From yard to site
Crated, loaded and documented at our yard
Every crate is built to the stone it carries and loaded to the container carefully, to fixed specifications and timings set out below.
Crating
Timber crating for export
Crates are built from treated timber suitable for international shipment. Slabs are edge-protected and separated so no stone face bears directly on another.
Crates are built from ISPM-15 treated and stamped timber, meeting UK and EU import requirements for solid wood packaging, with a phytosanitary treatment certificate issued for every shipment.
Crate specification
Indicative crate sizes and payloads
| Crate type | External dimensions | Typical payload | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard export crate | 2,400 × 900 × 250 mm | approx. 1,850 kg gross | calibrated slabs |
| Reinforced pallet-crate | 1,200 × 1,000 × 900 mm | approx. 1,200 kg gross | flooring tiles |
| Sample carton | 400 × 300 × 150 mm | approx. 12 kg gross | trade sample boxes |
Loading
Container loading
Crates are loaded to a stowage plan with heavier crates low and centred, and every crate chocked and lashed to prevent movement in transit. We do not overload a container beyond its practical weight limit.
Container capacity
Indicative container payloads
| Container | Typical payload | Approximate area | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft dry container | approx. 24,500 kg payload | approx. 520 m² at 18mm calliper | standard export lane |
| 40ft dry container | approx. 26,000 kg payload | approx. 1,080 m² at 18mm calliper | large single-stone orders |
Timeline
Transit stages, quarry to UK address
| Stage | Typical duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting and finishing | 3–4 weeks | depends on stone, finish and quantity |
| Inland haulage to port of loading | 3–5 days | yard to Port of Chennai |
| Ocean freight to UK | 28–32 days | Port of Chennai to UK port |
| UK port clearance to delivery address | 3–5 working days | subject to customs clearance and haulier availability |
Quotations available to your nearest port or delivered to your yard, on request.
Documentation
What travels with every shipment
- 01Commercial invoice and packing list, itemised by crate number
- 02Bill of lading
- 03Certificate of origin
- 04Phytosanitary treatment certificate for treated timber crating
Plan a delivery
Get crating and freight costed against your order
Quotations available to your nearest port or delivered to your yard, on request.