The five cost drivers
- Size / volume. Bigger cases use more material and more labour, and they cost more to ship — so the external dimensions are the single biggest driver. Right-sizing to the cargo (plus clearance) is where most savings start.
- Wood volume: solid framing vs plywood panels. Solid-wood walls and heavy framing use far more timber than a plywood-skinned, framed case. Where the cargo allows, a plywood-panel design cuts both material cost and weight.
- Grade. The timber species (for runners and frame) and the plywood grade (MR, BWR, marine) you specify move the price. Over-specifying — e.g. marine ply for dry transit — adds cost you may not need.
- ISPM-15 treatment. The solid-wood components must be heat-treated and stamped for export. This is a real but modest line item; the plywood panels themselves are generally exempt (see the ISPM-15 guide).
- Quantity. Repeat and bulk orders carry less set-up and cutting overhead per case than one-off builds, so unit cost falls with volume.
What moves the number most
| Lever | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Right-size the case to the cargo | Large — less material and less freight |
| Plywood panels instead of solid-wood walls | Large — less timber, lighter case |
| Specify the correct (not the highest) grade | Moderate — avoids paying for over-spec |
| Order in repeat / bulk quantities | Moderate — lower set-up per unit |
| ISPM-15 treatment | Small but required for export |
Weight is a hidden cost
A heavier case costs more in freight every time it ships — sometimes more than the case itself over a programme. That is why a lighter design (plywood panels, and an Okoume face where appearance matters) often wins on total landed cost, not just the build price.
How we quote it
Tell us the cargo dimensions and weight, the destination port, and whether you need single cases or a repeat schedule. We design to your bill of materials, recommend where to save, and quote a firm FOB-Cochin figure — confirmed at quotation, with pre-shipment photos before dispatch. See plywood boxes & crates.