How to choose the best pallet for your shipment

Last Updated On December 26, 2019

Before sending cargo off for distribution, it’s important to source the right shipping pallets for the job. Depending on the goods, it may be that a hygienic pallet is crucial, or the weight of the load is the top consideration.

Our range of plastic pallets accommodate almost any need. How do you decide which pallet is best for you?

How much do you need to hold?

Naturally, some pallets are stronger than others, and how much can be held is important for heavy loads. Plastic pallets benefit from a hi-tech manufacturing process which produces consistent results in terms of weight-bearing. It is also possible to use different types of plastics depending on the capacity required. Wooden pallets are constructed from varying strips, meaning the strength fluctuates considerably between batches and across individual items. Depending on design and materials used, plastic pallets can hold as much as ten times the weight of wooden pallets.

As well as selecting an appropriate pallet for weight, it is worth considering stability of load. Pallets with sides or lids are available.

How much your pallet will need to hold is an important factor.

What is the level of hygiene required?

Certain shipments, such as pharmaceuticals and food, have strict hygiene requirements. Plastic pallets are easy to clean and do not pose a risk in terms of mould or other contamination issues. Some manufacturers will not allow wooden pallets to enter their facilities, preferring to move the shipment onto plastic on arrival, in order to maintain cleanliness. It is worth considering a pallet specifically designed with hygiene in mind, such as those with flat and smooth tops, to make the cleaning process easier still. Spill containment pallets can also be a good idea for certain goods.

For pharmaceutical and food products that require the product to be kept at a specific temperature, plastic pallets can handle a wide variation. With the wooden alternative, extremes of temperature, both hot and cold, can cause the product to become misshapen or weakened.

Where is the shipment going?

Many countries now require a certificate of fumigation before they will accept a shipment with wooden packaging. The fumigation process can take time, cost money, and delay matters if the receiving country is not satisfied with the certification. Plastic pallets eliminate this issue altogether as they do not aid the spread of infection and disease.

How the pallet will be moved and stored when load-bearing is another important consideration. Capacity will change between situations, such as when a pallet is stacked versus being moved by a forklift, and it’s worth checking your choice is suitable.

Our friendly team are very happy to discuss the wide range of plastic pallets we stock, to help you find the product you need. Contact Eco Pallets today for more information.