Knowledge Base

If you have to ship expensive equipment, then you definitely understand how expensive shipping can be and the cost of shipping continues to rise year after year. The good news is that there are several ways to reduce your shipping costs, and using our custom plastic shipping cases is one of your options.

Our custom plastic shipping cases save our customers money in several ways. Creating a custom case ensures that no excess materials are used. Our shipping cases are designed to fit around your products exactly and the durable materials that we use absorb any impact due to shipping and transport. These sturdy materials allow us to create smaller cases, and shipping smaller cases costs less than shipping a larger, bulkier case.

Additionally, the materials we use (high-density polyethylene and aluminum) are not only durable and impact-resistant, they also are extremely lightweight. Reducing weight can reduce shipping costs significantly. In general, our heavy-duty plastic shipping cases range in weight from about 9 pounds to about 22 pounds, depending on the overall length, width and height. Of course, a durable case that can withstand the rigors of transport also means that your equipment or products won’t be damaged during the shipping or handling processes and this means you won’t have to pay for costly repairs or pay replacement costs.

Many people mistakenly believe that purchasing custom plastic shipping cases is just too expensive. However, our Bel-Air cases are highly affordable often comparable with off-the-shelf cases of much lesser quality. While we don’t sell any cheap $40 cases, we also aren’t selling a bunch of $900 cases either. For instance, if you order five of our large plastic shipping cases, you can expect to pay about $400 for each case. Of course, these cases are meant to last for many years, and we stand by our cases throughout their lifetime. We know how tough the transit industry is on packages, so while we cannot guarantee that your cases will never incur damages, we can promise that we will always repair these damages as long as you own the case.

If you ship equipment often, it can be a good idea to talk to several shipping companies and negotiate your shipping rates. You also can opt to use a regional carrier rather than a national carrier. This is a good option if you tend to ship within your own region. For instance, OnTrac provides shipping services for California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Arizona. If you typically ship your products only within these states, using this regional carrier might be a cheaper option. It also can be a good idea to ship items at a slower pace, as ground shipments tend to be much less expensive than air shipments.

It also might surprise you to learn that you can ship some of your plastic shipping cases in a not-so-traditional fashion. BusFreighter, for example, is a company that ships packages and cases via Greyhound buses, and this can be a very affordable option if you are shipping cases that weigh less than 100 pounds and fit within the size requirements. Once shipped, you can have pick up your packages at a specific Greyhound terminal or, for an extra fee, have them delivered to a nearby location. This process can take a bit longer than shipping via USPS, UPS, FedEx or another typical shipping service, but if it fits within your schedule, a bus shipment might be one way to lessen the financial impact of shipping your cases.

When it comes to shipping insurance, the company that actually transports your shipping cases doesn’t always provide the best rates. Consider shopping around for third-party shipping insurance, as this can help you save a significant amount. This tip is best suited to companies that ship many items frequently, rather than companies that only ship equipment a few times per year. Keep in mind that our custom plastic shipping cases are a bit of extra insurance in and of themselves, keeping your products as secure as possible. Still, shipping cases can become lost in transport once in a while and insurance is imperative.

Our heavy-duty plastic shipping cases are ideal for any products that are transported frequently, either as luggage or as freight, as well as for heavier items, weighing above 40 pounds. These shipping cases also are perfect for any type of delicate equipment, including computers, video equipment, lighting equipment, commercial tools and so forth. While the exterior of your case is always made-to-order, we also customize the interiors of your case, adding a layer of sturdy foam. We can cover the interior of your case with a foam liner or create any type of foam insert, with specially designed cavities to protect every centimeter of your equipment. We never use pick and pluck foam, as this does not provide an adequate level of protection, and this cheap type of foam tends to break down over time.

Additionally, we also build custom expo transport cases, which are ideal for graphics materials, trade show displays, banners and other items that might not fit into regular plastic shipping cases. As the name suggests, these cases are the perfect option for companies that attend trade shows and conventions throughout the year. Your staff also will appreciate the light weight of these expo cases, and we can add wheels and handles to make it as easy as possible for your team to move the cases along the floor of a huge convention center.

