Craters & Freighters Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

Craters & Freighters specializes in packaging, crating, and shipping services for items of all sizes and types, ensuring safe and secure transportation.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

Franchise fee

$35,000

Investment

$207,000 - $390,000

Revenue (AUV)

n.a.

Craters & Freighters is a leader in the specialty packaging, crating, and shipping industry, renowned for its expertise in handling large, fragile, and high-value items. The franchise was founded in 1990 by Diane Gibson and is headquartered in Golden, Colorado.

Since its inception, Craters & Freighters has expanded significantly, beginning its franchising operations in 1991.

Craters & Freighters sets itself apart from competitors through its comprehensive service offerings that cater to both residential and commercial clients.

The franchise specializes in sectors such as telecommunications, aerospace, biotechnology, medical equipment, and heavy machinery, providing tailored solutions for complex shipping needs. Their ability to handle delicate and oversized items with precision has earned them a trusted reputation in the industry.

Initial investment

The initial investment required for a Craters & Freighters franchise is $207,000 - $390,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$35,000 – $45,000
Travel	$2,500 – $5,000
Leasehold Improvements	$5,000 – $15,000
Warehouse Tools & Equipment	$40,000 – $75,000
Warehouse Materials	$15,000 – $25,000
Office Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment	$5,000 – $10,000
Monthly Rent	$5,000 – $15,000
Lease Security Deposit	$5,000 – $30,000
Vehicle Lease/Purchase	$30,000 – $65,000
Organizational Expenses	$2,500 – $5,000
Insurance	$20,000 – $35,000
Miscellaneous Expense	$2,000 – $5,000
Additional Funds for First Three Months	$40,000 – $60,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment	$207,000 – $390,000

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$35,000 – $45,000
Travel	$2,500 – $5,000
Leasehold Improvements	$5,000 – $15,000
Warehouse Tools & Equipment	$40,000 – $75,000
Warehouse Materials	$15,000 – $25,000
Office Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment	$5,000 – $10,000
Monthly Rent	$5,000 – $15,000
Lease Security Deposit	$5,000 – $30,000
Vehicle Lease/Purchase	$30,000 – $65,000
Organizational Expenses	$2,500 – $5,000
Insurance	$20,000 – $35,000
Miscellaneous Expense	$2,000 – $5,000
Additional Funds for First Three Months	$40,000 – $60,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment	$207,000 – $390,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is Craters & Freighters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Craters & Freighters had 65 total units in 2025, of which 65 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

Craters & Freighters

key competitors in the

Shipping

sector.

Franchise

Upgrade

New

5.00%

$207,000

$390,000

n.a.

SQUARE COW MOOVERS

$100K - $200K

New

n.a.

7.00%

$167,000

$233,000

17.6%

The Frontdoor Collective

$100K - $200K

New

29%

8.00%

$125,000

$455,000

n.a.

The UPS Store

$200K - $500K

5232

New

5.00%

$209,000

$496,000

$692,000

n.a.

InXpress

$50K - $100K

New

-21%

30.00%

$87,000

$168,000

$687,000

n.a.

Pink Zebra Moving

$100K - $200K

New

n.a.

5% - 7%

$145,000

$204,000

$678,000

17.0%

Unishippers

Under $25K

202

New

-4%

15% - 18.5%

$17,000

$233,000

$1,825,000

n.a.

Training

Craters & Freighters provides a comprehensive training program designed to equip franchisees with the skills and knowledge necessary to run a successful business.

The initial training consists of a nine-day program held at their headquarters in Golden, Colorado. This training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience at a busy operating location.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, such as business preparation, startup operations, software management, pricing and quoting, packaging and crating, transportation insurance, warehousing, accounting, and personnel management.

Additionally, franchisees receive ongoing support through the company's proprietary software, which aids in managing customer relations, financial reports, and logistics. There is also continuous sales support, including marketing materials and custom-designed CAD drawings for crates.

Territory Protection

Craters & Freighters franchisees benefit from territory protection, which grants them exclusive rights to operate within a designated geographic area. This means that within their assigned territory, franchisees are the sole providers of Craters & Freighters' services, ensuring they do not face competition from other franchisees of the brand.

The company typically offers large territories, often encompassing entire metropolitan areas and their surroundings, to maximize the franchisee's market potential and business opportunities.

This territorial exclusivity is a key aspect of the franchise agreement, aimed at protecting the franchisee’s investment and fostering a strong local presence.