What should you keep in mind when choosing pallets for your shipments?
Hisuper HernándezShare
What are pallets used for?
A pallet is a flat platform used for stacking, storing, and transporting goods. It can be stored on racks or on transport vehicles. Typically, a pallet consists of platforms and two or four support beams called stringers or blocks. These features make it easy to lift and move when using forklifts, pallet trucks, and other handling equipment.
Pallets are the most common cargo unit and typically follow standardized measurements. They allow the use of various types of straps and ties to secure cargo or group other pallets together. They are also compatible with various handling equipment, facilitating efficient stacking, loading, and transport.
Pallets provide a stable base to secure and protect goods during transport, reducing the risk of tipping or collapse. They also offer cushioning to prevent damage to products. Their presence increases the likelihood that items will arrive safely at their destination.
Additionally, pallets can be nested like puzzle pieces to optimize space utilization. They adapt to various modes of transport, including trucks, trains, and planes. This versatility facilitates seamless multimodal transport and smooth logistics coordination.
There are different types of pallets, depending on size, composition, etc. Below we list the main existing pallets and their characteristics.
Types of pallets according to materials
The selection of pallet materials is very diverse. Each material has its own characteristics and is adapted to each situation. Below are some common pallet material options.
Wooden pallets
Wooden pallets represent between 90% and 95% of the market and remain in high demand for a variety of reasons. They are characterized by their strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. They are easy to process and can be easily customized in various sizes as needed. Furthermore, they are recyclable, quick to repair, and environmentally friendly.
It is important to note that in some countries, the use of wooden pallets may require compliance with ISPM 15 , which requires fumigation treatment for wooden pallets.
Plastic pallets
Plastic pallets are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. Most can be recycled for reuse. They are also waterproof and resistant to bacterial contamination, making them an ideal choice for shipping food, paper, pharmaceuticals, and cement. They also offer added protection against damage in the event of a rollover.
However, they are prone to warping and incur additional costs. Plastic pallet repairs are not feasible.
Metal pallets
Metal pallets are available in a variety of types, including aluminum and stainless steel, which offer exceptional strength and durability. They support heavy loads, making them primarily used for transporting heavy industrial components. They are also easy to clean and disinfect, but they are more expensive than other types of pallets.
Paper palettes
Paper pallets, also called corrugated cardboard pallets, are made of reinforced cardboard or paper. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and customizable. Their manufacturing process is simple, making them cost-effective. They can also be recycled after use. Due to their lower strength, they are suitable for transporting lightweight products. However, paper pallets are prone to warping.
Various palettes according to styles.
Pallets can be classified into different styles. The support, number of entry points, platform configuration, and pallet features and design are some aspects to consider when choosing one.
Spar pallets
This is the most common type and features three or more long boards along its length, called "stringers." They are strong and can support heavy loads, so they are often used for heavy and demanding jobs. Thanks to their simple structure, they are very easy to manufacture and maintain.
Block pallets
Block pallets are supported by nine columnar posts, called blocks. These are located at the four corners, in the center of each side, and in the middle of the pallet. These blocks provide greater stability and support, making them ideal for heavy loads and racking systems. Block pallets have four entry points, allowing forklifts or other handling equipment to access them from any of them.
Four-way paddles
A four-entry pallet has four entry points, which is why it is also known as a full-turn pallet. It is generally composed of longitudinal and cross-sectional boards. They allow forklifts or other handling equipment to enter from any direction, resulting in maximum handling efficiency. It is also very practical for nesting and stacking. This pallet is the most durable and has the greatest load capacity, but it is also the heaviest and most expensive.
Two-way paddles
This type of pallet has two entrances, allowing access from only two sides. Due to the limited access points, mechanical equipment is required to handle it at specific angles or store it in a specific orientation. The structure of the two-way pallet is relatively simple. It is best suited for applications where frequent changes of direction are not required during loading and unloading. It is also more cost-effective than the four-way pallet.
Different pallets according to sizes
Standardizing pallet dimensions eliminates difficulties in handling materials for various equipment and vehicles, facilitating global trade. Each region has different organizations and associations that regulate shipping pallet sizes. Some of the most commonly used are as follows.
Pallet sizes according to ISO standard
ISO has established several globally recognized pallet standards, such as ISO 6780. This standard specifies the dimensions, design, and performance requirements for pallets, facilitating the efficient management of global logistics and supply chains. ISO standard dimensions include 1200 mm × 1000 mm, 1200 mm × 800 mm, 1100 mm × 1100 mm, and so on.
These dimensions can be adapted to various types of goods, storage and transportation needs, making them applicable on a global scale.
GMA Pallet Sizes
It is a standard size established by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA ), applicable in North America. The most common size is 48 × 40 inches. There are sizes equivalent to those of GMA pallets in the ISO standard, such as 1067 mm × 1067 mm (42 × 42 inches). The GMA standard adapts the size of the pallets to the specific needs of each industry.
European size pallets
This is a widely used standard size in Europe, established by European countries and industries. The most common size is 1200 mm × 800 mm, which is one of the ISO standard sizes. These pallets are designed to optimize storage space and are compatible with European handling equipment. This standard is suitable for most goods and storage systems in Europe.
What should you keep in mind when choosing pallets for your shipments?
When choosing pallets for shipping, there are several important factors to consider to ensure the safe and efficient transport of your goods. Below are some key considerations:
Types of goods
Different types of pallets are suitable for different types of products. Therefore, it's necessary to consider the nature, size, weight, and fragility of the goods. For example, heavy items might require sturdier pallets, such as metal ones. Fragile products might need cushioned pallets, such as paper or wooden ones, commonly used for shipping ceramic tableware.
Sizes and designs
You must select the appropriate size and consider the number of entry points. You must also consider the pallet design, such as a beam or block structure, to fit the dimensions of the goods and the storage and handling equipment. This facilitates efficient loading and stacking. Generally, shippers will choose the most suitable pallets for transport based on their budget and needs.
