While stackable pallets are quite self-explanatory, it's not always clear what makes a nested pallet different. In essence, it's very simple – nestable pallets sit tightly together when empty, with the 'feet' sitting inside the pallet beneath. The stackable alternative sit on top of each other – and while they may not be as space efficient when empty, they do come into their own when loaded.
As to which plastic pallet is best, well that depends on what you're moving or storing, and where you're doing it.
Here we weigh up the benefits of nestable and stackable pallets and help you decide what's best for your business.
Benefits of a nestable pallet
- Space saving
- Reduced freight costs
- Cheaper to make and therefore to buy
Nested pallets can reduce your storage space by as much as four times, since they're designed to fit together much more closely when not loaded. This allows you to stack a higher number of empty pallets without taking up more room, or enables you to reduce storage costs by using a smaller facility.
Your cost savings don't end with storage. Freight costs can be significantly reduced on the return leg, as your shipment requires less space. This is extremely helpful in closed-loop supply chains, where the pallet or crate is recovered by the same organisation without a return load.
Nested crates are also cheaper to make, and this saving is passed on to consumers.
Benefits of stackable pallets
- Save floor space by stacking vertically
- Lightweight
- Solid platform
- Suitable for racking
If you want to stack while loaded or store them in racking, stackable pallets are what you need. Popular with warehouse supply chains, their solid base means they can be stored in a variety of shelving configurations and some can be stacked on top of other loaded pallets. They are designed to be strong to enough to manage heavy loads and to remain stable when stacked.
Vertical stacking allows much more of the available storage space to be used, crucial when dealing with large amounts of stock or big items. The base can be designed differently according to its intended use, such as with runners, and stackable pallets also sit closely on top of each other when empty.
Remember that stackable pallets need to be fully supported when loaded and in racking.
What else should you consider when selecting the right pallets?
Shipping weight
The lighter your pallet, the cheaper your shipping costs. Freight rates are usually calculated by overall weight, and that includes shipping materials. Selecting the lightest possible crate for your load keeps your costs as low as possible, especially important if you ship frequently. Plastic pallets are much lighter than wood, but can still hold plenty of weight, and so are a cost-effective option.
How much it can hold
It's crucial that your pallet can hold your goods both in transit or storage. Commercial pallets and crates come with a maximum weight and it's important you keep this in mind to avoid damaging your pallets and products.
Checking pallet size is also important to make sure it will fit into racking or other storage facilities, and that your larger products will sit comfortably on top.
Pallets that carry food or pharmaceutical products need to be easy-to-clean and sanitise.
Hygiene requirements
Depending on what you ship and where you send it, sanitation may be a priority. Pallets that carry food or pharmaceutical products need to be easy-to-clean and sanitise without risk of moisture retention or mildew. Plastic pallets are an excellent choice where hygiene is important, and can make getting through customs simpler than when using wood as there is less risk of infection.
Compatibility with pallet trucks
If your logistics rely on your pallets and their goods being transported by jacks or forklifts, it's crucial that you select a product that fits with your existing machinery.
At Eco Pallets, we have a wide range of products to suit the needs of any business. Contact our friendly team today to discuss which of our pallets will work with your existing supply chain to provide the solution you need.