Not only will our plastic shipping cases protect your precious equipment, our cases also are quite attractive. We can customize the color of each case and offer an assortment of standard colors, including white, silver, black, yellow, orange, red, olive, green and blue. If you order a pre-determined amount of cases, we also might be able to provide you with custom colors and color matching. Of course, you also can add your logo or company name to each plastic shipping case, which provides a highly professional look and makes it easier to identify which cases belong to your company. We also offer a variety of hardware options, including many types of wheels, hinges, latches and feet.

The team at Bel-Air Cases has been creating custom plastic shipping cases, carrying cases and expo cases for more than 50 years. To request a custom quote, go to our homepage, you can either call us at (866) 235-2472 or go to our Contact Us page and fill out our quick response form.

If you need to ship or transport delicate or expensive equipment, heavy-duty cases are a must-have item. There are plenty of companies providing off-the-shelf cases, but if you truly want to ensure that your items are safe during transport, our Bel-Air custom heavy-duty cases are your best bet for several reasons.

1. Enjoy A Perfect Fit
Custom heavy-duty cases are designed specifically with your product in mind. Whether you are shipping camera equipment, lighting equipment, medical equipment or something else entirely, we design each case to fit your product exactly providing the ultimate level of protection for your expensive items. Our heavy-duty cases are formed from special tooling that includes molded protective corner bumpers and stacking lugs. These design features ensure that the cases will absorb any impact rather than impacting your precious equipment. During transport, your case might take a beating, but your equipment will remain protected and secure.

2. We Use Durable, Impact-Resistant Materials
The transportation industry is tough on cases, so it is imperative that your heavy-duty cases are equal to the challenge. Each of our cases is crafted from high-density polyethylene, a type of thermoform plastic well-known for its durability and impact resistance. The two halves of each case are held together using an aluminum valence, another material notable for its durability. All of our heavy-duty cases meet ATA guidelines as well as many MIL specifications.

3. Custom Foam Interiors Offer Extra Protection
Too often, case companies either sell cases with no foam inserts or perhaps they use diced or “pluck and pick” foam. This is a type of foam that you simply pull apart to create cavities to surround your equipment or products. The problem with this type of foam is twofold. One, this type of foam tends to break down fairly quickly, which reduces its ability to protect your items. Second, you end up paying for a bunch of extra foam that you “pick away” and simply toss in the trash can. Therefore, it just makes sense to have your custom heavy-duty cases also feature custom foam interiors designed to hold your specific items and we can create any type of custom foam inserts that you might need.

4. Custom Cases Save Money
An off-the-shelf case might be larger than what you need and this can increase your shipping costs. After all, a larger or heavier case costs more to ship. With customization, we can create smaller cases that still provide a high level of protection. Additionally, we use extremely lightweight materials and this also helps reduce your shipping costs. Not to mention making it easier for you to carry your equipment. Of course, we also can add wheels and different types of handles to make moving your cases as easy as possible.

5. Custom Cases Are More Attractive
There’s no reason why heavy-duty cases need to be unattractive, at least we certainly believe that a great case can be durable and attractive. We can customize the color of your cases and add your company logo or name, as well, which adds a professional touch.

If you need custom heavy-duty cases, feel free to contact our team at any time. For more than 50 years, we have been designing custom shipping and carrying cases for a wide range of industries and we can design any type of case that you might need.

While you might not associate the purchase of custom transport cases with a huge windfall of cash, opting to purchase our Bel-Air Cases can end up saving you money in the short term as well as in the long run. Not convinced? Read on and you’ll discover a few reasons why our transport cases provide you with a great way to save money.

1. Our Cases Are Lightweight
Shipping costs can be exorbitant, and one way to reduce your shipping costs is to reduce weight as much as possible. Our transport cases are crafted from lightweight high-density polyethylene, a highly durable type of thermoform plastic. Our hinges and hardware also are rendered from lightweight aluminum and stainless steel. Building cases using tough, durable yet lightweight materials can help you reduce shipping costs.

Additionally, our cases are completely customized and are built around your product specifications. This also can help reduce shipping costs, as we can reduce the overall size of your transport cases yet still provide the ultimate amount of protection needed to endure the rigors of shipping and transport.

2. Our Cases Are Durable & Protective
If your transport cases aren’t rugged enough, it doesn’t just affect the case, it affects what’s packed inside the cases and this can force you to replace expensive equipment. Bel-Air Cases are tough and durable and capable of protecting even the most delicate pieces of equipment. We design transport cases for all types of delicate items, including lighting components, electronics, medical equipment, music equipment and more.

