Maybe you've heard the term before or maybe it is something new, but today you'll learn, "what is mil-spec crating?"
A United States defense standard often called a military standard, "MIL-STD", "MIL SPEC", or (informally) military spec boxes, is used to help achieve standardization objectives by the U.S. Department of Defense." Defined by Wikipedia
Sounds official and a little complicated. So we went ahead and created a Cliffsnotes™ version on exactly, "What is mil-spec?" The following information represents a pared-down description of the many elaborate explanations you'll likely find online.
Military spec boxes in simple terms are military specifications used to describe the physical and/or operational characteristics of a product, says the Government Accountability Office (GAO). In even simpler terms, the Department of Defense (DOD) defines Mil-Spec as the “military performance specification,” period.
The objective of Mil-Spec is to ensure that items and products meet specific requirements: 
- The total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Reliability
- Logistic systems compatibility
- Manufacturing requirements
- Testing standards
- Other defense-related objectives
The GAO notes that mil-spec helps:
- Protect against contractor fraud
- Promote more significant opportunities for competition among contractors
- Provide products that can perform in extreme conditions
- Ensure interoperability between products
Military Spec Boxes Shipping
In addition to the DOD, defense standards are utilized by many non-governmental agencies, this includes packaging and shipping. In the world of packaging and shipping, the physical and operational characteristics of a shipment may include, but are not limited to:
- Barcoding
- Cleaning and drying procedures
- Cushioning, wrapping, and barrier materials
- Outer shipping containers
- Packing levels
- Preservation methods
- Preservative materials to be utilized/applied
- Quantity per unit pack and intermediate pack
- RFID (radio-frequency identification)
Companies that require or prefer military spec boxes for their domestic or international shipments have a variety of options to choose from including:
- Custom Wood Crates
- Shipping Containers
- Heavy Duty Wood Boxes
- Part Specific Boxes
- Light Duty Boxes
Many Mil-Specs cover federal requirements for shipping crates, boxes, and containers for domestic and overseas shipping of various products, materials, and supplies.
So, if you’re in the business is asking "What is Mil-Spec crating?" you’re likely encountering the following specifications: PPP-B-601, PPP-B-621, MIL-DTL-197K, ASTM-D-6251, ASTM-D-6256, MIL-B-2427, MIL-DTL-2845, ASTM-D-6039, MIL-C-104, and ASTM-D-7478.
