Pelican Crates: Configurable Equipment Protection for OEMs and Industrial Teams

Businesses that move equipment between job sites, warehouses, and field locations need containers that do more than hold gear. They need a system that protects sensitive components, organizes tools for fast deployment, and survives repeated handling without cracking, warping, or letting moisture in. Pelican Crates were built for exactly this kind of demand.


For OEMs, field service teams, defense contractors, and industrial operations, a Pelican Crate offers a rugged, modular foundation that can be customized into a true equipment protection solution. CH Ellis, a local Authorized Pelican Distributor, helps businesses source the right crate and turn it into a finished asset ready for daily use.

About The Pelican Crate

Pelican Crates are part of a configurable and stackable transport ecosystem built from Pelican’s proprietary HPXC polymer, carrying an IP67 rating for protection against water, dust, and impact. That level of sealing matters for OEMs shipping sensitive instrumentation or businesses transporting equipment through job sites, transport trucks, or outdoor storage yards.


The crates come in 45L and 90L sizes with an interlocking design that stacks securely, helping fleets and field teams consolidate gear without losing stability in transit. A multi-position lid opens from either side, letting technicians access contents without unstacking an entire load, which saves real time on tight turnaround jobs.

Pelican also built the crates around a ModRail exterior mounting system, letting businesses attach tie-downs, bar loops, cleats, or custom rail accessories without drilling into the case or modifying a vehicle. Teams can reconfigure their setup for different jobs quickly, extending the useful life of the equipment and reducing the need to buy new containers for every new application.


Standard plastic totes and generic shipping containers are not built for repeated industrial use. They crack under stress and offer no structured way to protect delicate components during transit. For OEMs shipping finished products or field service companies moving diagnostic equipment, Pelican Crate durability translates into fewer warranty claims, less damaged inventory, and lower replacement costs over time.

Sourcing the Right Crate Through an Authorized Pelican Distributor

Procuring the exterior case is the first step, and getting it right matters for any business buying in volume. CH Ellis works directly with OEMs and industrial buyers to source the correct Pelican hard cases and crate configurations for their application, whether that means a single unit for testing or a full fleet rollout across multiple departments. Working with an authorized distributor gives B2B buyers a direct procurement path: CH Ellis can quote volume orders, advise on the crate size and configuration that fits a specific equipment list, and coordinate delivery timelines around production or deployment schedules.

Customizing the Interior for Your Equipment

A crate exterior protects against the outside world. The interior is what protects the equipment itself, and this is where CH Ellis adds the most value. CH Ellis builds custom foam interiors cut precisely to the dimensions of the equipment going inside. Closed-cell polyethylene foam offers strong shock absorption for mid-to-heavy components. Open-cell polyurethane foam suits more delicate items needing a lighter touch. Each custom foam layout is designed around the actual equipment being protected, not a generic insert that leaves gaps or fails to secure items in transport.


For businesses that need an interior built for repeated cleaning or harsh environments, CH Ellis also offers vacuum-formed trays as an alternative to traditional foam, which hold up well in clinical, industrial, or field settings where contamination control matters. Branding is another piece of this process for OEMs shipping products under their own name: CH Ellis offers exterior branding through laser engraving or UV DTF transfers, so the finished crate reflects the company shipping it.

Businesses exploring these options can review the full range of custom case options available before requesting a quote.

Built for Mobile Work Environments

Different teams rely on Pelican Crates for different reasons.


Field Service: Technicians need organized equipment that travels safely between customer sites while remaining easy to deploy on arrival.


Construction & Utilities: Crews require durable storage that withstands dust, rain, rough handling, and repeated loading into trucks while keeping expensive instruments protected.


Industrial Maintenance: Maintenance teams benefit from organized equipment storage that reduces setup time, protects diagnostic equipment, and keeps critical tools together during shutdowns and plant maintenance.


OEM Equipment: Manufacturers shipping portable systems, demonstration equipment, or service kits can combine Pelican Crates with custom foam, vacuum-formed trays, and branding to create a professional transport solution.

The Advantage of Local Proximity to Pelican’s Warehouse

Location is a detail that often gets overlooked in equipment procurement, and it can have a real impact on lead times. CH Ellis is located just a few miles from Pelican’s Indiana distribution center, which holds millions of dollars in hard case inventory. This proximity allows CH Ellis to access stock quickly and move custom orders through production faster than distributors working from farther away.


For OEMs and businesses on production deadlines, this shortens the gap between placing an order and receiving a finished, customized crate ready for deployment. It also gives CH Ellis the flexibility to handle urgent orders or last-minute volume changes without the delays that come from shipping inventory across the country first.

Get a Custom Pelican Crate Solution for Your Business

Pelican Crates provide field service organizations, construction companies, utility contractors, and industrial operations with a durable, configurable foundation for protecting equipment wherever the job takes them.  Paired with custom foam interiors, branding, and the local inventory advantage CH Ellis offers near Pelican’s own warehouse, a standard crate becomes a tailored protection system built around your actual operation.


Businesses ready to move forward can request a quote or contact the CH Ellis team to discuss crate sizing, interior customization, and lead times for their specific equipment needs.

Your Guide to Custom Cases

Learn the exact strategies medical, AgTech, defense, and industrial teams use to prevent field failures, reduce damage costs, and speed up deployment.

Inside this FREE guide, you’ll uncover:

  • The engineering framework behind mission-ready equipment protection
  • Which case types actually perform in harsh, clinical, or global environments
  • Foam design mistakes that cost companies millions
  • How to future-proof cases for new product generations
  • What top manufacturers demand in compliant, durable, brand-forward cases

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