Not only are the exteriors of our transport cases tough, we also design custom foam interiors to cushion and surround each piece of your equipment. We never use pick and pluck foam, as this doesn’t truly protect your products and tends to fall apart fairly quickly. A quality custom foam interior is more protective and lasts far longer.

3. Our Cases Last A Lifetime
We don’t actually provide a written warranty for our cases, and that’s because we don’t need to. Our cases are built to last, and we stand by our products. If a case component breaks, we will fix it. We usually can repair most defects, as well, for no charge, although you may incur shipping fees. Shipping and transport is tough on cases, so we can’t guarantee that your transport cases will never be damaged, but we can assure you that we will repair the damages for as long as you own your transport cases.

If you need transport cases for any type of gear, our heavy-duty carrying cases, shipping cases and expo cases are ideal options. We can create these cases in virtually any size or shape and can customize many case features. For instance, we can add wheels to many of our cases, and imprint your logo or company name. We offer several color options, and we often can create a custom color if needed.

If you are sending out your sales team for yet another trade show adventure, our durable trade show cases provide you with the perfect way to tote the components of your booth and your equipment with safety and ease. But, our trade show cases are just one trade show essential to bring along with you. Here’s a quick look at some helpful gear, as well as information about our amazing expo cases.

Promotional Gear
While it’s essential to pack a ton of business cards and information materials, it also can be an excellent idea to pass out customized promo items to people who stop by your booth. While there are hundreds of promo options out there, it’s best to pass out useful items that people tend to use again and again, as this keeps your company name or logo fresh in mind.

A few suggestions include items such as flash drives, flashlight/keychain combos, pens, tote bags, re-usable water bottles, magnetic clips, keychains with bottle opener, power banks for on-the-go cell phone charging and small notepads. All of these items are handy and can be customized to feature your company name and logo.

Office Supplies
The last thing you want to be doing whilst setting up your trade show booth is realizing that you missing some crucial office supplies, such as staplers, pens, permanent markers, rubber bands, paper clips, notepads, post-it notes, rubber bands, clipboards and so on. Before you head out to your next trade show, make a huge checklist with everything you might need and ensure that these items are packed into your trade show cases.

While most convention centers are located in big cities filled with plenty of office supply stores, it’s hardly convenient to dash across the length of the convention center, grab an Uber and locate a store, shop and rush back to the convention center. Be sure to bring all of the electrical equipment you might need, as well, including extension cords, phone chargers, surge protectors and all you need to power your laptops, tablets, phones and other electronic equipment.

Tape, Tape & More Tape
While this section probably could have been placed under the Office Supplies category, an assortment of tape can transform a mild-mannered member of your sales team into a MacGyver-style renegade capable of repairing anything in your booth. Tape is an essential trade show item, so stuff some trade show cases full of duct tape, electrical tape, masking tape, packing tape and a few rolls of regular Scotch tape.

An Empty Box
This one sounds pretty weird, but bringing a portable (and empty) file box provides you with a convenient place to store any information you receive from potential new clients. Actually, this box really shouldn’t be empty. It should contain some file folders, labels and few pens so that you can organize and label all of the information you collect, including business cards, lead sheets and so forth.

Snacks
Your sales team is sure to work up an appetite during a busy day on the trade show floor, but it’s not always convenient to stop what you are doing and grab a bite to eat. Be sure to bring along plenty of easy snacks, such as bags of almonds and dried fruit, granola bars and other easy-to-eat items that don’t require refrigeration and can be easily packed in trade show cases. Additionally, bring some water bottles to keep your team hydrated. If possible, have these water bottles personalized with your company name and logo so that if you pass out a bottle or two, potential clients are reminded of your business.

Our Bel-Air Trade Show Cases
To store all of these items as well as the actual components of your booth, we have the perfect solution. Our heavy-duty, custom-built trade show cases are built to protect even the most delicate items and can handle the rigors of transport with ease. Because each of our clients is unique, we do not sell off-the-shelf cases. All of our trade show cases are built specifically to hold your unique items or products. Even the foam inserts in our cases are custom-made to provide maximum protection.

While the size, shape and interior of our heavy-duty trade show cases all can be customized, we also can customize the color of your cases and add your company name or logo. This makes it much easier to identify your crates and cases when you are setting up on a busy trade show floor or scrambling at the airport to ensure that all your cases have been identified.

