Through financial contributions, event sponsorship during ConExpo, and industry advocacy, Turtle Plastics seeks to actively support TAT’s mission to educate, equip, and empower transportation professionals to recognize and report human trafficking. The company leverages its network within construction, infrastructure, and fleet operations to help amplify TAT training resources and awareness initiatives. By encouraging partners and customers to participate in TAT programs, Turtle Plastics along with the Turtle Plastics Foundation which has been actively supporting grass roots organizations such as the Renee Jones Empowerment Center in Cleveland, OH helps expand the reach of frontline education—turning everyday industry professionals into informed and vigilant allies in combating exploitation.
This support reflects Turtle Plastics and the Turtle Plastics Foundation core values: protecting people, strengthening communities, and standing behind organizations that drive measurable impact. By aligning with TAT, Turtle Plastics and its alliance partners demonstrates that leadership in safety extends beyond products and performance—it includes taking an active role in addressing critical social issues affecting the industries they serve.
The post Turtle Plastics, Haltec and AME join Bridgestone in an Industry-Wide Action in Support of Truckers Against Trafficking During ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 in Las Vegas first appeared on Turtle Plastics.]]>- Turtle Plastics will be closed Monday, December 22, 2025-Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the holidays and necessary plant maintenance.
- You may continue to submit purchase orders to [email protected] during the holiday shut down and we will process them upon our return on January 2nd. We wish you a happy holiday season and a bright and prosperous 2026!
Auto stabilization, the process of ensuring a crash site is safe and secure for both rescuers and victims, is critical to the success of any rescue operation. Emergency medical services (EMS), firefighters, and law enforcement officers often follow a standardized vehicle accident stabilization checklist to make sure no detail is overlooked under pressure.
Checklist for Ensuring Crash Stability
A vehicle stabilization checklist is part of a broader accident scene safety protocol. It typically covers scene security, potential hazardous materials (hazmat) contamination, electrical and ignition safety, and safe glass removal or access points.
Once the scene is secured, the proper authorities are notified, and local traffic control is in place, rescuers can turn their attention to vehicle and load stabilization. After chocking both sides of at least one axle and applying the parking brake when possible, crews focus on creating a stable environment to prevent further movement or collapse.
Key Auto Stabilization Guidelines
Turtle Plastics has spent decades refining auto stabilization blocks, chocks and pads, providing reliable products to help first responders perform safely and efficiently. Our line of 100% recycled plastic cribbing blocks, chocks and pads are engineered to stabilize vehicles, including rail, buses, and trucks during rescue operations—a safer alternative to traditional wood cribbing.
- Contact points. More contact points mean greater overall stability. For example, a nine-point box crib provides superior strength and reliability compared to makeshift or improvised setups.
- Height-to-width ratio. To prevent tipping, maintain a 3:1 height-to-width ratio when stacking cribbing blocks, as recommended by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Corner overlap. Maintain at least four inches of overlap at the corners of a cribbing stack to ensure proper load transfer and overall structural integrity.
- Load distribution. Always consider the weight capacity of your stabilization structure. Turtle Plastics cribbing blocks feature clearly labeled load ratings that are valid when the load is evenly distributed.
Wood or Plastic Cribbing?
The choice between wood and plastic cribbing can greatly impact the safety and reliability of your stabilization efforts. Wood is prone to splintering, rotting, and moisture absorption, and can fail unpredictably under load or chemical exposure.
By contrast, our composite cribbing is non-porous, rot-resistant, and chemically durable, making it ideal for demanding accident stabilization environments. It is splinter-free, consistent in performance, and engineered with clear load labeling for easy reference. While wood blocks may appear cheaper upfront, Turtle Plastics cribbing has a significantly longer service life, offering safety, durability, and long-term value. Importantly for the health of all our first responders, our products can be decontaminated with any agent on the EPA List-N.
To learn more about auto stabilization and how Turtle Plastics products support safe, reliable rescue operations, call (800) 756-6635 or contact us online.
