Ask any appliance manufacturer about transporting goods, and they will probably say the biggest challenge is finding something that offers both strength and precision in packaging.
It’s never easy to transport big-ticket items like furnaces, refrigerators, ovens, and washers. They are heavy, high-value, and sensitive to damage during transport or warehouse handling. That’s why you need to select the right industrial container, whether you want to go with plastic bulk bins, used plastic totes, or anything else.
At APR Containers, we help companies avoid these problems with reusable, customizable, and repairable bulk and pallet containers.
In this post, we will explain five mistakes buyers make when purchasing plastic containers for appliances and how the right approach can keep your products safe and help save money.
Mistake 1: Choosing Non-Reusable Containers
For industrial packaging, it’s easy to opt for single-use containers, especially when their upfront cost is lower. That said, non-reusable containers are a temporary solution that, in the end, becomes more expensive than you think.
Unlike reusable plastic collapsible containers, single-use options do not offer the same durability or long-term value. As these containers degrade or become unusable after a single shipment, you end up spending more on new purchases, which escalates your overall shipping costs. Plus, these containers contribute to environmental waste, which can result in fines or poor brand image.
APR Containers offers a better alternative. We refurbish used bulk containers, making them suitable for repeated use. Although refurbished, these containers stand up to the demands of shipping and storage in the appliance industry.
These plastic collapsible containers not only minimize waste but also help reduce the need for constant repurchasing. Designed for longevity, our containers are built to handle multiple cycles of use, saving your business time and money. It’s a win-win.
Mistake 2: Failing to Protect Your Products
The US shipping and freight industry continues to sustain heavy losses due to in-transit damages. In 2023, shippers reported an average LTL damage rate of 1.94%, which amounted to $6.3 million.
As appliances are inherently heavy, bulky, and fragile, transporting them is challenging, especially without the right packaging. Whether it’s a washer, a refrigerator, or a furnace, these items require specialized protection during shipping and storage. Using the wrong container can lead to costly damages like dents, scratches, or internal component issues, all of which impact your bottom line and brand image.
With solutions like plastic bulk bins and pallet containers, APR Containers helps you transport your products safely. Our containers are engineered to absorb shock and prevent appliance damage. Whether you want to transport large refrigerators or the delicate components of a furnace, you can get a customized solution if required.
Additionally, our used plastic totes are refurbished to maintain the same level of strength, making them a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. Choosing these containers helps you save money and still deliver your appliance with reduced risk of damage.
Mistake 3: Buying Containers That Can’t Be Customized
One-size-fits-all solutions rarely work for packaging large, irregularly shaped appliances. Standard containers may seem like a quick fix, but they typically fail to meet the specific needs of your products. And without a precise fit, you risk damaging your products during transit.
Many containers also lack the capacity for special inserts or modifications that keep your appliances securely in place. This absence of custom features can lead to wasted space, reduced load capacity, and, more importantly, damage.
APR Containers solves this problem through plastic container customization. Our design experts can cut, weld, or modify your containers depending on your storage and transport needs. Furthermore, our containers can be adapted with special inserts or dividers to hold each product securely in place.
With our plastic container repair services, your containers can be maintained and refurbished to extend their lifespan. In other words, the same containers can be used to transport different or unique products, supporting your supply chain in cost and efficiency optimization.
Mistake 4: Overlooking Repair Options
When your containers get damaged, whether from wear and tear, impact, or improper handling, your first natural response is to replace them. However, replacing containers each time they sustain damage can quickly become an expensive and inefficient approach.
The common mistake here is overlooking repair options, which can result in continuous purchasing cycles, creating an ongoing expense that could have been avoided with proper maintenance. More often than not, what you need isn’t a brand-new container, but a repair to extend its useful life. Our plastic container repair services help you do just that.
Whether it’s fixing cracks, reinforcing structural components, or refurbishing damaged areas, our team makes sure your containers remain durable and functional. Additionally, our used bulk containers are refurbished to withstand multiple repair cycles, which makes them an even more cost-effective and sustainable option.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Long-Term Cost Savings
When purchasing industrial containers, it’s easy to focus on the upfront price. After all, budget constraints are a real concern for any business. However, this narrow focus can overlook the hidden costs of maintenance, frequent replacements, and operational downtime.
While a cheaper container might save you money in the short term, it can end up costing more over time due to its lower durability, lack of repair options, and the inefficiency it may create within your supply chain.
For instance, cheap containers may break down more quickly, requiring frequent replacements or repairs, resulting in higher operational costs. In addition, the time spent handling damaged or poorly designed containers can lead to downtime, further impacting your bottom line. These costs may not be immediately visible, but they accumulate over time, eroding any initial savings made from opting for lower-priced solutions.
APR Containers helps you avoid these pitfalls by offering returnable, reusable, and repairable containers that maximize your ROI over time. Whether it’s used plastic totes or plastic collapsible containers, all our products are built to last, helping you save money in the long run.
From see boxes and totes to bulk and pallet containers, all of our products can be used repeatedly, refurbished as needed, and customized to fit your specific needs. This reduces the need for constant replacements and lowers your overall packaging costs.
Get Reusable, Cost-Effective, And Durable Containers for Your Business
Choosing the right containers is crucial for protecting your appliances and optimizing long-term costs. By avoiding common mistakes like selecting non-reusable containers or overlooking repair options, you can reduce damage, waste, and ongoing expenses. APR Containers offers durable, customizable, and repairable solutions that maximize your ROI.
Contact us online or call (260) 276-6953 to get started.
