Exploration programs operate on fixed schedules — drill crews, geologists, contractors, and support services all working toward planned metreage and project timelines. When critical supplies don't arrive on time, the delay can affect the entire program. For core boxes and drilling supplies, fast delivery comes down to three things: keeping commonly ordered products in stock, manufacturing close to the projects being served, and maintaining the production capacity to respond when programs expand unexpectedly. We keep standard NQ and HQ products in production year-round so many standard orders ship within a week, manufacture in Cranberry Portage, Manitoba close to the projects we serve, and respond quickly when an active program needs more boxes mid-season.
Why delivery speed matters
Exploration programs operate on fixed schedules. Drill crews, geologists, contractors, and support services are all working toward planned metreage and project timelines. When critical supplies don't arrive on time, delays can affect the entire program.
Drilling programs rarely proceed exactly as planned. Additional metreage, new targets, improved results, and program expansions can all increase supply requirements during an active campaign. When a project needs additional core boxes, marking blocks, lids, or other supplies, waiting weeks for production can create unnecessary delays. Reliable delivery helps keep drilling, logging, sampling, and storage activities moving on schedule.
Inventory of standard products
Most Canadian exploration programs use standard NQ and HQ core box configurations. Because of this, we keep our most commonly ordered products in production throughout the year. Standard inventory typically includes:
- NQ core boxes
- HQ core boxes
- Plywood core boxes
- 2×6" framed core boxes
- Marking blocks
- Core box lids
Maintaining inventory of high-demand products allows many standard orders to ship within a week while reducing lead times during busy drilling seasons. Custom dimensions, large-volume orders, and specialty products are scheduled separately to maintain availability of standard stock.
Manufacturing in Northern Manitoba
Greg's Manufacturing operates from Cranberry Portage, Manitoba, serving mining and exploration projects across Canada. We regularly supply projects throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut, and beyond.
| Region served | How we ship |
|---|---|
| Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario | Direct trucking |
| British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut | Common-carrier freight |
| Remote / fly-in projects | Regional transportation hubs |
For customers across the Canadian Shield, manufacturing closer to the projects we serve helps reduce transit times and provides greater flexibility when additional product is required during a drilling program. Whether shipping by direct trucking, common-carrier freight, or through regional transportation hubs, our goal is to keep projects supplied throughout the drilling season.
Supporting active exploration programs
Exploration programs often require more than a single shipment. Additional boxes may be needed as drilling progresses, metreage increases, or programs expand beyond their original scope. Because manufacturing takes place in-house, we can provide updated lead times, coordinate phased deliveries, and respond to changing project requirements throughout the season.
For many customers, the ability to secure additional supply quickly becomes just as important as the initial order.
Need supplies for an upcoming program?
Send us your planned metreage, drill size, delivery location, and required timeline. We'll review current inventory, confirm lead times, and recommend the products best suited to your project. Reach the shop through our contact page or browse the CanadaCoreBox lineup — or request pricing directly on the core boxes Canada page.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can you ship core boxes in Canada?
Maintaining inventory of high-demand products allows many standard orders to ship within a week, while reducing lead times during busy drilling seasons. We keep our most commonly ordered products — standard NQ and HQ core boxes — in production throughout the year. Custom dimensions, large-volume orders, and specialty products are scheduled separately to maintain availability of standard stock.
Where in Canada do you deliver core boxes and mining supplies?
We operate from Cranberry Portage, Manitoba and regularly supply projects throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut, and beyond. For customers across the Canadian Shield, manufacturing closer to the projects we serve helps reduce transit times and provides greater flexibility when additional product is required during a drilling program — whether shipping by direct trucking, common-carrier freight, or through regional transportation hubs.
Do you keep core boxes in stock or build to order?
Both. Most Canadian exploration programs use standard NQ and HQ configurations, so we keep our most commonly ordered products in production throughout the year. Standard inventory typically includes NQ and HQ core boxes, plywood core boxes, 2×6" framed core boxes, marking blocks, and core box lids. Custom dimensions, large-volume orders, and specialty products are scheduled separately so they don't disrupt availability of standard stock.
Can you handle rush orders for active drill programs?
Yes — supporting active programs is most of our work. Drilling programs often require more than a single shipment, with additional boxes needed as drilling progresses, metreage increases, or programs expand beyond their original scope. Because manufacturing takes place in-house, we can provide updated lead times, coordinate phased deliveries, and respond to changing project requirements throughout the season.
How are core boxes packed for shipping to remote sites?
Core boxes are palletized and prepared for transportation across Canada, including remote exploration projects that require multiple freight transfers before arriving on site. Orders may include core boxes, lids, marking blocks, and other products packed together to simplify handling and procurement. For projects requiring additional protection during transit, custom packaging and crating options are available.
Need a quote on a real drilling program?
Tell us your meterage, your bit size, and your timeline. We'll come back with a real number — usually the same day.
Get a quote