The post Auto Stabilization: What You Should Know first appeared on Turtle Plastics.]]>Stabilization is Key
Rescuers use a variety of specialized tools to cut, spread, or lift vehicle structures to free occupants. Before that, however, they must stabilize the vehicle, which may be overturned or otherwise unsteady. Traditionally, rescuers have relied on wood blocks for cribbing to stabilize vehicles, but wood can be problematic for several reasons. It lacks accurate load ratings, cannot be locked in place, and is prone to contamination and splinters.
Turtle Plastics provides a more reliable and sustainable alternative to traditional wood cribbing. For 45 years, we’ve manufactured highly durable stabilization products, including cribbing blocks, pads and chocks made in the USA from recycled plastic.
Better than Wood Blocks
Our Dura Crib® brand of blocks, chocks and pads offers a safer alternative to wood for auto extrication. The blocks can be stacked and interlocked to handle a wide range of stabilization challenges. Each Dura Crib® product is clearly labeled with a working load limit, giving rescue crews crucial safety information at the scene and removing uncertainty.
Depending on the product, our plastic cribbing blocks, chocks and pads are rated between 369 through 3,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). Unlike wood, they do not lose their structural integrity when they are exposed to water and feature integrated lanyards that make positioning and transport easier. In collaboration with emergency rescue teams, we’ve developed six comprehensive Dura Crib® and Dura Stat® auto extrication kits that include stabilization blocks, chocks, pads, and wedges.
Long-term Payoff
With a significantly longer lifecycle than wood, our cribbing blocks hold their value over time. While many rescue teams choose wood because it’s readily available and less expensive upfront, safety and reliability are what truly matter during emergency extrication. Having the right tools on hand makes all the difference.
To learn more about auto extrication and our six extrication kits, call Turtle Plastics at (800) 756-6635 or contact us.
The post Auto Extrication Essentials first appeared on Turtle Plastics.]]>High-density Plastic with Proven Reliability
Dura Crib® cribbing is manufactured in the USA from 100% recycled plastic. It was first trusted in emergency and rescue operations to stabilize vehicles at accident scenes and has since gained widespread adoption across industrial maintenance departments. Today, more companies are choosing plastic cribbing when stabilizing equipment and vehicles because it provides measurable advantages across safety, durability, and long-term cost savings.
Key Advantages of Dura Crib®
Plastic cribbing eliminates many of the challenges associated with wood while offering distinct advantages:
- Load capacity: Each block is load-rated up to 250,000 lbs. and can withstand 685 to 1,200 PSI of compression without cracking or splintering. Traditional wood cribbing varies widely by species, typically ranging between 200 and 1,000 PSI.
- Safety and stability: Dura Crib® is splinter-free, interlocking by design, and clearly labeled with maximum load ratings; standards not consistently found in wood products.
- Hygiene: Fully washable and odor-free, the material is ideal for clean-room and contamination-sensitive environments; wood’s porous surface and moisture retention make difficult.
- Cost-effectiveness: Plastic cribbing provides long-term savings through greater durability and consistency compared to wood.
- Sustainability: Every block is made from 100% recycled plastic, reducing demand for timber while providing a product that does not degrade over time.
Making the Transition to Plastic
As these advantages become clear, the transition from wood to plastic is accelerating. Companies across construction, mining, aerospace, emergency response, and transportation industries have adopted Dura Crib® solutions as part of their maintenance protocols. The shift is happening at every level—OEMs offering maintenance support, third-party providers looking for cost advantages, and in-house maintenance teams that prioritize safety and efficiency.
Examples Across Industries
- Mining and Construction: A global OEM replaced wood cribbing with Dura Crib® Prime Crib® blocks across its operations to achieve superior load stabilization and reliability.
- Industrial maintenance: A leading automotive OEM, turning to Dura Crib® for its cleanability, longevity, and safety for their maintenance bays. The absence of splinters and the interlocking design greatly reduce workplace injuries.
