Terminology

The terminology currently presented here is not all inclusive and does not match all wood box and crating standards. Different standards, countries and segments of the crating industry within the US use various mismatched and sometimes conflicting terms. These terms listed here are believed to be the most commonly used, non-conflicting terms possible. If you have additions to or opinions about these terms, please post in the Standards and Regulations forum.

Container
	For the purpose of these definitions only the term Container shall be used to include crates of all configurations, wood boxes, storage containers, transport containers and any other similar container or assembly to which these terms may apply.
Performance Standard
	A collection of rules and guidelines developed primarily as a result of industry use. The standard must be proven to be common and effective.
Design Standard
	A collection of rules and guidelines developed by scientific method and proven effective in a controlled test environment.
Engineered Standard
	See Design Standard.
General Terminology
Content
	An item or collection of items to be contained within the container or for which the container will be built. If more than one item of the same or of different description are intended to go into one container, those items will collectively be termed the Content and will be referred to singularly.
Design
	A collection of Style, Rules, Classifications, characteristics, Components, component sizes and component placement relative to other components. Any variation of a Design will result in the creation of a new Design.
Material
	A tangible item that has not yet, and will become a Component.
-  Panelboard
	Any sheeted panel Material including panelboard, particleboard, Oriented Strand Board or any other suitable Material. Typically identified as a Material with a physical thickness primarily relative to its application while its length and width are considerably less relative.
-  Lumber
	Any Material that is primarily defined by its width and length and is selected based on those dimensions and where the Materials length is considerably less relative when considering its application. Typically solid wood but may consist of strips of panelboard or other synthetic or fabricated Materials so long as they are suitable for their application.
-  Material Group
	A collection of predetermined Materials used in a Design. For example; insect eradicated woods verses non-eradicated woods.
Component
	One or more Material items of exact similarity in size, weight and composition to each other, that is a part of a container.
-  Panelboard Sheathing
	Panelboard when used to provide a solid surface area to a container. Only used in reference to the Cap. When panelboard is used as part of the Base, it is referred to as Deckboard. Either Panelboard Sheathing or Lumber Sheathing is required for any particular panel to enable that panel to exist.
-  Lumber Sheathing
	Lumber when used to provide a near solid surface area of a container. May also be spaced as in the construction of an Open Panel. When Lumber is used as part of a Base, it is referred to by other names. Either Panelboard Sheathing or Lumber Sheathing is required for any particular panel to enable that panel to exist.
Unsupported Span
	A distance from the inside edge of a cleat closest to the edge of a panel to the inside edge of a parallel cleat situated on the opposing edge on the same panel. If a panel edge is not cleated then the edge of the panel shall serve as the point of measurement.
-  L-R Span
	Any span as viewed from Left-to-Right on a Top Panel, on Side Panels or on a Deck.
-  F-A Span
	The span as viewed from Front-to-Aft on a Top Panel, on the End Panels or on a Deck.
-  T-B Span
	The span as viewed from Top-to-Base on the Side Panels or on the End Panels.
Unsupported Area
	The area created by two perpendicular Unsupported Spans. Each value is presented individually as a linear dimension. For example 48" x 36".
Components and Component Assemblies
-  Board
	A plank material. Most commonly comprised of wood lumber but may be made from processed or synthetic materials.
-  -  Deckboard
	A Board that, when used, make up the major top surface area of a Base.
-  -  Fillerboard
	A Board that is narrower than and the same thickness as an adjacent Deckboard. Positioned alongside one or more Deckboards. Primarily used to reduce the amount of waste in a Deck. Also known as a Filler.
-  -  Headerboard
	A Board that, when used, is positioned at the inside surface of and near the bottom of End Panels. Used to strengthen the container for lifting and to provide strength against twisting. Positioned alongside of and displacing lumber Deckboards when used with a lumber deck. Also known as a Header.
-  -  Loadboard
	Primarily used as a support to disperse weight from a product to deck components which in-turn, directly support weight down to the ground. Used to strengthen the container for lifting and to provide strength against twisting. Positioned intermixed with and displacing lumber Deckboards when used with a lumber deck. Typically positioned above panelboard when used with a panelboard deck. Formerly Load Bearing Members
-  -  Wideboard
	A Board that is wider than and the same thickness as an adjacent Deckboard. Primarily used to reduce the amount of waste in a Deck.
-  Cleat
	A plank material used to provide support to a container. Most commonly comprised of a single wood lumber but may be made from processed or synthetic materials.
