Buy a Craters & Freighters Franchise

Craters & Freighters is the national leader in specialty packaging, crating, and shipping, providing custom solutions for heavy, oversized, fragile, and high-value items that traditional carriers cannot handle. Founded in 1990 and franchising since 1991, the company now operates 67 locations across the U.S., utilizing industry-leading expertise to serve commercial clients in telecommunications, medical, aerospace, and manufacturing, as well as residential customers needing to move antiques, artwork, and other valuables. Every shipment receives a custom-built, engineered crate and is supported by specialty insurance, with a strong focus on sustainability through responsibly sourced and recyclable materials. The franchise offers a proven, recession-resilient business model—each boutique-style location is owner-operated and features exclusive territories, robust initial and ongoing training, proprietary business tools, and access to a national referral network. With an investment range of $173,350–$287,500, Craters & Freighters is an ideal opportunity for hands-on entrepreneurs seeking a stable, essential service backed by a respected national brand and a reputation for reliability in a challenging logistics niche.

Latest Resales

  • There are currently no Craters & Freighters resales available

Why buy a Craters & Freighters Franchise?

Investing in a Craters & Freighters franchise offers entry into a unique, recession-resistant niche with a proven business model and exclusive territories. Franchisees gain access to a strong brand, proprietary technology, national accounts, purchasing discounts, and comprehensive support from a dedicated corporate team. The franchise’s focus on specialty crating and shipping for high-value and difficult-to-ship items provides a competitive advantage in a large and growing market, making it an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a specialized logistics business.

Craters & Freighters Franchise Costs & Information

  • Minimum Qualifications

    • Initial Franchise Fee

      $30,000 - $40,000

    • Initial Investment

      $173,350 - $287,500

  • Royalty

    • Royalty Fee

      5%

  • Training & Support

    • 26-44 hours on the job training

    • 46 hours classroom training

    • Ongoing support

    • Marketing support

Craters & Freighters – Additional  Information

  1. Franchisee Support

    Craters & Freighters provides comprehensive franchisee support including 26-44 hours of on-the-job training and 46 hours of classroom instruction. Ongoing assistance covers site selection, lease negotiation, marketing support (co-op advertising, social media, SEO, email marketing), proprietary software, field operations, security procedures, and a franchisee intranet platform. Franchisees also benefit from purchasing co-ops, group cargo insurance, national account access, and a dedicated corporate team. The franchise model requires 3-4 employees per location and does not allow absentee ownership or home/mobile operation.

  2. Accolades & Awards

    Craters & Freighters is recognized as the largest U.S. footprint in custom crating, with a strong reputation for expertise in specialty freight solutions. The brand’s longevity since 1990, steady franchise growth, and inclusion in franchise directories reflect its respected status and franchisee satisfaction.

  3. Industry / Market

    The crating and shipping industry is a substantial $8.2 billion market driven by increasing demand for specialized packaging and logistics solutions for fragile, oversized, or high-value items. Craters & Freighters’ niche focus and extensive network enable franchisees to capitalize on growing sectors such as medical equipment, aerospace, art, antiques, and industrial machinery. The industry is poised for continued growth as businesses and consumers seek reliable, customized shipping services.

  4. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Craters & Freighters franchisee is a hands-on entrepreneur with strong business management skills and a commitment to customer service excellence. Prior logistics or shipping experience is beneficial but not required due to comprehensive training. Franchisees should be prepared to manage daily operations with a small team and build relationships with diverse clients requiring specialized freight solutions.

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