Browse through our website and take a look at our expo cases, shipping cases and heavy-duty carrying cases, all three of which are ideal for trade shows and frequent transport. Then contact us at any time to discuss the type of trade show cases you need, and we can get started on your order as soon as possible.

If you need heavy-duty shipping or carry cases, opting for a plastic case might not seem to make sense as many people mistakenly believe that plastic materials just aren’t strong enough to handle the rigors of constant travel. However, there are many reasons why we choose to use plastic for our plastic cases, and the strength of these materials is just one.

1. The Durability Factor
There are many different types of plastic, and not all of them are suitable for building custom plastic cases. For the past 50 years, the team at Bel-Air Cases has used high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for all of our cases. We use this material because it’s one of the strongest and most durable types of thermoform plastic. It also offers high impact resistance, which is essential if you need to ship or transport your case. Travel is rough on all types of luggage and cases, but HDPE is a material that’s equal to the challenge.

2. The Savings Factor
Most thermoform plastics are quite affordable, which is another reason why we use plastic. It can handle the rigors of transport but doesn’t cost our customers an arm and a leg, so to speak. Additionally, HDPE is extremely lightweight. If you have to ship your equipment somewhere, you won’t be incurring additional shipping costs due to the heavy weight of your cases. Our case hinges and latches also are formed using aluminum, which is strong yet doesn’t add a significant amount of weight.

3. Versatility In Design
HDPE is highly malleable, allowing us to create custom plastic cases of virtually any size. We can create an attractive, lightweight plastic case to fit virtually any product. Of course, each plastic case also can be fitted with a custom foam insert to further protect your delicate equipment or items. These foam inserts can be as simple as a foam liner that covers all of the inside walls of the case or perhaps a custom hand-cut foam insert that fits exactly around every inch of your equipment, providing the ultimate level of protection.

While all of our plastic cases are highly protective, our light-duty and medium-duty carry cases are not meant to be shipped or transported frequently, unless they are boxed. We have heavy-duty carry cases, as well as shipping and expo cases that are ideal for equipment that is transported frequently. We can add telescoping handles and wheels to just about any case we manufacture, which will makes it easy to maneuver your cases wherever you go.

Our cases are suitable for products and equipment from a wide range of industries. During the past 50 years, we’ve designed and built custom plastic cases for those in the military & aerospace industries as well as crafting medical equipment cases, audio & video equipment cases, lighting equipment cases and much more. We offer a variety of color options, and can add your company name or logo to most of the cases we create. If you are in the market for custom plastic cases, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.

If you have expensive and fragile equipment, anything from film equipment to lighting to medical equipment, it’s frustrating when your high-priced equipment cases don’t measure up to the task of safely transporting your items. The Bel-Air equipment case, on the other hand, can transport your expensive items safely and without such a high price tag. Here are a few reasons why we think everyone needs a Bel-Air equipment case.

1. We Use The Best Materials
In order to protect your equipment, it’s essential that we use the best possible materials to create each case. The main exterior of each case is crafted from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is an extremely durable and lightweight material. HDPE is also very impact resistant, which makes it an ideal material for shipping cases, which tend to be jostled and bumped around incessantly during transport. Aluminum, also durable and lightweight, is used for the case valance as well as latches and hinges.

2. Items Are Protected Inside & Out
While a great exterior is crucial, it’s just as important to ensure that the interior of each case fits your equipment precisely, providing you with the ultimate level of protection. This is why we create custom foam interiors for our equipment cases. Many companies will use diced foam, also known as pick and pluck foam. This is foam that you simply tear or cut away to create a custom interior. First of all, if we give you a block of diced foam, you will end up paying for the whole chunk and using very little of it, which is a waste of money. Additionally, this type of foam tends to fall apart, and fails to protect your product in the long run. When you see that a company offers this type of foam, take a step back, as this can indicate an indolent manufacturing philosophy that can permeate into all areas of case construction.

3. We Offer A Variety Of Options
Before you order a case from Bel-Air, we discuss your needs. Not a soul-searching discussion of your hopes and dreams (although we can, if you want to talk), but rather a detailed discussion about the equipment you need to transport. We have several different levels of equipment cases, depending on your needs, and each case we build is completely customized and built according to your specifications.

