Craters & Freighters marks a milestone anniversary as a leader in custom crating and specialty logistics  

Craters & Freighters, a pioneer in specialty packaging, custom crating, and logistics solutions, is proudly celebrating its 35th anniversary. Founded in Golden, Colorado in 1990 by Diane Gibson, the company identified an underserved niche in the shipping industry and quickly expanded its operations. Just one year later, Craters & Freighters began franchising and has since grown to 65+ locations nationwide.      

Custom solutions for complex shipping needs 

“When a client needs to ship a high-value, fragile, or oversized item that requires specialized care, that’s where we come in,” explains Matthew Schmitz, CEO of Craters & Freighters. “Whether we retrieve the item or receive it at one of our locations, we design and engineer a custom crating solution to ensure its protection – then manage the shipment from start to finish. While custom crating is our specialty, we also provide comprehensive logistics and shipping support, including Hazmat shipping services offered at many of our locations.” 

The company serves a diverse range of industries, managing the transport of everything from industrial machinery and sensitive medical equipment to servers and high-tech systems for major enterprises. “We maintain in-house engineering capabilities that allow us to create tailored crating solutions for assets that don’t fit standard packaging guidelines,” adds Tony Shaw, President of Craters & Freighters. 

National reach, local accountability 

Matthew attributes the company’s long-standing success to its business model and broad geographic reach. “Our services remain essential regardless of economic conditions. Whether times are prosperous or uncertain, there’s always a need to move high-value assets. Our nationwide brick-and-mortar footprint, the largest of any crating company in the US, also allows clients to coordinate shipments from virtually anywhere through a single point of contact.” 

In addition to domestic capabilities, Craters & Freighters has built a strong reputation in global logistics. “International shipping presents unique challenges,” Schmitz notes. “We work closely with our sister company, Craters & Freighters Global Logistics, to assist both our franchise network and national accounts with cross-border shipments. From managing compliance and documentation to coordinating air and ocean freight, our team has the expertise to simplify even the most complex international moves.” 

Tech-driven efficiency  

While geopolitical factors such as tariffs and material costs can impact global operations, Matthew emphasizes the company’s adaptability and efficiency as key differentiators. One driver of that efficiency is its proprietary technology platform. 

“Our internal software supports the design of crates while also acting as a centralized system for operational data across the entire network,” he says. “This allows us to optimize crate production, minimize waste, and maintain consistent quality standards, ultimately delivering better outcomes for our clients while advancing our sustainability goals.” 

Craters & Freighters has long prioritized environmental responsibility. In addition to promoting recycling and the use of biodegradable materials, the company partners with tree-planting initiatives such as Trees for the Future and supports the Arbor Day Foundation. “We understand the importance of replenishing the natural resources we rely on,” Mathew states. “Sustainability is a value that resonates with our customers, and we’re committed to doing our part.” 

Celebrating the past, building the future  

Looking ahead, Craters & Freighters continues to focus on strategic growth. Recent developments include new franchise locations in Sacramento and Cincinnati, as well as the Kansas City franchise’s acquisition of the largest warehouse in the company’s history. Plans are also underway to expand into Canada. 

“Despite the uncertainty that can accompany shifts in political leadership, 2025 is already tracking to be our strongest year to date,” Matthew says. “We’re continuing to build momentum, both through domestic expansion and international growth, while ensuring we deliver the highest level of service and value to our customers.” 

As Craters & Freighters celebrates this important milestone, its focus remains firmly on the future, investing in innovation, sustainability, and scalable solutions to support the evolving logistics needs of its clients. With a strong foundation, a growing network, and a reputation for reliability, the company is well-positioned to lead the industry into its next era of growth and service excellence.  

www.cratersandfreighters.com