FAQ’s
Does SPS offer full packaging services and solutions?
Yes, at SPS we strive to deliver a customised solution to each of our clients. We are always on call to design and create unique packaging solutions. It is part of our service package to pack the crates and pallets to the specifications of our clients.
Does SPS package break bulk commodities?
Yes. SPS has packed goods of up to almost 50 tons in the past. We are most interested in packing those big, bulky, awkward items that frighten off other packaging companies.
Do you manufacture cardboard products?
Yes, however, our cardboard range is limited to Cardboard Pallet Boxes.
What is your turn around time?
Here at SPS, the needs of our clients always come first. We are committed to completing our end of a project on time to ensure our clients meet their deadlines. It is important to us to deliver a quality product on time, and we have managed to deliver crates within hours of orders being placed.
What is the difference between a 4way and a 2way base?
A 4way base allows a forklift to lift from all four sides of the pallet or crate, whereas a 2way allows entry only from two opposite sides. 4way entry allows for greater maneuverability than 2way entry. A 2way base, however offers more support than a 4way base.
What is the difference between a crate and a box?
A crate is a packaging structure designed with gaps (of various sizes) between the pieces of wood, whereas a box is designed to have no gaps and instead has solid sides and a solid lid.
Are industrial crates and boxes waterproof?
As the crates and boxes are made from timber, they are not waterproof. SPS does, however, offer waterproofing solutions such as Heat shrinking and Plastic wrap to protect the contents of the crates.
Do you deliver?
Yes. Delivery is free to the major city centres in Gauteng. With the possible introduction of e-tolling in the future, a nominal delivery fee may be included for those sites that are along the tolled routes. If delivery is required outside of Gauteng, the charge will be included in the quotation.
Do your staff have forklift licenses?
Several staff members at SPS have acquired their forklift licenses. Copies of on-site team members’ licenses can be provided if required.
Does SPS offer on-site packaging?
Yes. The majority of SPS clients require goods to be packed on site. An on-site team is assembled and sent to site to carry out the packaging needs of our clients.
Do you pack shipping containers and flat racks?
Yes. SPS staff members are experts at packing 6 or 12m Containers, Open Tops and Flat racks. The on-site team will strap and chock the contents to ensure their safe, undamaged arrival at their destination.
What is Wet off Saw Timber?
Wet off Saw Timber is timber that has not been treated in any way, it comes straight from the lumber yard to our factory. This type of timber has a high moisture content and is only suitable for local use i.e it cannot be used to make products that are to be exported.
What treatments are required to export wooden crates and pallets?
According to the ISPM-15 guidelines, a requirement when exporting a wooden crate or pallet is that the timber from which it is made must be treated to remove any living infestations. At SPS we offer two forms of treated timber– Fumigated and Heat Treated – which ensure that our products are fit for overseas exportation and cross-border transport.
What is fumigated timber?
Fumigated timber is timber that has been treated with Methyl Bromide to effectively control insects at all stages of the life cycle. Once fumigated, the timber is ready to be used to create crates and pallets for exportation. The process of fumigation is slowly being phased out throughout the world and will soon be solely replaced by heat treatment.
What is heat treated timber?
Timber is placed in a kiln at 74°C for between 4 and 10 hours to remove any living infestations which could contaminate or harm international resources. The timber is then ready to be used to create crates and pallets for export. This treatment also lowers the moisture content of the timber, and Heat- treated timber has a lower density than Fumigated or Wet off Saw timber.
Can SPS provide Fumigation and Heat treated certificates?
Yes. SPS has the necessary certifications for Fumigated and Heat treated timber.
What is SPS’ minimum order quantity?
One. At SPS we are willing to make hundreds of items for our clients, but we also understand that often someone may only need a single box, and we are happy to make those too.