-  -  Framing Cleat
	A cleat that is positioned at or near the edge of a panel with the intent of adding rigidity to that panel and intended to increase the surface area for fasteners. Primarily used to fasten one panel to another. The existence, size and orientation of a Framing Cleat is determined by Style. The term Cleat is used broadly in these definitions to include struts and other structural framing members. See also: Style.
-  -  Support Cleat
	A cleat that is positioned anywhere other than at the edge of a panel. When Framing Cleats are used, a Support Cleat will be positioned within the perimeter created by the Framing Cleats. Support Cleat quantity and placement are controlled by Rules. See also: Rules.
-  -  Batten Cleat
	A Cleat primarily used to provide rigidity to lumber sheathed panels. Batten Cleats are oriented perpendicular to the lumber sheathing. Batten Cleat quantity and placement are controlled by Rules. See also: Rules.
-  -  Diagonal Cleat
	A cleat primarily used to add lateral support to a lumber sheathed panel. Often used in pairs pointing in opposing directions on the same panel, if a panel is not large enough, pointing in opposing directions on opposing panels. The angle of a Diagonal Cleat is dependent on the surface area available on a panel. Never oriented parallel to any panel edge. Diagonal Cleat quantity and placement are controlled by Rules. See also: Rules.
-  Panel
	One of five (top, front, back, left or right) surface structures in a container comprised of lumber and/or panelboard sheathing, framing cleats and support cleats. Note: The base may be constructed similar to a Panel but should still be termed a 'Base'.
-  -  Panel Position
	The position of a panel on a container as viewed from the front of the container.
-  -  -  Top Panel
	The panel on the upper surface of the container.
-  -  -  Side Panels
	Also known as Left-to-Right Panels. The two of four lateral panels that most commonly create an entry point for lifting. Commonly the panels with the greatest horizontal span, however a Side Panel may have a lesser horizontal span than an End Panel. If Rub Strips and/or Skids are removed from a Style that designated their use resulting in a different entry point, the orientation of the container will not change.
-  -  -  End Panels
	Also known as Front-to-Aft Panels. The vertical panels that are not the Side Panels.
-  -  Panel Type
	A panel can be one of three general types.
-  -  -  Open Panel
	A panel that has a consistent space between Sheathboards. which is greater than that required for board expansion.
-  -  -  Closed Panel
	A panel that is comprised of solid or near solid sheathing and is not an Open Panel.
-  -  -  Frame Panel
	A panel without any sheathing. It may be comprised of various types of cleat.
-  Cap
	The five Panels (top, sides and ends) collectively. Explicitly excluding the Base.
-  Base
	The lower portion of the container on which the Content rests. Primarily comprised of the Deck and the Lower Assembly.
-  -  Deck
	The Components on which the Content rests and any other components that are placed on the same horizontal plane excluding Headerboards. Comprised of some or all of the following: Deckboards; Fillerboards; Broadboards; Loadboards and Cleats that are applied to the Base.
-  -  Lower Assembly
	The Skids, Rub Strips and any other component that are placed below the Deck.
-  -  -  Skids
	Lumber members that rest directly below the Base when Base Cleats are not used and directly below the Base Cleats when they are used. Used to provide support for the Base and to provide a common fastening surface for base components. Used to provide rigidity to the base and may allow for fork lifting of the container when Rub Strips are not used and when so designed.
-  -  -  Rub Strips
	Lumber and sometimes segmented wood members that are positioned below Skids or below a Sill to allow for fork lifting from the front or back of a container. May run perpendicular to skids or in the opposite direction. Also known as Rubbing Strips.
-  Collar
	A framing structure that is placed around the sides and ends of the container and extending above the natural top to facilitate stable stacking of multiple containers.
-  Gusset
	A flat piece of panelboard used to provide support where multiple cleats join. Placed on the side of the cleats opposite the Sheathing.
-  Joist Assembly
	A collection of a single Joist, and adjoining Vertical Joist Supports and/or Horizontal Joist Supports. One container may and will typically include more than one Joist Assembly.
-  -  Joist
	A lumber member that supports the Top Panel from below the Top Panel OR from within the constraints of the Top Panel. Typically will run the shortest direction of the length or width of a container.
-  -  Vertical Joist Support
	A lumber member that is placed inside the vertical panels of a container and provides direct support to a Joist. Is often fastened to the inside surface of a Panel and is supported on the bottom by the Deck. Two are used for each Joist when a Joist is not supported by other means. The thickness of two Vertical Joist Supports are added to the Content Dimensions to determine the Inside Dimensions of a container.