If you need to carry fragile equipment, such as smaller items that you typically never ship nor transport as luggage we have light and medium-duty carrying cases. Our heavy-duty carrying cases are ideal for equipment that frequently is shipped as either cargo or luggage. Of course, we also offer heavy-duty shipping cases and expo cases that easily meet the rigors of transport.

4. We Don’t Sacrifice Style
Ok, this isn’t exactly a protective feature, but there’s no reason why a strong, durable case can’t be attractive. We offer a variety of custom color and style options, allowing you to truly personalize your equipment. We can even add a company name or logo to each case to make it easy to identify your equipment cases when you are on the road. How many times have items become shuffled around at the airport or during the chaos of setting up for a trade show? With a custom-designed equipment case, you can find your items quickly and easily.

Of course, another benefit of our equipment cases is the cost. While you won’t find any $50 cases on our website, we also aren’t selling many cases for $1,000 and up either. Because everything on our website is completely customized, we don’t list prices. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from about $125 up to about $600 per case depending upon the size and type and number of cases you order. Again, this is just an estimate, but it is always our goal to create the highest quality equipment cases at the most affordable prices possible.

If you need any size or type of equipment case, give the team at Bel Air Cases a call today. You can also simply head to our homepage and click on the Request a Custom Quote tab and fill out our quick form. A representative will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your order either by phone or via email if you prefer.

At Bel-Air Cases, we design custom plastic carrying cases and shipping cases for a wide range of industries. While you might think our cases primarily are meant to transport delicate and expensive equipment, we also provide sales teams with attractive light-duty carrying cases. When it comes to sales, showing your products to their best advantage is crucial and a custom plastic carry case can enhance any presentation. Of course, you can purchase stock carrying cases, but there are many reasons to consider opting for custom cases instead, including the following.

1. Custom Cases Are Built With Your Products In Mind
Before we begin to design any custom case, we take stock of what will be going inside the case. This helps us determine what size case will be the best fit, but it also helps us design the custom foam insert that goes inside your case. We never use pick and pluck foam for the interior of our cases. Custom foam inserts are built specifically for your product and help display your product in the most attractive way possible.

2. Lightweight Cases Make Transport Easy
Our cases are constructed using high-density polyethylene and aluminum. While these materials are highly durable, they also are quite lightweight, which makes it easy for your sales staff to transport from meeting to meeting. We have many different handle options, and we can add wheels to many of our custom cases. Our light-duty plastic carry cases are meant to be transported primarily by car, but if you need to transport these cases as luggage or ship them as cargo, we also offer medium-duty and heavy-duty cases.

3. Custom Cases Build Your Brand Identity
Providing each of your salespeople with an identical custom plastic carrying case is a fantastic way to build your brand and boost the professional image of your company. You can customize the color of our cases, as well as adding your company name or logo to the exterior of the case. For instance, you might opt for a sleek black case or perhaps a vivid orange or green case to attract attention as we have a variety of stock colors, but we often can create cases using a custom color if you need us to match your company’s signature colors. We also can add engraved plates or custom decals to any case, to further promote your brand.

4. Custom Cases Boost Professionalism
A great salesperson knows that appearance counts, and your sales team will appreciate the advantage of professional, high-quality custom display cases. While your sales staff might dress for success and have a fantastic sales pitch, how much more professional will your team feel as they walk into a meeting with a custom case featuring your logo and a custom interior that displays your product to perfection? A custom case is a fantastic investment, providing your team with the crowning touch to their sales presentation.

At Bel-Air Cases we can design a custom plastic carrying case for just about any product. Over the course of the last 50 years, we have designed cases for dozens of industries. You can order just one case or as many as 1,000 cases, depending on your needs. To get started, give us a call today and we can provide you with a free cost quote. You also can fill out our “Request a Quote” form, and a member of our sales team will contact you as soon as possible.

If you ship expensive equipment, custom shipping cases are an essential investment. At Bel-Air Cases, our shipping cases can handle the rigors of transport without sacrificing style. Take a minute to learn a few essential facts about our custom shipping cases.

