As an SME entrepreneur in the Netherlands or Belgium, it can be a challenge to deliver pallets to large fulfilment companies in Europe. Whether it concerns national pallet shipments within NL/BE or cross-border deliveries to, for example, Germany, Austria, France, Poland, or Spain – good preparation is crucial. In this article, you will learn why fulfilment centers work with pallets, when you as an SME should use pallets, which technical requirements apply per fulfilment service, the risks of incorrectly delivered pallets, and how to prepare for such a shipment. Finally, you will discover how to save time, money, and errors with smart shipping strategies and why Cargors is the ideal logistics partner for these types of shipments.
Table of contents
Why do fulfilment companies work with pallets?
Large fulfilment centers – such as Amazon FBA, ShipBob, Huboo, Active Ants, and others – receive enormous amounts of stock from webshops daily. Pallets are indispensable for keeping this process running smoothly. By delivering boxes and products bundled on a pallet, the warehouse can move the delivery in one go with a forklift or pallet jack instead of having to carry individual packages. This consolidates the flow of goods and reduces the number of individual handling moments. Fewer manual actions mean a faster receiving process and less chance of damage, because the items are securely fixed to the pallet with stretch wrap and straps. Moreover, pallet transport is often more cost-efficient for larger quantities – you benefit from economies of scale compared to sending dozens of separate packages. Fulfilment companies can store pallets directly in their racking or distribute them to different locations in the warehouse using automated transport. In summary: bulk shipments per pallet ensure a streamlined intake, faster processing, and better protection of your stock.
In addition, pallet delivery facilitates the consolidation of shipments. For example, do you have 50 identical boxes of products for the fulfilment center? Then it is more efficient (and often mandatory) to stack these on one or a few pallets. The warehouse can book and store such a bulk shipment faster than 50 separate boxes spread over time. By working with pallets, fulfilment centers can also group incoming goods from multiple suppliers and potentially cross-dock them to other locations. This fits into a trend of freight consolidation, where multiple small shipments are bundled into one larger load for more efficient transport. For you as an SME, this means your goods are in stock at the fulfilment partner faster and ready to be sent to customers.
When should you as an SME use pallets for deliveries?
Not every shipment requires a pallet. If you are only sending a few individual products or small boxes, parcel services are often sufficient. But there are clear moments when pallet shipments are the better (or only) choice:
Large stock replenishments: When you send a larger stock to the fulfilment center in one go – think of dozens or hundreds of items – a pallet is indispensable. Many fulfilment companies use thresholds: for example, from ~15–20 boxes or at a certain total weight, the inbound must be delivered in pallet form. Pallet transport in this case prevents the carrier and the warehouse from having to handle each box separately. One pallet with 20 boxes on it is simpler and faster than 20 separate packages.
Heavy or voluminous goods: If your products are large and heavy (e.g., machines, bulk packaging, liquid bottles in bulk), palletization is safer and mandatory. Parcel carriers use weight limits (usually 23–30 kg per parcel); above that, you automatically end up with freight/pallet transport. A pallet can typically carry up to 500–1000 kg depending on the type and the carrier, and you distribute the weight evenly. Moreover, the risk of lifting injuries or damage is smaller: the pallet is loaded/unloaded mechanically.
Multiple destinations via hub: Some SMEs consolidate different customer orders or stock for multiple locations on one pallet to first send to a fulfilment hub. For example, you collect all products for Amazon warehouses in Germany and France on one pallet to a central point, from where it is further distributed. In such scenarios, you almost always work with pallets for the first transport segment.
Mandatory pallet delivery by fulfilment party: Importantly, consider the policy of the fulfilment company itself. Amazon FBA, for example, can accept smaller deliveries as parcels, but if you choose their Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) or Full Truckload (FTL) inbound, everything must be on pallets. Other 3PLs such as ShipBob, ShipMonk, Huboo etc. often state in their terms that for shipments above a certain volume or if you deliver by truck, pallets are required. Ultimately: always check the inbound guidelines of your fulfilment partner – if they prescribe pallets, you cannot arrive with loose boxes.
The use of pallets is therefore particularly useful (and often mandatory) for larger shipments, heavy goods, or efficient consolidation. For SMEs that are growing and sending more and more stock to fulfilment centers, there naturally comes a point where pallet transport is the logical step. It is then good to know how to handle it correctly, so that everything runs smoothly upon arrival.
Technical pallet requirements of fulfilment centers
Each fulfilment center may have its own technical requirements and preferences for pallet deliveries. However, we see a lot of overlap in the basic regulations. Below is an overview of important requirements (per company where known):
Amazon FBA Europe: Maintains strict pallet guidelines. Euro-pallets (120×80 cm) are mandatory for shipments within the EU; to the UK, they must be block pallets (120×100 cm). Pallets must be of good quality (not broken, no one-way “disposable” pallets) and untreated wood (not painted). Each pallet may be maximum 180 cm high (including the pallet) and weigh max. 500 kg. Do not let anything protrude beyond the edges and do not double stack; double-stacked pallets will almost certainly be refused. Furthermore, Amazon requires that all FBA labels are facing outwards on the boxes so they are scannable. One FBA shipment per pallet: you may not mix two different shipments on one pallet. Finally, pallets must be completely and securely wrapped with transparent stretch film (at least 3 layers around each corner) for stability. If you do not comply with these rules, you risk the pallet being refused at the unloading dock – Amazon is known for sending back pallets with protruding goods or excessive height.
