As the experts in world-class freight delivery, we know the importance of preparing pallets in the correct way for delivery. And you should too!
When it comes to logistics and haulage, we all appreciate that time is money, so to ensure that your goods get where they need to be as quickly as possible, you always want to ensure they’re prepared in the right way. In this quick guide, we’ll explain just why proper preparation is so important and give you a fool-proof walkthrough for how to pack a pallet correctly – saving you time, money and stress in the long run.
And if you’re looking for the freight experts to help you move your pallet from A to B, we’re also on-hand to make that happen for you!
Why do you need to pack a pallet properly?
If you want to ensure a seamless delivery for your pallet, it’s vital that it’s packed appropriately. Not only will properly packing and securing your pallet lessen the chance that your goods are damaged in transit, it will also help to protect other goods around them. So no matter whether you’re booking a less-than-truckload or full truck load delivery, you’ll have peace of mind.
Furthermore, if your pallet is not properly packed and secured, it could very well be refused for delivery by the driver. If this happens, you’ll either have to spend time repacking the pallet, which could mean you miss your slot! And when the prompt pick up and delivery of goods is so important, you don’t want to be caught short. So preparing your pallet the right way will minimise the risk of damage and the risk of refusal – ensuring efficiency at all points of the delivery cycle.
Understanding different pallet sizes
Before you can pack your pallet, you need to know precisely how much space you’ll need for your delivery – considering size and weight – and that starts by understanding the different pallet sizes. The size of your pallet will directly impact how it’s packed and how much your total delivery will cost.
For reference, here are the three most common pallet sizes:
When it comes to sizing up your pallet, it’s very important that none of your goods hang over the edge. Not only can overhang lead to damage to your goods – or potentially to someone else’s goods – it can also incur surcharges that will ramp-up the price of your delivery. Pallets with overhang, or consignments that are not on the correct pallet sizes could also be refused outright if they cannot properly fit on the transport vehicle. If you’re ever concerned about the size of the pallet you need for your delivery, simply consult one of our experts.
How to prepare pallets for delivery?
Prior to shipping, you will always want to ensure that pallets are prepared properly. At Forest Freight, we take great pride in the delivery process; our warehouse teams are experts in packing and preparing pallets for freight forwarding. So we know what we’re talking about!
Here are a couple of tips that will guarantee your pallet is ready for delivery first time:
Choosing the right pallet for the job
As discussed, the correct pallet size is crucial to fitting all of your goods on it. Too big, and you could end up paying extra for space you’re not using. Too small, and you’ll have a poorly (and dangerously) packed pallet or have to pay for extra space to fill with your consignment. Similarly, you need to ensure that the pallet you are using is in good order. A couple of things to look for are:
- Broken or split boards
- Nails, large splinters or other harmful components
- Total weight load of the pallet
Stacking goods on the pallet
This is one of the most important parts of the process to ensure that all of your goods reach their destination safely. If you are packing multiple items on one pallet in boxes, make sure that every box is made of high-quality, strong cardboard so it won’t buckle under weight. This should all be packed with bubble wrap, or similar, and sealed securely with packing tape to maintain the integrity of the contents!
Similarly, if you are stacking your pallet with boxes, ensure that the heaviest items form the base layer, whilst lighter items are at the top. This will make the entire pallet stronger and further minimise the risk of damage. When stacking the pallet, it’s always best to use a column structure rather than a pyramid-like structure. This will make the pallet more structurally sound and allow you to fit more boxes on at once. It will also make the wrapping process far easier.
Securing your goods
Once your pallet is stacked appropriately, you will need to secure it in place. This prevents any of your goods coming loose and falling off the pallet during transport – which is vital for protecting them, others’ goods and the safety of delivery teams.
You can use tightly-drawn strapping or banding to secure the load to the pallet, however, it’s more common to see stretch wrapping. This can be wound several times around the entire width and height of the pallet to increase the strength and stability of the load. At Forest Freight, we use a combination of wrapping and banding for maximum security, but if you’re preparing a pallet by yourself, or in anticipation of delivery, you can follow these tips to get it done right.
We want to ensure that your pallet deliveries get where they need to be as safely and securely as possible. So if you’d like to explore our warehousing, packing, or deliveries services, don’t hesitate to contact one of our experts and discuss your requirements.