1. Bel-Air Cases Save You Money
Our cases feature the highest quality construction, and while that comes with a price, you won’t have to pay $1,000 or more for one of our custom shipping cases. Typically, you might expect to pay about $400 for a large shipping case, and while there are cheaper cases on the market, they don’t protect your equipment at the same level as a Bel-Air case. Shipping and transport is tough on cases, but our cases are up to the challenge. You’ll save money in the long run simply because our cases will protect your stuff, and you won’t have to make costly repairs.

Additionally, our cases are rugged but extremely lightweight, which can help reduce your shipping costs. Lastly, our cases are meant to last a lifetime, so while you might find a cheaper case, it is doubtful that your less expensive case will have the staying power of a Bel-Air case. Because each case is custom, we don’t provide an online price list, but give us a call and we will provide you with a free instant quote over the phone or contact us via email.

2. We Can Handle Any Order
Whether you need just one custom shipping case or 1,000, the team at Bel-Air Cases is equal to the task. No matter how small or large your order might be, every customer receives the same quality customer service, and we put the same level of care into the construction of a single case order as we do for those ordering multiple cases.

3. We Meet All ATA Guidelines
If you need custom shipping cases, then you certainly need these cases to be compliant with all Airport Transportation Association (ATA) guidelines. You can ship our cases on any airline, and each heavy-duty case is built to withstand the rigors of transport. Airline personnel aren’t exactly known for their light touch with baggage. After all, they have to load and unload cargo holds as quickly as possible, but our cases are up to the challenge. Additionally, our cases also meet most MIL specifications, and we can meet just about any military, government or aerospace specification.

4. We Have No Warranty
Many customers are surprised to hear that we don’t offer a warranty on our products, but there is a simple reason for that. We don’t need to. Our cases last a lifetime, and should a case component break, send it to us and we’ll fix for free. Shipping and transport is rough on packages, and while we can’t guarantee that your case will never incur damages, we do promise that we will repair these damages for as long as you own your custom shipping case.

5. Our Cases Can Protect Virtually Any Product
Whether you need to transport aerospace equipment, music equipment, camera equipment, computers, surveying equipment, expensive lighting or something else entirely, we can design a shipping case that protects every inch of your product. We use tough high-density polyethylene to create the shells of our cases and each case is held together with a durable aluminum valance. Additionally, each case features a foam insert designed specifically to protect all of your equipment parts.

6. Our Cases Are Truly Custom
We don’t offer any made-to-order cases on our website. Each of our cases is built from scratch, based upon your specifications. Even the interior of the case is custom, and we never use pick and pluck foam. We design custom foam interiors that fit your equipment precisely, as this provides you with the highest level of protection. Of course, we also can customize the aesthetics of your case, and we offer multiple case colors and are happy to add logos or your company name to each case. While protecting a product is certainly a priority, there’s no reason why custom shipping cases can’t be attractive as well as functional.

If you need custom shipping cases, contact the team at Bel-Air Cases today. We are ready to help you with any custom project, large or small. You can request a free quote by clicking the “Request a Quote” tab at the top of our webpage or give us a call at (866) 235-2472.

At Bel-Air Cases, we’ve been creating top-quality plastic carrying cases for more than 50 years. Our cases are tough and durable and many of our customers are surprised to learn that plastic is one of the best materials available to protect your expensive equipment. At our factory, we create cases using high-density polyethylene or HDPE, which is one of the most versatile plastics on earth. Here’s a quick look at HDPE and why it’s so well suited for custom plastic carrying cases.

1. HDPE Is Durable
While all of our plastic carrying cases are protective and durable, our shipping cases and expo cases, both of which are crafted from HDPE, are capable of handling the rigors of shipping and transport. HDPE is highly impact resistant, which makes it a top choice for any type of shipping case or crate.

2. HDPE Is Lightweight
While durability is certainly a huge advantage of HDPE, the light weight of this plastic also is a benefit. The light weight makes it easy for clients to move our cases from place to place, and the lighter weight also can reduce your shipping costs. Of course, we also can add wheels to our plastic carrying cases to make them as easy as possible to move.

3. HDPE Is Moisture-Resistant
Did someone spill coffee on your case? Did you have to transport your case from your car to an office building in a torrential downpour? Did you store your case in an area where mold or mildew have built up? If any of these scenarios have happened to you, the contents of your case are likely perfectly fine. HDPE is resistant to chemicals, moisture, mildew and mold, so whether you have suffered from a horrible cappuccino accident or got stuck in a thunderstorm, your HDPE plastic carrying cases will weather the storm.

