Abstract: A load-bearing platform that includes an expandable polymer matrix core and a skin disposed over a bottom side of the core. The core includes a base and a plurality of legs extending from one side of the base, the legs having one or more core insert openings in a bottom surface of the legs. The skin includes a plurality of legs, each adapted to accept a leg of the core and one or more skin insert openings corresponding to a core insert opening, where at least one leg insert per leg is inserted into an insert opening. The load bearing platform can be used for shipping articles.