 65 locations nationwide and three decades of experience, we serve both residential and commercial clients across diverse sectors including electronics, medical equipment, artwork, and industrial machinery. Our team of experts designs custom-engineered packaging solutions to ensure the safe transport of oversized, fragile, or hazardous items domestically and internationally. Backed by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, we prioritize single-source responsibility, offering comprehensive services from pickup to insurance. Our commitment to quality is reflected in a 99.5% damage-free shipment rate, achieved through meticulous attention to blocking, bracing, and cushioning techniques.We operate with core values of integrity, accountability, and teamwork, ensuring clients receive tailored logistics support with a 'make it happen' attitude. Our service area includes Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Suburban Maryland, with capabilities extending to global destinations. By maintaining ownership of every step in the shipping process, we eliminate outsourcing risks and guarantee accountability. Whether handling senior relocations, auction items, or sensitive IT equipment, our professionals combine technical expertise with personalized service to meet complex shipping challenges.
Services
Custom Crating
International Shipping
On-Site Packaging
White-Glove Delivery
ISPM-15 Certified Crates
Hazardous Materials Shipping
Senior Relocation Services
Artwork Transportation
Server Equipment Crating
Freight Forwarding
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of specialized crating and shipping expertise
- On-site custom crating services for oversized/hazardous items
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau since 1990
- 99.5% damage-free shipment rate with engineered packaging
- Nationwide network with local accountability in Washington DC area
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau
What people say
Awesome staff
Perfect condition arrival
Professional handling
Timely delivery
Expert packaging
Services
Custom Crating
We design precision-engineered wooden crates for oversized or fragile items. Using high-quality ISPM-15 certified materials, our specialists create custom internal supports and cushioning systems. This ensures protection during transit for items ranging from industrial machinery to delicate artwork.
International Shipping
Our logistics team manages worldwide shipments with customs documentation expertise. Services include export packaging compliance, temperature-controlled options, and tracking systems. We handle all freight types including LTL, LCL, and air cargo for business and residential clients.
White-Glove Delivery
This premium service includes inside delivery, unpacking, and debris removal. Trained technicians handle high-value items with specialized equipment. Ideal for art installations, medical equipment, and senior relocations requiring extra care and precision.
Hazardous Materials Shipping
Certified professionals handle dangerous goods transportation with full regulatory compliance. We provide UN-certified packaging, proper labeling, and documentation for Class 3-9 hazardous materials. Services include spill containment and emergency response support.
On-Site Packaging
Our team brings crating equipment directly to client locations. This service eliminates transportation risks for oversized items. We construct custom crates at the pickup site using portable tools and materials, maintaining the same quality standards as our warehouse operations.
Questions
What types of items can you ship?
We handle oversized, fragile, hazardous, and high-value items including industrial machinery, artwork, medical equipment, and household goods. No shipment is too challenging for our team.
Do you offer international shipping services?
Yes, we provide global shipping with ISPM-15 certified crating, customs documentation, and compliance packaging. Our logistics network supports destinations worldwide with tracking capabilities.
How do you handle fragile items?
Our specialists use custom-engineered packaging with multi-layer cushioning systems. Items receive interior blocking and bracing tailored to their specific dimensions and fragility requirements.
Are you BBB accredited?
Yes, we maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau since 1990, reflecting our commitment to ethical business practices and customer satisfaction.
What's your shipping process?
Contact us for a consultation, receive a customized quote with packaging recommendations, then approve the plan. We handle pickup, crating, transportation, and delivery with real-time updates.
Reviews (5)
Moira Edwards
Jan 04, 2022
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I am blown away by the great service I got from Craters and Freighters in Sterling. I had a lot of items to ship domestically and internationally, and the came to the condo, took it all away for packing, wrapped it incredibly carefully (and repacked some of them to cost me the least), and then shipped them out. But the most lovely thing is how they interact with you - they are very responsive, very clear, and very thoughtful. A total pleasure, and made the sad job of managing the estate of a loved one so much easier.
Ken Berry
Jan 03, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
We had to get a shipment from DC to Puerto Rico within 3 days, and Craters & Freighters DC handled every step of the shipment for us. Our goods arrived in time for the opening party for the home, everyone was happy, and relieved!
We had to get a shipment from DC to Puerto Rico within 3 days, and Craters & Freighters DC handled every step of the shipment for us. Our goods arrived in time for the opening party for the home, everyone was happy, and relieved!
Chris H.
Dec 13, 2021
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We just shipped an antique dresser with mirror from VA to FL using Craters & Freighters. I was very satisfied with the service, attention to detail, packing, and safe transport. I received excellent service from Laura who worked with me to limit costs as much as possible and who kept me posted at each step of the process.. The company gave me plenty of notice when they picked up the dresser at a storage unit, packed it beautifully and got it safely to its destination.. The recipient was very appreciative and noted how well it was packed and protected. He was also pleased with the local delivery
Tcat
Nov 12, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
I had the pleasure of recently working with the C&F DC team. From the beginning the customer service was professional, polite and efficient. My request of them was a bit tricky involving several moving parts and they pulled it off without a hitch. Their efforts made me look like a hero to my family. Thanks C&F!
I had the pleasure of recently working with the C&F DC team. From the beginning the customer service was professional, polite and efficient. My request of them was a bit tricky involving several moving parts and they pulled it off without a hitch. Their efforts made me look like a hero to my family. Thanks C&F!
Kennedy Stewart
Jan 16, 2021
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Facing my first military cross-country move in the middle of a global pandemic was stressful. Facing the move trying to figure out how to move my great-grandmothers 120 year old antique? Seemingly impossible. Until Craters and Freighters!
Matt was AMAZING to work with and reassured me every step of the way. The crew was extremely professional and calmed my overly anxious nerves. They came to the house and picked up the piece to then build a custom crate for it (8 ft. tall, by the way!) and delivered exactly on time to load the crate onto the military moving truck. The piece made it from San Diego
Matt was AMAZING to work with and reassured me every step of the way. The crew was extremely professional and calmed my overly anxious nerves. They came to the house and picked up the piece to then build a custom crate for it (8 ft. tall, by the way!) and delivered exactly on time to load the crate onto the military moving truck. The piece made it from San Diego
