Pallet shipping can be one of the most cost-effect ways to move freight. The materials are cheap. The method is simple. And it’s easy to find a good freighter to work with. But it comes with one major drawback – you have to work out how to pack the things! Preparing a pallet for shipping is easy – once you know how. But it can be a bit of a steep (and expensive) learning curve when you first start out. These dos and don’ts should help to make sure that your palleted shipments always arrive at their destination in the perfect condition.
The Dos and Don’ts of Pallet Shipping
Do:
Make sure that your pallets are in good condition
The great thing about most pallets (cardboard excepting) is that they are reusable. And that’s what makes them such a cost-effective solution. The problem is that they are not infinitely reusable. Over time, pallets can become weakened. They crack, they chip, the nails loosen, and they are otherwise damaged. If you load your goods on to a poorly conditioned pallet, don’t be surprised if they struggle to survive the journey.
Consider laying a slim wooden sheet on top of your pallet before you begin
This will protect the pallet from damage and prevent instability in your load.
Pack your goods sensibly
At Plexus Freight, we take the utmost care when handling our client’s shipments. But we still need to use a forklift to load them. So, if you’re dealing with fragile goods, pack them accordingly. The use of the correct packing materials can save you a lot of wasted expense in the long term.
Stack your boxes well
The best way to stack a pallet for shipping is to pretend you’re building a wall… With enormous bricks. So, overlap your layers, knitting the boxes together. That way, the structure has more integrity and is less likely to collapse under pressure like a stressed-out CEO.
Strap and wrap
If you’re dealing with heavy goods, it’s always sensible to strap them onto your pallet. Heavy items have a tendency to move around, so they need that bit of extra security. And all pallets should be wrapped prior to shipping. This provides extra protection against damage and loss.
Don’t:
Overload your pallets
Now, this is really tempting. Sometimes, you just need to add those extra few items to a pallet to avoid the cost of shipping a second. But this dramatically decreases the chances of your freight reaching its destination in one piece. Overloaded pallets can split, even when new. It also makes the load more likely to tip when it’s being lifted into place. This increases the risk of not only damaging your freight, but injuring the people who are handling it. As a responsible business owner, you don’t want either to happen.
Allow boxes to overhang the pallet base
If you want your goods to reach their destination unscathed, never allow your boxes to overhang the pallet base. Don’t leave gaps between boxes, and don’t stack unevenly. A pyramid-shaped stack is far more likely to be damaged than a square. And this is packaging 101, but don’t put heavy goods on the top of the stack. This will not only risk crushing the boxes beneath, but can make the whole thing unstable.
Shipping pallets is easy-peasy when you know how. You just need to follow these simple guidelines and you’ll be fully prepared to move your goods from A to B, quickly, affordably, and safely.
Are you ready to book your next pallet shipment? Contact Plexux Freight for a quote today.