- Emergency and fire services: The largest fire department in the USA, FDNY has adopted Dura Crib® products specifically for their subway rescue challenges. Rising timber costs and budget constraints make plastic especially attractive in public-sector applications.
- Aerospace: NASA’s Artemis program specified Dura Crib® for the Orion spacecraft project because it is safe for clean-room environments while handling extreme loads.
Take the Next Step
The evolution from wood to plastic cribbing reflects a broader commitment to reliability, sustainability, and worker safety. To learn more about how Turtle Plastics can help you implement best practices in your maintenance operations, call (800) 756-6635 or contact us online.
The post Best Practices for Implementing Recycled Plastic Cribbing in Your Maintenance Operations first appeared on Turtle Plastics.]]>
Understanding Load Ratings
Every stabilization cribbing block—whether plastic composite, hardwood, or another material—comes with a working load limit (WLL). This is the maximum weight the cribbing can withstand under proper conditions and within its intended design.
- Composite cribbing (plastic, engineered materials): Typically tested and rated between 800–1,200 PSI, with some blocks supporting 60,000+ lbs. under optimal conditions.
- Wood cribbing: Has more variable ratings depending on species, environmental factors, pest damage and internal condition (cracks and knots). Wood cribbing, no matter what the species can be unpredictable and consistently unreliable.
Here are a few example references from our own Working Load Guide:
- Heavy-duty blocks such as The Slab® are rated at 242,000 lbs. WLL.
- Medium-duty products like the Super Crib® are rated at 110,000 lbs. WLL.
- Light-duty cribbing such as the new 44HDC -18
supports 70,000 lbs. per block.
Key Factors That Impact Vehicle Stabilization Cribbing Performance
Even when cribbing is rated correctly, setup and environment directly affect its performance:
Contact Points
More points of contact = greater stability. A nine-point box crib is stronger and more reliable than ad-hoc or uneven stacks.
Height-to-Width Ratio
The US Army Corps of Engineers recommends a 3:1 height-to-width ratio for crib stacks. Taller stacks should be widened with base layers or pads to avoid tipping.
Corner Overlap
Maintaining at least 4 inches of overlap at cribbing corners ensures the load is transferred properly through the stack.
Load Distribution
Published ratings assume weight is spread evenly. Point loading significantly reduces capacity and creates a high risk of failure.
Ground Conditions
Always start with a firm, level base. Use top and bottom cribbing pads (e.g., Slab Pads or ModPads®) to distribute the load.
Deformation in Service
Wood may crush or lose 10–20% of its height before failing, serving as a warning sign but failure is catastrophic, meaning there is no forgiveness when the wood is overloaded.
Plastic cribs deform or squish slowly, which can provide safer warning characteristics in overload conditions. Also, pyramid facades assist in understanding wear and tear of the block to remove it from service.
Wood vs. Composite Cribbing
Many operations still rely on wood cribbing, but composite (recycled plastic) stabilization cribbing offers some major differences:
| Factor | Wood Cribbing | Composite Cribbing |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Prone to cracking, rot, moisture absorption, and contamination | Non-porous, impervious to most industrial chemicals, rot resistant |
| Safety | Splinters, unpredictable crush | Splinter-free, uniform performance |
| Load Capacity | Depends on wood quality | Consistent 800–1,200 PSI ratings |
| Maintenance | Absorbs oils and biohazards, harder to clean | Washable and can be easily decontaminated |
| Cost | Lower initial purchase | Higher up front, longer lifespan = long-term value |
Best Practices for Safe Use
- Always read your equipment owner’s manual or your company’s standard operation procedures to ensure safe cribbing techniques.
- Adhere to the Turtle Plastics’ published working load limit (WLL) of the blocks in use.
- Keep height-to-width ratio at or below 3:1 (no more than 3x the base).
- Use a solid, level base—pads when needed.
- Ensure even contact and overlap in every stack to avoid point source loading.