-  -  Horizontal Joist Support
	A lumber member that is placed inside the vertical panels of a container to prevent lateral movement of a Joist. Is often fastened to the inside surface of a Panel, parallel to a Joist. Four are used for each Joist when a Joist is not fastened to and made a part of the Top Panel.
-  Fasteners
-  -  Assembly Fastener
	A fastener such as a staple, nail or bolt, or a less conventional fastener that is used to complete the Assembly Process. Most often, Assembly Fasteners are not intended to be removed except in the event of rebuilding or repairing the container.
-  -  Closure Fastener
	A fastener that may or may not be the same as an Assembly Fastener and is used to close a container after the Packing Process is complete. The closure fasteners used are often selected because of their reusability or because they facilitate easy opening of the container at the containers shipping destination.
Cleat Positioning
-  Cleat Orientation
	The direction a Cleat lays in reference to the container (not in reference to the panel).
-  -  Left-to-Right
	Any Cleat on the Base, the Top or a Side that is oriented from Left-to-Right. Also known as a LR Cleat.
-  -  Front-to-Aft
	Any Cleat on the Base, Top or an End that is oriented from Front-to-Aft. Also known as a FA Cleat.
-  -  Top-to-Base
	Any Cleat on a Side or End that is oriented from Top-to-Base. Also known as a TB Cleat.
-  Cleat Arrangement
	A series of Support Cleats that span an Unsupported Area. May be divided by Support Cleats arranged perpendicularly or angularly to the subject arrangement.
-  -  Leading Cleat
	The first Support Cleat applied to a panel in its given arrangement. Typically the leftmost or uppermost cleat when more than one cleat exists in an arrangement. When multiple cleats in an arrangement are identical in all ways including length and one of them is a Leading Cleat, they will all be termed Leading Cleats.
-  -  Middle Cleat(s)
	The second Support Cleat applied to a panel in its given arrangement if one is applied. Only considered if the cleat in question is not identical in composition or dimension to the Leading Cleat. When multiple cleats in an arrangement are identical and one of them is a Middle Cleat, they will all be termed Middle Cleats.
-  -  Trailing Cleat
	The third Support Cleat applied to a panel in its given orientation if one is applied. Only considered if the cleat in question is not identical to the Leading Cleat or the Middle Cleat.
-  Cleat Sequence
	The sequence in which cleats are applied in relation to orientation of the subject cleat to other cleats.
-  -  Primary Cleat
	The first Cleat Arrangement applied.
-  -  Secondary Cleat(s)
	The second Cleat Arrangement applied. Unique in it's orientation to the Primary Cleat(s).
-  -  Thirdary Cleat(s)
	The third Cleat Arrangement applied. Unique in it's orientation to the Primary Cleat(s) and Secondary Cleat(s).
-  -  Fourthary Cleat(s)
	The forth Cleat Arrangement applied. Unique in it's orientation to the Primary Cleat(s), Secondary Cleat(s) and Thirdary Cleat(s).
-  -  Fifthary Cleat(s)
	The fifth Cleat Arrangement applied. Unique in it's orientation to the Primary Cleat(s), Secondary Cleat(s), Thirdary Cleat(s) and Fourthary Cleat(s).
Weight
	The weight of Content in local units explicitly excluding the weight of the container and excluding the weight of any packing materials.
-  Range of Weight
	The range between the minimum weight and the maximum weight represented inclusive of the weights stated.
Dimension
	The term Dimension(s) shall not be used alone. Any reference to Dimension(s) should include the term Product, Inside, Outside, or other information to identify what dimension(s) is/are being referenced. In the event that the term Dimension(s) is erroneously used alone, it shall pertain to the dimension(s) of Content.
-  Range of Dimension
	The range between the minimum value and the maximum value inclusive of the value referenced. Range of Dimension may be further expressed as Range of Length, Width, or Height.
-  Length
	If used without reference shall refer to Content Length. Measured left-to-right while viewing the widest vertical surface.
-  Width
	If used without reference shall refer to Content Width. Measured front-to-aft while viewing the narrowest vertical surface.
-  Height
	If used without reference shall refer to Content Height. Measured top-to-bottom. The term Depth should be avoided to avoid confusion with a front-to-aft measurement.
-  Depth
	The term Depth should not be used. If used erroneously, shall refer to Height.
