Craters & Freighters

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Craters & Freighters

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

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

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 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

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Competitors

Below are some of

Craters & Freighters

key competitors in the

Shipping

sector.

Started franchising
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Franchise fee

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Royalty fee

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Revenue (AUV)

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Gross Profit

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EBITDA

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Home-based

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Passive investment

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FDD
Craters & Freighters
1991
65
+
2%
2%
$35,000
5.00%

$207,000

-

$390,000

n.a.

$0

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

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n.a.

n.a.

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No
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No
No
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No
2019
720
+
98%
98%
$0
n.a.

$1,000

-

$7,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

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Upgrade
Upgrade
1995
38
+
-7%
-7%
$35,900
4.00%

$57,000

-

$239,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$337,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
No
Upgrade
No
2022
8
+
n.a.
n.a.
$30,000
5% - 7%

$145,000

-

$204,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$678,000

89.1%

n.a.

Upgrade

17.0%

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
1987
202
+
-4%
-4%
$30,000
15% - 18.5%

$17,000

-

$233,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$1,825,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
No
Upgrade
No
1980
5232
+
4%
4%
$29,950
5.00%

$209,000

-

$496,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$692,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2021
22
+
29%
29%
$50,000
8.00%

$125,000

-

$455,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Upgrade
Upgrade

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$49 / month
Total investment

?

Revenue (AUV)

?

Revenue growth (last 3 years)

?

Profit margin

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Franchise Disclosure Documents
Advanced filtering and sorting
Watchlist

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Priority support

?

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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. 

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

64

64

65

Company-owned units

0

0

0

Total units

64

64

65

Competitors

Package Hub

Franchisees

?

720
+
98%
98%
Investment

?

$1,000 - $7,000

Postal Connections

Franchisees

?

38
+
-7%
-7%
Investment

?

$57,000 - $239,000

Pink Zebra Moving

Franchisees

?

8
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$145,000 - $204,000

Unishippers

Franchisees

?

202
+
-4%
-4%
Investment

?

$17,000 - $233,000

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