- Inspect cribbing before use; retire any cracked, crushed, or excessively worn blocks.
- Avoid modifications: never drill, cut, or alter cribbing blocks.
Final Thoughts
In stabilization work, every block matters. Relying on cribbing with known load ratings and proven performance is not optional—it’s life-saving.
Contact Turtle Plastics today to learn how our vehicle stabilization cribbing solutions can improve safety, durability, and sustainability in your operations.
The post A Closer Look at Stabilization Cribbing, Load Ratings, and Performance first appeared on Turtle Plastics.]]>
Chemical Exposure in Industrial Settings
Chemical spills are a reality in many industrial workplaces. Once an area or tool is contaminated, cleaning and decontaminating can be difficult and costly. In some cases, hazardous substances such as gasoline, oils, or other fuels and chemicals can seep into materials, making them unsafe for continued use. Over time, this contamination can lead to workplace hazards and complicate compliance with safety regulations.
The Limitations of Wood Cribbing
Traditionally, many industrial maintenance departments have relied on wooden cribbing blocks to support equipment during servicing. However, wood is porous and can absorb oils, fuels, and other biohazards, eventually becoming hazardous waste itself. Once contaminated, wooden cribbing can degrade, splinter, or break, increasing the risk of injury or exposure to harmful substances.
A Recyclable, Chemical-Resistant Solution
Nearly 20 years ago, Turtle Plastics introduced the Dura Crib® brand of blocks, chocks, and pads as an alternative to wood for certain cribbing and blocking applications. Each block is clearly labeled with its load rating for easy identification and safe use.
Dura Crib® products are made from 100% recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Unlike wood, our plastic cribbing blocks do not absorb most common industrial chemicals or biohazards. They are designed to be decontaminated with approved cleaning agents, including those listed on EPA List N, without compromising their structural integrity. This washability ensures a cleaner, safer workplace and allows for repeated use over many years.
Additional Benefits of Turtle Plastics Cribbing Blocks
- Washable and Decontaminable: Our blocks can be cleaned and decontaminated as needed, helping maintain a hygienic work environment.
- Consistent Performance: Engineered for uniform strength and predictability, our blocks do not splinter, corrode, or emit odors.
- Safety-Focused Design: The interlocking design of our cribbing blocks, chocks, and pads helps create stable cribbing stacks, supporting safer equipment repairs.
- Sustainable Practices: Made from 100% recycled HDPE, our blocks are part of a closed-loop system with an end-of-life buyback program.
If you are looking for cribbing blocks that resist most common industrial chemicals and biohazards, Turtle Plastics provides a reliable, sustainable solution. To learn more about our chemical-resistant cribbing blocks, call (800) 756-6635 or contact us.
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From fire and rescue teams to maintenance crews in construction, rail, and heavy equipment sectors, the comfort and safety of workers are crucial to both performance and morale. One proven way to support these essential teams is through the use of ergonomically designed cribbing tools that make vehicle and equipment stabilization safer, easier, and more reliable for everyone on the job.
Turtle Plastics: Leading the Way in Ergonomic Cribbing Solutions
For over 45 years, Turtle Plastics has been an industry leader in producing safe, ergonomically designed cribbing blocks. Our innovative approach to cribbing solutions is both recyclable and sustainable. Traditional cribbing blocks are typically made of wood, which can become contaminated by water, oil, or chemicals, and degrade over time under heavy use. In contrast, our cribbing blocks are made from recycled plastic, which resists contamination more effectively than wood and is easy to clean.
Unlike wood, our blocks are suitable for clean-room environments and are used in industries ranging from aerospace to railroads. We have earned an excellent reputation in emergency and rescue circles due to our cribbing’s documented durability and superior performance compared to wood.
Ergonomic Advantages Over Wood
Our cribbing blocks are specifically designed for easy handling and positioning. They feature sturdy lanyards, making it much easier to collect and move them than dealing with loose wood blocks. The blocks themselves are hand-friendly and designed to be easily gripped by rescuers who need to act quickly.
