Craters & Freighters Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Franchisees

?

64
+
0%
0%
Investment required

?

$173,000 - $288,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

$1,601,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Initial franchise fee

?

$40,000
Royalty fees

?

5.00%
+
up to 2%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro
Franchisees

?

64
+
0%
0%
Investment required

?

$173,000 - $288,000
Franchise fee

?

$40,000
Royalty fees

?

5.00%
+
up to 2%
Revenue (AUV)

?

$1,601,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro

Craters & Freighters: Leading the Way in Specialty Crating and Shipping Solutions

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

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Low Amount High Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000 $40,000
Travel $2,500 $4,500
Leasehold Improvements $3,000 $5,000
Warehouse Tools & Equipment (manual & powered tools, material handling equipment) $40,000 $60,000
Office Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment $5,000 $8,000
Monthly Rent $5,000 $10,000
Lease Security Deposit $5,000 $8,000
Vehicle Lease/Purchase $30,000 $65,000
Organizational Expenses $2,100 $3,000
Insurance $7,000 $15,000
Grand Opening Advertising $750 $2,000
Deposits $1,000 $3,000
Miscellaneous Expense $2,000 $4,000
Additional Funds for First Three Months $40,000 $60,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $173,350 $287,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Franchise
Franchisees
Growth
Initial fee
Investment
Revenue
Gross Profit
Operating Profit
Industry

64

+
0%
0%
No growth
New

$40,000

$173,000

-

$288,000

n.a.

$1,601,000

Pro

n.a.

Pro

n.a.

Pro

Business Services

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. 

The company emphasizes strong communication and offers numerous opportunities for franchisees to meet with other owners and corporate staff through annual conventions and regional meetings, fostering collaboration and sharing best practice

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. 

Number of units

2023
Franchised units

64

64

64

Company-owned units

0

0

0

Total units

64

64

64

Competitors

Unishippers

Investment required
$17,000
-
$233,000
Franchisees
202
+
-4%
-4%

The UPS Store

Investment required
$209,000
-
$496,000
Franchisees
5232
+
4%
4%

The Frontdoor Collective

Investment required
$125,000
-
$455,000
Franchisees
22
+
29%
29%

Supply Pointe

Investment required
$131,000
-
$291,000
Franchisees
6
+
0%
0%

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