-  Deck Surface
	The highest point created by Deckboards, Fillerboards, Wideboards and/or Deck Panelboard explicitly excluding Headerboards. Primarily used to provide a reference for the Deck Thickness so as to determine the Outside Depth of the container.
-  Deck Thickness
	The distance from the Deck Surface to the bottom of all components that make up the Deck Surface. This explicitly excludes Headerboards. Also, as a note, Skids and Rub Strips are not a part of the Deck. They are components of the Lower Assembly.
-  Material Dimensions
	Dimensions of a Material
-  -  Material Thickness
	Least of the Materials three dimensions
-  -  Material Width
	Mid of the Materials three dimensions
-  -  Material Length
	Greatest of the Materials three dimensions
-  Component Dimensions
	Dimensions of a Component
-  -  Component Thickness
	Dimension as measured from inside to outside the container and measured from the Panel or Deck of which the Component is affixed to.
-  -  Component Width
	Least of the remaining two dimensions after considering Component Thickness.
-  -  Component Length
	Greatest of the remaining two dimensions after considering Component Thickness.
-  Panel Dimensions
	Dimensions of a Panel as it is positioned on a container. Excludes any protrusions caused by Batten Cleats.
-  -  Panel Thickness
	The Panels dimension as measured from the inside facing surface to the outside facing surface. The lesser of the three dimensions.
-  -  Panel Width
	Pertains only to End Panels and Top Panels. The horizontal dimension of the panel from the front to the aft.
-  -  Panel Length
	Pertains only to Side Panels and Top Panels. The horizontal dimension of the panel from the left to the right.
-  -  Panel Height
	Pertains only to Side Panels and End Panels. The vertical dimension of the panel from the top to the bottom.
-  Content Dimensions
	Measured as a product is oriented as it is intended to be packed within a container.
-  -  Content Length
	Greatest of the horizontal surface distances from left-to-right including any protrusions from a primary surface. Also known as CDL.
-  -  Content Width
	Lesser of the horizontal surface distances from left-to-right including any protrusions from a primary surface. Also known as CDW
-  -  Content Height
	The distance of a products surface from the lowest point to the highest point vertically. Also known as CDH.
-  Inside Dimensions
	The Length, Width and Height of a Container measured from the inside surface of a Panel or the Deck Surface to the opposing surface.
-  -  Inside Length
	Content Length + (any desired gap * 2) + thickness of packing materials + (Header thickness * 2). Also known as IDL.
-  -  Inside Width
	Content Width + (any desired gap * 2) + thickness of packing materials + (Vertical Joist Support thickness * 2). Also known as IDW.
-  -  Inside Height
	Content Height + any desired gap + Joist thickness + thickness of packing materials. Also known as IDH. See Also: Joist which is newly defined from its use in MIL-C-104
-  Outside Dimensions
	The Length, Width or Height of a Container measured from the outermost surfaces.
-  -  Outside Length
	Inside Length + Left Panel thickness + Right Panel thickness + maximum thickness of any protruding hardware or Collar. Also known as ODL.
-  -  Outside Width
	Inside Width + Front Panel thickness + Aft Panel thickness + maximum thickness of any protruding hardware or Collar. Also known as ODW.
-  -  Outside Height
	Inside Height + Top Panel thickness + Deck Thickness + maximum thickness of any protruding hardware or Collar. Also known as ODH.
Crating Process
	A series of processes that begin with a design concept for crating Content and ending in the closing of a container around Content.
-  Design Process
	The process of identifying and documenting the appropriate Style, packing method, quantity and type of Materials including fasteners, and construction parameters to use in the process of safely crating Content.
-  Cutting Process
	The process of cutting components to dimensions identified in a Design.
-  Construction Process
	The process of attaching components to each other to result in a Panel or Base.
-  Assembly Process
	The process of fastening various Panels together and/or fastening panels to the Base before and in preparation of loading Content into the container. Typically the last phase completed in a manufacturing plant if the container is to be shipped elsewhere before the Closure Process will occur.
-  Packing Process
	The process of attaching or inserting any component inside the container other than joists or joist supports for the purpose of stabilizing or isolating Content. Also includes inserting Content inside the container.
-  Closure Process
	The process of attaching any panels together and/or fastening panels to the Base after the Packing Process. After the Closure Process, the container is ready for transporting.
Delivery Condition
	The final process to be performed before transferring a Container through the supply chain.
-  Design
	No Material transfer will occur. The requester will receive a copy of, or access to a Design.