Many of our cribbing kits come with carrying bags, which keep all the pieces together and make transportation from a rescue vehicle or police car trunk to the scene of an accident much more convenient.
Ensuring Crew Safety
Accident scenes can present hidden dangers for rescuers and firefighters, whose first priority is stabilizing vehicles to prevent further injuries. Turtle Plastics understands the many safety challenges these crews face and believes that any safety journey must begin by making the tools they use as safe as possible.
Our interlocking cribbing technology is the result of direct field observations of how crews use cribbing blocks during accidents and maintenance procedures. The blocks are designed to interlock, forming a strong mechanical connection that is far more stable than wood blocks, which can shift and separate under load. We understand the concerns of those who rely on cribbing to extract victims from vehicles or to work safely under heavy equipment. That’s why we label each cribbing block with a working load limit, giving users extra confidence that the block can handle the job at hand. Technicians are at physical risk from exposure to splintering or rot from wood cribbing blocks. Turtle Plastics engineered plastic blocks will not splinter, rot or mold. Their long endurance makes them a top choice over wood cribbing blocks.
Built to Withstand the Pressure
Our plastic cribbing can typically withstand nearly two and a half times the load pressure that wood can handle. This means crews often require fewer blocks to stabilize an accident scene. Additionally, unlike wood, our cribbing blocks do not cause splinters or other injuries, which can sideline crew members and create unnecessary paperwork for departments.
To learn more about Turtle Plastics and the ergonomics and safety benefits of our products, call (800) 756-6635 or contact us.
The post Ergonomic Cribbing Blocks – Recycled Plastic Safety Solution for Your Workforce first appeared on Turtle Plastics.]]>
Turtle Plastics to the Rescue!
More fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), and other first responders are discovering a safer, more effective way to stabilize vehicles during accidents and other emergencies. The plastic cribbing and chock blocks developed by Turtle Plastics add an extra level of reliability in what is often a rapidly changing environment.
Our Dura Crib® brand offers a wide range of interlocking stabilization cribbing and chocks designed to meet virtually any situation rescuers face during vehicle accidents. Unlike wood, these products interlock securely with one another, giving rescuers the flexibility and confidence they need at accident scenes.
Sustainable and Clearly Rated for Safety
Made from recycled plastics in the USA, our products are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Unlike wood, each block is clearly labeled with a working load limit, eliminating guesswork in the split-second decisions rescuers must make on site.
We have offered the Dura Crib® product line for over 20 years. It is trusted by first responders at vehicle accident scenes and by maintenance and repair technicians working with everything from forklifts to freight train cars. All products feature interlocking capabilities that provide greater stability when stacked compared to wood, as well as lanyards that make them easier and safer to handle.
Kits Designed Specifically for Fire and Rescue
We produce a wide selection of Dura Crib® products, ranging from super heavy-duty cribbing blocks capable of supporting earth movers during repairs, to cribbing and chocking kits specially designed for fire engines and emergency responders:
Auto X Crib Kits
Developed in collaboration with fire trainers and rescuers, these kits combine cribbing and chocks in six unique auto extrication sets.
BASK and Quick Response Kits
Our Basic Auto Stabilization Kits (BASK) and Quick Response Kits are designed for first responders, portable and ready to go with trunk-ready carrying bags.
USAR Kits
Updated Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) kits now include rescue cribbing components specifically targeted for vehicle stabilization at accident scenes.
Maintenance Bay Kit
Designed for maintenance and repairs on fire engines, ambulances, and other safety equipment, this kit also includes special mast supports for forklift work.
Cog Step Chock Kit
Our most popular fire and rescue stabilization kits come in four different step chock configurations featuring interlocking blocks.
To learn more about Turtle Plastics, cribbing blocks for cars and the many ways we can help those first on an accident scene assert control over chaos, call (800) 756-6635, or contact us.
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