1990
65
$173,350
$30,000
$287,500
No
Craters & Freighters is a leading provider of specialty crating, packaging, and shipping solutions, catering to both residential and commercial clients across the United States. Founded in 1990 and franchising since 1991, the company specializes in handling oversized, fragile, and high-value items, offering tailored services for industries such as fine art, medical equipment, aerospace, and heavy machinery. With a robust network of 65 franchise locations, Craters & Freighters has established itself as a trusted name in the logistics industry, known for its commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Investing in a Craters & Freighters franchise offers a unique opportunity to enter the growing logistics and specialty shipping industry. Franchisees benefit from:
Exclusive Territories: Operate in a defined area with limited competition from other franchisees.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing assistance in operations, marketing, and business development.
Proven Business Model: Leverage a successful and replicable business system with a strong brand reputation.
Diverse Clientele: Serve a wide range of industries, including art galleries, medical facilities, and manufacturers, ensuring a steady stream of business.
Advanced Technology: Utilize proprietary software to streamline operations and enhance customer service.
Established: 1990
Franchising Since: 1991
Headquarters: Golden, Colorado
Founder: Diane Gibson
CEO: Matthew Schmitz
Franchise Units: 65 (as of 2024)
Industry Category: Specialty Shipping & Logistics
Market Presence: Nationwide in the USA
Craters & Freighters began its journey in 1990, driven by the need for specialized crating, packaging, and shipping solutions. Recognizing a gap in the market for handling fragile, oversized, and high-value items, the company quickly established itself as a leader in the industry. From the start, Craters & Freighters focused on delivering comprehensive services tailored to both residential and commercial customers, offering customized solutions for items ranging from fine art and antiques to medical equipment and industrial machinery. Over the years, Craters & Freighters expanded its footprint across the nation, building a robust network of franchise locations. This growth has been fueled by a commitment to innovation, customer service, and environmental responsibility.
Craters & Freighters ensures franchisees are fully prepared to operate successfully through a comprehensive, multi-phase support system covering pre-launch, operational, marketing, and ongoing assistance:
Site Selection Assistance: Franchise team helps identify ideal locations based on demographics, traffic patterns, and market potential.
Lease Negotiation & Setup: Guidance on negotiating favorable lease terms and preparing the facility for operations.
Initial Operations Training: Hands-on training in crating, packing, shipping, and logistics procedures to ensure franchisees understand all operational requirements.
Business Planning: Help with budgeting, cash flow planning, and creating a roadmap for profitable operations.
Classroom Instruction: 46 hours covering business management, logistics processes, customer service standards, and quality control.
On-the-Job Training: 26–44 hours in an existing franchise location, providing practical experience in daily operations, inventory management, and client handling.
Technology Training: Use of proprietary software for managing orders, tracking shipments, and improving efficiency.
National Campaigns: Access to branded advertising initiatives to promote the Craters & Freighters brand across the U.S.
Local Marketing Assistance: Support in developing region-specific campaigns, digital marketing, social media strategies, and local PR efforts.
Promotional Materials: Provision of professionally designed brochures, signage, and templates to maintain brand consistency.
Operational Guidance: Continuous support from corporate experts in managing day-to-day operations, workflow optimization, and customer service.
Business Development: Assistance with expanding services, attracting new clients, and increasing revenue streams.
Refresher Training: Periodic updates and training programs for staff to ensure best practices and industry standards are consistently met.
Franchise Advisory: Regular consultations to review performance metrics, resolve challenges, and identify growth opportunities.
Compliance Assistance: Guidance to ensure franchise operations meet local, state, and federal regulations.
Specialized Services Training: Instruction in handling fragile, oversized, and high-value items for sectors like fine art, medical equipment, and industrial machinery.
Insurance & Safety Training: Ensuring franchisees understand risk management, safety procedures, and insurance requirements for shipping high-value items.
Craters & Freighters seeks motivated, entrepreneurial individuals who are ready to operate a specialized logistics and shipping business. The ideal franchisee combines business acumen, financial capability, and a strong customer service orientation.
Experience in management, logistics, shipping, or supply chain operations is highly valued.
Previous entrepreneurial experience or business ownership can be an advantage.
Comfortable with operational oversight, staff management, and client relationship building.
Strong interest in the logistics and specialty shipping industry.
Commitment to delivering high-quality customer service, ensuring client satisfaction for fragile, high-value, or oversized shipments.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on growing the business and exploring new revenue opportunities.
Attention to detail and a problem-solving attitude to handle complex shipping challenges.
Ability to invest the required initial capital ($173,350 – $287,500) including franchise fees, infrastructure, working capital, and marketing.
Prepared to manage cash flow effectively during the start-up phase.
Willingness to pay ongoing royalty and advertising fees while reinvesting in business growth.
Interest in operating within an assigned exclusive territory with growth potential.
Willingness to establish the business in areas with demand for specialty shipping, including metropolitan regions, commercial hubs, or regions with industrial and art communities.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
Ability to follow established systems while contributing innovative ideas for local business growth.
Reliability, integrity, and a commitment to maintaining brand reputation.
| Financial Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Initial Investment | $173,350 – $287,500 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Advertising Fee | 1% of gross sales |
| Veteran Incentive | $5,000 off franchise fee |
| Term of Agreement | 15 years |
| Total Franchise Units | 65 (as of 2024) |
| Infrastructure/Setup Costs | Part of initial investment; includes facility setup, equipment, and technology |
| Working Capital | Included in initial investment; ensures smooth operations during launch |
| Marketing Budget | Covered under advertising fee; optional local promotions may be additional |
| Average Unit Revenue | $1,383,978 (as of 2024) |
| Expected ROI | Typically achievable within 2–3 years depending on market and operations |
| Break-Even Time | 2–3 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Crating, packaging, shipping, logistics solutions, insurance services |
