If you are looking for information on the Craters and Freighters franchise business opportunity, Craters and Freighters franchises or Craters and Freighters franchising, then you have come to the right place.
In 1990, Craters & Freighters created an industry by offering custom crating and shipping solutions for businesses and consumers with shipments too big, fragile, valuable or uniquely-shaped for traditional shippers. Now, with the only national network of "Specialty Freight Handlers," Craters & Freighters dominates the industry.
The Craters & Freighters marketing plan targets the art and antique industries and retail packaging and shipping stores initially, along with commercial applications such as manufacturers, medical equipment and instrumentation, high tech equipment, defense contracts and asset relocations. Our crate engineering capabilities give us the unique ability to provide product-specific packing solutions not readily available to many shippers.
Your franchise fee includes training, opening and ongoing assistance, and enrollment in our carrier discount and cargo insurance programs. Royalties are 5% of gross revenues and a National Ad Fund contribution of 1%.
You will need three people (either partners or employees) to initialize operations and be prepared to add another person between the third and fifth month of operations. Space requirements are 3000 to 3500 square feet of office/warehouse space with overhead dock doors and convenient access to the central business district.
One Craters & Freighters franchise per metropolitan area with the exception of the six largest US markets which can support multiple centers. Now expanding into Canada.
Prior business ownership and/or industry experience is helpful, but not required. We will train you on all aspects of our business when you attend the two week training course in Denver. You must have computer skills for Windows operating system and access to high speed Internet. Familiarity with QuickBooks and Outlook/Outlook Express is beneficial.
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.