3. HDPE Is A Thermoform Plastic
There are two basic types of plastic – thermoform plastics and thermoset plastics. Both involve the use of heat and this heat is applied to sheets of plastics in order to make the plastic malleable. However, thermoform plastics typically can be recycled and used again and again. With thermoset plastic, recycling is nearly impossible as these plastics are permanently “set” once they have cooled. HDPE is a thermoform plastic, meaning that it can be “re-melted” and used again for a new purpose.

4. HDPE Is Easily Recyclable
Our Bel-Air plastic carrying cases are meant to last a lifetime, so you certainly won’t be recycling your custom cases anytime soon. However, other products fashioned out of HDPE are meant for single usage, such as milk jugs. While all thermoform plastics are recyclable, HDPE is one of the easier plastics to recycle.

All thermoform plastics are categorized with a resin identification code and this code typically is imprinted somewhere on the product or item. Look on some of your plastic products, and you might see a number inside a triangle. That is the resin code, and this tells the staff at recycling centers which type of plastic was used to make a container or product. For instance, those plastic water bottles we all use are made from polyethylene terephthalate or PET, and is designated with a #1. HDPE is known as #2 plastic, and virtually all curbside recycling programs now accept HDPE. While you won’t need to recycle your case, it’s still nice to known that HDPE is one of the most sustainable plastics on the planet.

5. HDPE Is Used For Many Products
Because of its light weight, impact resistance and moisture resistance, HDPE is used for a variety of products. Aside from our plastic carrying cases, HDPE can be used to make bottles for shampoo, detergent and cleaners. HDPE also is a suitable material for use in many food products, including cereal box liners, juice & milk jugs, yogurt & pudding tubs and tubs for items such as butter, margarine, sour cream and cottage cheese. This plastic also is used to make durable plastic lumber for use in playground equipment, park benches and more. While you might be more familiar with PVC pipes, HDPE also is used to produce pipes and cable insulation, as it is highly anti-corrosive and durable.

6. Our HDPE Cases Are Created Through Vacuum Forming
Thermoforming is a process by which large sheets of plastic are heated until they are malleable and then formed using the pressure of a vacuum. We are the first company to pioneer the use of vacuum forming for custom cases and have been using this process for many 50 years. Vacuum forming is a tried-and-true method that produces consistent results every time. Our versatile thermoforming equipment can produce just about any size of case you might need.

7. HDPE Is More Than 100 Years Old
In the grand scheme of things, synthetic plastics are a fairly new material, with most advances in the creation of plastics occurring from about 1880 on. Polyethylene was developed in the 1930s by two British chemists, Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson, and this plastic first was used during World War II as insulation for radar cables. Karl Ziegler, a German chemist developed HDPE during the 1950s, and later won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work with plastics, particularly for his development of HDPE. It also might interest you to note that HDPE is what is known as a synthetic polymer and it is constructed entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms.

8. Our Cases Are More Than HDPE
While the strong, durable outer shell of our cases is vacuum-formed using HDPE, we also include a few other materials in the creation of our carrying cases and shipping cases. Each half of your case is held together with an aluminum valance. Aluminum, much like HDPE, is a desirable material because of its strength, durability and lightweight. It too, is a highly recyclable and sustainable material.

Although, again, your Bel-Air Case is meant to last for decades and we stand by our cases throughout their lifetime, if a case component breaks, we will fix it. We know that transit is tough on packages, so while we can’t guarantee that your cases will never be damaged, we can assure clients that we will always repair the damages for as long as you own your Bel-Air case.

In addition to the aluminum hinges, we also offer an assortment of hinges, latches, handles and wheels. Each case also features a custom foam insert that fits your equipment precisely. We never use die-cut or pick and pluck foam, as this simply does not protect items at the same level as custom foam inserts. From inside and out, your custom plastic carrying cases will feature the highest quality materials and design. We can even customize the color and add a logo or your company name to the case design.

If you are in the market for custom plastic carrying cases, give the team at Bel-Air Cases a call today or request a free custom quote via our website. We design light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty carrying cases as well as heavy-duty shipping cases and expo cases for clients in a wide range of industries. To learn more about our cases, head to our homepage and you will find helpful tabs for each of our products, as well as a tab that will lead you to our “Request A Quote” page.