Shipping Pallets Made Simple

Shipping pallets are an essential part of the manufacturing process across almost every industry, ensuring products reach their destinations undamaged. Standard pallets typically measure 48” x 40”, though custom sizes are available to fit specific needs. A key feature of all pallets is the notches and spaces that allow forklifts to lift and maneuver them easily.

Because pallets are used so often, they can also be overlooked. Pallets are a big part of making sure products make it to their destination safely and ready for customer use. The costs of in-transit damage can add up, so it is imperative to prioritize the right packaging.  Additionally, a shipment may be loaded and unloaded multiple times, so having pallet procedures in place can save you time and money. In this article, we will discuss the difference option when choosing shipping pallets and how best to take care of them for the best ROI.

Using shipping pallets offers several benefits for transporting inventory. They ensure safe and secure product movement, even with multiple loading and unloading processes. Properly stacked pallets save time and money by preventing damage and speeding up transit times due to increased efficiency.

The first decision when selecting shipping pallets is choosing between wood and plastic. While 90-95% of pallets are wooden, both materials have pros and cons. Your specific needs will determine the best choice.

The number one advantage of plastic pallets is their cleanliness, which is why they are often required for food and pharmaceutical industries. They can easily be sanitized for future use and reused for a longer shelf-life than wood pallets can offer. The disadvantage to plastic pallets is the cost. Plastic pallets are much more expensive than wooden pallets, cannot be easily fixed, not good for the environment, and do not have the same weight holding capabilities. These are often the reasons why most people choose to find shipping pallets elsewhere.

As stated above, wooden shipping pallets are the most used across industries. They are much less expensive, easier to repair, hold more weight, and are biodegradable. Since getting pallets back from shipments is not always guaranteed, it generally is a more cost-effective option to go with wood shipping pallets.

Choosing between new and recycled pallets can be a hard decision. Getting the cheaper option upfront can seem like the best choice, but you may pay for it in the long run.

While recycled pallets are cheaper, they may not offer the same reliability and consistent quality as new ones. Hidden cracks and defects can compromise their integrity, and custom sizes are harder and more expensive to obtain.

New shipping pallets are often purchased in batches from the same supplier. This ensures the consistency of the quality, strength, and cleanliness. There is a lot less that you will have to stress over with new shipping pallets. You no longer have to work in the standard pallet size as these can be custom made to your specifications.

For international shipping, wooden packaging may need to be ISPM-15 stamped to prevent customs hold-ups. ISPM-15 involves sterilizing wood packaging thicker than 6mm through heat treatment or fumigation to eliminate pests and bacteria. Ensure your lumber or pallet supplier is certified to provide ISPM-15 stamps to avoid delays.

Partnering with a reliable pallet supplier is crucial. Consistency in quality, timely shipments, and supplier proximity are important factors. Choosing the right supplier may mean the difference in your ROI, so it is important to vet them properly. It can be as important as the type of pallets you choose to use. You have to be able to trust that all shipments will be made on time, no matter the circumstances at play.

Being local to you can also be an important aspect for the supplier you choose. Local suppliers can respond quickly to emergencies and reduce transportation costs, enhancing overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Conner has been a leader in wood packaging solutions for over 40 years, providing pallets, crates, skid parts, custom pallets, and integrated packaging solutions nationwide. With 17 plant locations nationwide, we are positioned to meet your needs efficiently. Contact us today to find out how we can supply the shipping pallets you need.