Challenge
Our client needed custom-engineered crates to safely transport four iconic and delicate racecars— Douglas Hawkes’ 1922 Bentley, Art Pollard’s #20 Lotus turbine-powered 1968 IndyCar, A.J. Foyt’s 1978 winning Coyote-Ford, and Nigel Mansell’s #5 Lola T93/00 1993 title-winning IndyCar—from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to the Silverstone Museum in the UK. Each vehicle carried significant historical value and required precise handling and protection during overseas transit to ensure their preservation.
The shipment posed several unique challenges, including the delicate nature of the racecars and their various sizes, weights, and shapes. The fragility of certain parts, such as body panels, steering components, and other intricate components, demanded custom crating solutions that would prevent movement and ensure stability throughout the international shipment. Additionally, the crates needed to meet regulatory requirements for international transport, including ISPM-15 compliance for wood packaging used in export.
Solution
Craters & Freighters utilized a custom-engineered crating solution tailored to the unique needs of each historical racecar. We developed ASTM D6256-style crates that met the highest standards for international shipments of valuable, oversized, and delicate items. Each crate was meticulously crafted to fit the dimensions of the vehicles, providing a snug fit to prevent movement and potential damage during transit.
To further enhance the ease of handling, custom ramps were included for loading the racecars. These ramps were specifically designed to integrate with the crates, allowing for smooth and secure vehicle transport into the crates without risking damage to the vehicles. This feature streamlined the entire process, making it safer and more efficient for the handlers.
To protect against environmental factors, the crates featured specialized overseas packaging, including a custom dust cover and a vapor barrier bag to shield the racecars from moisture and contamination. Desiccant packets were strategically placed to control humidity levels inside the crates, further preserving the condition of these valuable vehicles during their journey.
Over-the-tire securement equipment ensured the vehicles were tightly anchored in place without causing damage to the tires or bodywork. E-Track brackets were installed to provide additional structural support and secure the load effectively. An inspection panel was built into each crate, allowing customs agents at the port of delivery to safely inspect the contents without compromising the integrity of the packaging.
This combination of protective features, precision design, and regulatory compliance ensured the safe transport of these high-profile racecars from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to the Silverstone Museum in the UK.
Outcome
The custom-engineered crates provided by Craters & Freighters delivered exceptional results for the safe transportation of the historic racecars. The precise design and tailored protective features ensured that each vehicle arrived at the Silverstone Museum in pristine condition.
Key benefits of the solution included: Improved Protection: The custom-fit crates, combined with vapor barrier protection, desiccant, and secure tire chock blocking, effectively minimized the risk of damage caused by movement, moisture, or environmental factors. The racecars were fully protected from impact and shifting throughout the journey.
Compliance with International Shipping Regulations: The crates were ISPM-15 certified, meeting all necessary international shipping standards. The inclusion of an inspection panel for customs agents simplified the inspection process at the port, without compromising the integrity of the crates.
Enhanced Handling: Over-the-tire securement and E-track brackets provided a reliable and secure method of transport, ensuring easy handling while maintaining the highest level of safety for the valuable vehicles. Additionally, custom ramps were designed for seamless loading, ensuring that the racecars could be safely and efficiently loaded into the crates without risking damage during the process.
Cost Efficiency: By designing the crates with durable yet lightweight materials, Craters & Freighters was able to reduce shipping costs while maintaining optimal protection. The reuse potential of the crates also offered long-term value for future transportation needs.
The successful delivery of the racecars was a testament to the effectiveness of Craters & Freighters’ custom crating solutions.
Links:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: https://imsmuseum.org/
Silverstone Museum: https://www.silverstonemuseum.co.uk/
YouTube video with our crates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvGfk2o9uMw&t=1s
