Machinery Shipping Crate and Rigging Plan Template
Machines are damaged more often in transit and at the unloading dock than on the production floor. A written crating and rigging plan puts weights, lift points and site constraints on paper before the truck arrives.
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Machinery Shipping Crate and Rigging Plan Template
Crating and Rigging Plan
Shipper: Northfield Automation Ltd Consignee: Harbor Packaging Inc Machine: CP-12 Case Packer, S/N CP12-0457 Planned ship date: 2026-11-18
Load data
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Crated dimensions | 4.2 m x 2.1 m x 2.4 m |
| Gross weight | 6,800 kg |
| Center of gravity | Offset 300 mm toward drive end, marked on crate |
| Transport mode | Road flatbed |
| Protection | Closed wooden crate |
Lifting points and equipment
| Lift point | Method | Rated capacity | Checked by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fork pockets | |||
| Crane lugs | |||
| Spreader beam |
Site access
Dock height 1.2 m, 10 t forklift available, 2.5 m door height at receiving. Mobile crane required for placement.
Preparation checklist
| Task | Done | Initials |
|---|---|---|
| Fluids drained or secured | ||
| Loose parts bolted or boxed | ||
| Moving axes locked | ||
| Bright surfaces coated with rust preventive | ||
| Desiccant and indicator fitted | ||
| Tilt and shock indicators fitted | ||
| Photos taken before closing crate |
Approvals
A starting point. Lifting must follow a qualified rigger's plan and local regulations. Confirm weights by weighing and verify wood packaging marking requirements such as ISPM 15 for export.
Generate shipping documents from ERP data
Optional review of producing packing and shipping documents directly from your ERP.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to use the plan
Fill in the machine, dimensions, gross weight and center of gravity. These numbers drive the choice of crate, trailer and lifting equipment, so use measured values, not drawing estimates. Pick the transport mode and the protection method together, since an ocean container needs vapor protection while a local road move may not. Add the consignee's site access details, such as door height, floor load and crane availability. Complete the preparation checklist at packing and attach photos.
- Weigh the crated machine when possible
- Mark center of gravity and lift points on the outside
- Ask the consignee for door and floor limits early
- Photograph the machine before the crate is closed
Choosing protection
The right protection depends on the route, duration and climate. Ocean shipments face condensation, so use a sealed barrier with desiccant and a humidity indicator. Machined and ground surfaces need rust preventive. Controllers and drives often travel better removed and boxed separately. For export, wooden pallets and crates normally need heat treatment and marking under ISPM 15, and some countries have extra rules. Check requirements with your forwarder before building the crate.
Rigging and site handover
The rigging table makes sure each lifting method has a rated capacity and a person who checked it. Rated capacity must exceed gross weight with an appropriate safety margin, and the center of gravity may require unequal sling lengths or a spreader beam. At arrival, inspect the tilt and shock indicators before accepting the load and note damage on the delivery document. Record any claim details promptly, because carrier time limits are short.
Common mistakes
Frequent problems are using drawing weights that omit options, forgetting that the site door is too low, and planning a forklift lift for a load that needs a crane. Another is skipping photos, which leaves no evidence for an insurance claim. Share the plan with the installation team so unloading and placement are planned with the same numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISPM 15?
ISPM 15 is an international standard for treating and marking solid wood packaging used in international trade to limit the spread of pests. Many countries require the mark on wooden crates and pallets for export.
How do I find the center of gravity?
Use the CAD model for a first estimate, then confirm with scales under each support point or a trial lift. Mark the result visibly on the crate and in the rigging plan.
Who is responsible for unloading?
The contract and the shipping terms decide this. State on the plan who supplies the crane or forklift and who holds the lift plan, so the delivery day does not turn into a dispute.
Does this replace a formal lift plan?
No. It collects the inputs. For critical or heavy lifts a qualified rigger or lift supervisor must prepare and approve the actual lift plan under local regulations.
If shipping data and packing lists come from your ERP, Netray can help generate them consistently from sales and inventory records. Ask for a short review.
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