-  Cut
	The container will be supplied to the requester as individual components, non fastened to one-another and will include all required fasteners.
-  Assembled
	A container is to be provided to the requester before the container is closed.
-  Closed
	The final process performed by the manufacturer of the container is the Closure Process. The Packing Process will not be performed by the manufacturer if the customer did not provide the manufacturer with Content, in which case any packing Materials that are included in the design will be delivered with the container.
-  Special
	The Design or container shall be provided in a condition as separately noted.
Closure Condition
	Indicates the point at which the Assembly Process is completed. The panels that are not fastened to the majority of other panels are those that will be fastened to the Assembly during the Closure Process.
-  TO - Top Off
	The Top Panel is unattached or has been attached using a fastener that is different from the Assembly Fastener. Usually used to indicate how the Content will be loaded or unloaded from the container.
-  FO - Front Off
	The Front Panel is unattached or has been attached using a fastener that is different from the Assembly Fastener. Usually used to indicate how the Content will be loaded or unloaded from the container.
-  TFO - Top and Front Off
	The Top Panel and Front Panel are unattached or have been attached using a fastener that is different from the Assembly Fastener. Usually used to indicate how the Content will be loaded or unloaded from the container.
-  EO - End Off
	The End Panel is unattached or has been attached using a fastener that is different from the Assembly Fastener. Usually used to indicate how the Content will be loaded or unloaded from the container.
-  TEO - Top and End Off
	The Top Panel and End Panel are unattached or have been attached using a fastener that is different from the Assembly Fastener. Usually used to indicate how the Content will be loaded or unloaded from the container.
-  CO - Cap Off
	The Cap is assembled separately from the base and is unattached or has been attached using a fastener that is different from the Assembly Fastener. Usually used to indicate how the Content will be loaded or unloaded from the container.
-  KD - Knocked Down,
	All panels and the Base are unattached to each other. Allows for minimum shipping size and cost if the container is intended to be transported empty.
-  Sleeve
	Sides and Ends are assembled to each other but not attached to the Top Panel or Base.
-  Setup
	The container is completely closed during the Assembly Process.
Classifications
	NOTE: The classifications listed here should not be confused with those used in published standards. Many standards have their own use of classifications. These classification options are being proposed to the industry as other uses of the terms are expected to be changed and standardized.
-  Complexity
	Provided to guide in the construction of the container and in identifying packing needs. If no Complexity Type is specified, the Complexity Type shall be Easy.
-  -  Easy
	A packaging engineer is not required. Any individual with common packing experience can safely identify the packing requirements given standard industry guidelines.
-  -  Average
	Requires the oversight of a Packaging Engineer. A Packaging Engineer may be required to create and should verify the Design on behalf of the manufacturer.
-  -  Difficult
	Requires a Packaging Engineer to design the container and to directly supervise the loading of the container.
-  -  Treatment
	Multiple treatments and/or multiple applications of a treatment may be applied. If no treatment is specified, the treatment shall be Untreated.
-  -  Untreated
	No treatment applied.
-  -  Eradicated
	All wood members should be proven to be free of disallowed biological infestation as per requirements set forth by separate notation.
-  -  Preservative
	A standard grade commercial wood preservative should be applied.
-  -  Fire Retardant
	A fire retardant should be applied to meet requirements indicated by separate notation.
-  -  Painted
	A painted finish should be applied as indicated by separate notation.
-  -  Camouflage
	A painted finish should be applied as indicated by separate notation.
-  -  Camouflage
	Camouflage paint and/or pattern should be applied to meet standards indicated by separate notation.
-  -  Other
	Other treatment as indicated by separate notation.
-  Durability
-  -  One-Way
	Intended for a single shipment in one direction. Damage to the container during opening should not be considered.
-  -  Two-Way
	Intended for round-trip shipment. Container should be usable for two shipments and reclosure one time should be considered. Addition and packing of extra nails or other closure fasteners as well as tools should be considered.
-  -  Reusable
	The container is intended to be reused an unlimited number of times but only until it is no longer serviceable.
-  -  Repairable
	The container is intended to be reused and should be constructed and assembled to allow for replacement of individual components and/or panels as required. The amount of repairability should be specified separately.
-  -  Special
	Special durability considerations as indicated by separate notation.
Other
-  Inside Framed
	Framing Cleats are placed inside the container often resulting in a smooth sheathed surface on the outside.
-  Outside Framed
	Framing Cleats are placed outside the container often resulting in a smooth sheathed surface on the inside.