Definition of Shipping Pallet

Shipping Pallet can be defined as a flat, portable and rigid platform that serves as the basis for assembling, storing, stacking, and transporting goods in a single load, often with superstructure. The superstructure is the assembly that is attached to the support base of the pallet. In this article we will discuss standard pallet size and and pallet dimensions when shipping pallet by air, ocean or by truck.

Pallets are used for stacking, storing, protecting and transporting materials when handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet trucks or conveyor belts stored on shelves or in transport vehicles.

Pallet history is an integral part of the development of modern logistics. During the Second World War, the design and management of pallets was further improved.

Used of Shipping pallet

Shipping pallets is defined as when goods or containers are placed on a pallet, fasten with tapes, stretch films or shrink films, after which it is being transported to their destination.

The transport of pallets was quickly recognized in the shipping industry as shippers became aware of the costs associated with space and shipping damage.

The pallet shipping has proven to be a viable solution because it ensures the safety of goods and takes up little space compared to empty containers.

Listed below are some of the advantages of shipping pallet:

Pallet shipping ensures efficiency.

• Most of the pallet used for shipping are lightweight and require less storage space. Pallets do not take up much space and still contain many goods.

The pallets used for shipping are strong.

• This ensures that the goods stored in the pallets remain safe and unchanged. Their strength also allows them to stack a certain number of pallets without breaking. Pallets are also designed so that their contents do not touch the ground.

Portability.

• Most pallets can be easily transported by one person. They are available in different sizes from small to large pallets. Only one pallet can contain more goods than goods transported by the piece. This facilitates the monitoring and movement of goods during transport.

Easy to recycle.

• Since most pallets are made of plastic and metal, they can easily be melted and reshaped. This reduces the cost of new pallets and makes their shipping profitable.

How to choose a Standard Pallet Size to ship and store the product?

Pallets are commonly used to ensure that the shipment is properly packaged for safe transport. The application does not seem to be too difficult. However, if not used properly, they can reduce the risk of costly problems, For example: Product outages or delays in the supply chain.

How to select a pallet

• When selecting a pallet, pay attention to permanent and undamaged pallets.
• It should be big enough to accommodate all objects without overhanging.

How to load a pallet

• Stack lighter and smaller packages on the pallet before adding weight and adopting a rectangular shape. Do not stack them too high! This can lead to instability.
• If you place a layer of protective paper between the stacks of boxes, you can reduce friction and distribute the weight of the load evenly across the pallet.
• When you have secured the goods on the pallet, wrap the load with strips and stretch them in several layers and be sure it is tight for safety delivery

How to ship a pallet

• Get all the dimensions of your palletized shipment before shipping as this information will help you to determine the shipping prices.
• Do not forget to add informative labels to each box with relevant information that further simplifies the supply chain.

Pallets dimensions and Standard Pallet Size.

There are a number of standard pallet sizes for internationally used, they vary by country and industry. The dimensions are given in inches and centimeters for wood pallets as well as for plastics, composites and pallets made from other materials.

The pallet sizes varies depending on location and usage. The most common pallet sizes are:

• (36 inches by 36 inches) / (914.4 mm by 914.4 mm),
• (42 inches by 42 inches) / (1066.8 mm x 1066.8 mm),
• (48 inches by 48 inches) / (1219.2 mm x 1219.2 mm) and
• (48 inches by 40 inches) / (1219.2 mm x 1016 mm).

The standard size of the range for the United States of America is

• 40 inches by 48 inches

The reason why there is no suitable pallet size for everyone is that there are many different functions.

Depending on the use of the pallet, it must be small enough to pass through the doors of the company, be stored in containers for shipment, and allow low labor costs.

Why standard pallets sizes is important?

Standard pallet sizes can play an important role in improving the efficiency and flexibility of the supply chain. For example, in optimizing various parts of the supply chain and material handling equipment for standard size management.

The use of trucks, warehouses and as well as the interface to forklifts and other handling equipment can be optimized thanks to the standard size. Flexibility works when it comes to integrating alternative partners into the supply chain, in which all parties involved use the standard range.

Types of pallet

Pallets are made from a variety of materials, including recycled wood, plywood and plastic. Here is the list of pallet types and their usefulness:

Pallet block

• These pallets are known for their entry in the four directions, they are accessible to forklifts from four sides. The pallet blocks can be wood, plastic or plywood. They usually consist of four to twelve cylindrical wooden posts to stabilize the planks of the upper deck.

Stringer pallets

• The plates between the upper and lower cover plates serve to receive the load of the pallet. The two-way pallet allows only the retraction of the fork on two sides.

Double-sided pallet

• There are two types of double-sided pallets: reversible and irreversible. Reversible pallets can be turned over and items stacked on both sides. Non-reversible pallets generally have a more compact plate surface for the storage and packaging of 4 double-wing pallets.

Fixed bridge pallet

• The surface of the massive deck pallets consists of a large wooden plate without space. These pallets are aesthetically pleasing to many customers and easy to clean and transport. They also facilitate the transport or storage of small items.