[JB987]

"If you want to take your robot with you, that INCLUDES the crate - you can't take the robot and ship an empty crate home. This can be a pain, even after you've broken down the crate - it's still rather large!"

Who says you can't ship an empty crate home? The directions for exemption mention the robot and/or crate. Getting approval to remove your robot may not preclude you still shipping the crate home according to the specific language in the information from FIRST referenced. Wouldn't hurt to give FIRST a call...