Crating and Packaging Associate

SURPLUS SOLUTIONS HOLDINGS LLC•Woonsocket, RI

10d•$25 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Crating & Packaging Associate is responsible for building custom wood crates and protective packaging to safely prepare high-value laboratory and industrial equipment for shipment. Every piece of equipment is different, so this role calls for someone who can size up a shipment, apply general packing specifications, and build a crate that will hold up in transit — without needing engineering drawings to get there. This is a hands-on, long-term position with room to grow into an independent, go-to crater for the facility.

Requirements

Experience building crates, custom packaging, or working with wood and hand/power tools (carpentry, construction, or industrial packaging background all welcome).
Strong attention to detail and pride in producing quality, ship-ready work.
Ability to lift and move moderate-to-heavy equipment and materials.
Comfortable operating material handling equipment (forklift experience preferred).
Strong teamwork and communication skills, including proactively asking questions when unsure.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience crating or packaging equipment for freight shipment.
Forklift certification.
Experience handling laboratory, medical, or industrial equipment.
Familiarity with shipping documentation and freight coordination.

Responsibilities

Build custom wood crates and packaging to safely ship laboratory and industrial equipment, sizing crate design to each piece of equipment.
Apply general packing specifications to determine crate style, bracing, and cushioning — no formal drawings required; learn through hands-on training and by asking questions.
Select and prepare appropriate materials (lumber, foam, plastic wrap, strapping, etc.) for each build.
Identify special handling needs for fragile, sensitive, or high-value equipment and adjust crate design accordingly.
Label crates clearly and completely, including any handling instructions, weight, and destination information.
Use in-house tools and equipment (all crate-building tools are provided on site) safely and in good working order.
Coordinate with warehouse and logistics staff to sequence crating work around shipment deadlines.
Verify crated equipment against packing lists and shipping paperwork prior to pickup.
Assist with staging and loading of crated equipment for freight pickup.
Pick and stage equipment for outgoing orders when crating volume is light.
Operate a forklift and pallet jack to load and unload trucks.
Assist customers on-site as needed.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe crating and packaging work area.
Follow all company safety procedures and OSHA guidelines, including safe use of power tools and material handling equipment.
Follow documented standard operating procedures consistently to support standardized, scalable processes across sites.