Why Materials Matter In Shipping (And Why Metal May Be The Best Choice)

Q&A with Steve Arnold, Americase

Question 1: What are the key benefits of using metal over other materials for shipping containers?

One of the main advantages of using metal, specifically aluminum, over other materials like wood, plastic, or fiberglass, is durability. When I’ve visited sites, I’ve seen frequent damage to wooden and plastic containers, sometimes even fiberglass, which can compromise the tooling or products inside. With aluminum, especially the type we use, there’s less chance of punctures or damages.

We also reinforce the containers with kick plates around the bottom, where forklifts typically interact with them. This added durability is a major reason why companies prefer to switch to metal for their shipping needs.

Question 2: How does the choice of shipping materials impact the overall cost and efficiency of logistics operations?

Material choice directly affects logistics costs, particularly because of weight. I’ve been in airline warehouses, and I’ve noticed how much heavier wooden and plastic crates are compared to our aluminum ones. Weight is a crucial factor in the airline industry, especially due to fuel costs.

Switching to aluminum containers offers significant savings on fuel. Moreover, since Americase customizes every container, we can make cases that fit better within the airline’s cargo space, optimizing the footprint. In contrast, plastic containers often require expensive molds, limiting them to standard sizes. Our customized approach allows us to better match the container to the specific product, reducing size inefficiencies and improving both cost and space utilization.

Question 3: What environmental considerations should be taken into account when selecting materials for shipping, and how does metal compare to alternatives in terms of sustainability?

Aluminum is highly sustainable. It’s 100% recyclable, and its properties don’t degrade through the recycling process. This means that even after recycling multiple times, aluminum retains its strength and structural integrity. At Americase, any leftover aluminum sheets from production are fully recycled, keeping the material in circulation without any loss in quality.

Additionally, aluminum containers weigh about a third of what wooden cases weigh. This reduced weight translates to lower fuel consumption during transportation, which not only cuts fuel costs but also helps reduce air pollution. For many of our customers, this combination of reduced weight and environmental sustainability is a major incentive to choose aluminum over other materials.

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