Byrd & ShipBob: Other fulfilment providers also maintain similar requirements. For example, byrd stipulates that all goods must be delivered on EURO-pallets (800×1200 mm). If you deliver a container or large shipment without palletization, byrd will palletize it themselves at the cost of delays and fees (which you want to avoid). ShipBob also requires Euro-format pallets in their European warehouses and recommends a maximum stack height (~144 cm). Failure to comply with their pallet rules leads to delays in stock intake and potentially extra costs for re-palletizing and processing (think of fines or labor costs). In short: byrd, ShipBob, and other modern fulfilment 3PLs expect you to use standardized pallets of good quality, correctly stacked and securely packed.
Huboo, Active Ants, Cubyn, Radial (and others): Although specific documentation is not publicly available, these parties generally follow the same best practices. Expect to use EPAL Europallets or, in the UK, block pallets of 120×100 cm. Overhang (boxes sticking out) is prohibited, and often ~180 cm height is also the limit. Product boxes must be provided with clear SKU labels or barcodes so the warehouse can identify them. Many fulfilment companies also want you to notify them in advance of the delivery (create an ASN in their portal) and clearly label each pallet with a delivery ID or PO number. Pallets that do not meet the requirements can be refused or repacked by these parties, just like with Amazon, resulting in costs or delays. Furthermore, unique requirements sometimes apply per location – for example, temperature-controlled goods on special pallets, or ISPM-15 treated pallets for international transport outside the EU (wooden pallets must then be heat-treated against pests). When in doubt, always check the inbound guidelines of the specific fulfilment center where you are delivering.
Risks of incorrectly delivered pallets
Failure to comply with the guidelines can have unpleasant and costly consequences. A pallet that does not meet the requirements can be set aside or even refused upon arrival. Amazon is a well-known example of this: those who do not follow their pallet rules may find the driver sent back empty-handed. Disposable (one-way) pallets or broken pallets, for example, are immediately rejected at Amazon. Also double stacks or loose boxes falling over? High chance the shipment will be refused at the door.
What happens in the event of such a refusal or non-conformity? Firstly, you will experience delays – your goods will not be in stock at the fulfilment center on time. This can lead to out-of-stock situations for your webshop if you are not careful. Secondly, extra costs may arise. Some fulfilment companies will accept the shipment but will have to repack or label it internally, and they charge for this: think of re-palletizing costs, administrative fines, or “non-compliance fees”. Byrd explicitly warns that a non-conforming delivery delays inbound processing and can bring extra costs. With Amazon Vendor, pallet errors often result in chargebacks (fines that Amazon charges the supplier). If the pallet is completely refused, you or the carrier are responsible for the return transport costs and you must reship.
In addition to costs and delays, you also run the risk of damaged goods if a pallet is incorrectly loaded. A leaning or overloaded pallet can fall over during transit, resulting in breakage or loss. In such a case, you might not be insured, especially if the error lay with the sender (incorrectly stacked). Finally, repeated non-conformity can damage the relationship with the fulfilment company. They may note on your account that your deliveries often cause problems. According to logistics experts, refused pallets lead to delays, higher costs, and damaged relationships – something you want to avoid as an ambitious entrepreneur. In short, avoid pallet fails by doing it right the first time; it saves a lot of trouble.
Preparation before shipping: documents, address, and time slot
Good preparation is half the battle. Before your pallet goes out the door, you as an SME need to arrange a few things:
1. Administration & labels: Register your shipment in advance with the fulfilment center if required. Most parties have an online portal for an ASN (Advanced Shipment Notification) or “Delivery Create”. Here you specify how many pallets, what is on them, and when you expect to deliver. At byrd, for example, you must announce the delivery and add a byrd delivery note, plus stick a unique delivery ID on each pallet. The same applies to Amazon FBA: after booking your inbound transport, you receive pallet labels (FBA Pallet IDs) that you must stick squarely on each pallet, one on each side. Don’t forget the mandatory freight or shipping documents: a waybill (CMR) for road transport, packing lists, and potentially customs papers (see point 3 below). Ensure each pallet is clearly labeled with the delivery address + warehouse code (for Amazon, for example, “FC code”), your company name, and any PO or delivery reference. Clear labels prevent pallets from getting lost in a large distribution center.
2. Address & access: Double-check the delivery address and specific instructions. Fulfilment centers often have multiple locations or docks; always use the exact address as provided. A small error in the postcode or omitting a warehouse code can mean the driver goes the wrong way or is refused at the gate. Incomplete or incorrect addresses regularly lead to missed deliveries or returns. Also inform your carrier if there is special access: does an appointment need to be made or is there a time slot for unloading? Many large warehouses work on an appointment basis. Amazon, for example, requires that every pallet delivery is scheduled via their Carrier Central system, at least 24 hours in advance. You choose an available time slot there when the truck can unload. Other fulfilment companies (such as Huboo, Active Ants) might want a heads-up about the day of delivery, or work with fixed window times (e.g., “deliver between 8-11 AM on workdays”). Plan the trip well: if you miss a slot, the driver may have to wait (at a fee) or even come back on another day. Also communicate to the recipient who the carrier is and on what day/time they are coming, so that the receiving side is ready.
3. Cross-border requirements: If you are delivering pallets outside the Netherlands or Belgium, check if there are additional requirements. Within the EU, there is free movement of goods, so in principle, you do not need to arrange customs forms for shipments from NL to, for example, Germany or Spain. But is your pallet going to a non-EU country (such as the United Kingdom) or does your stock originally come from outside the EU? Then you must ensure correct customs documents and often delivery under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) incoterms. Fulfilment centers generally do not accept shipments with unpaid import duties. Byrd explicitly states: import and pay the import duties in advance (DDP), otherwise they will refuse the delivery. This means you or your shipping partner must act as the importer. Additionally, wooden pallets for intercontinental or to the UK must be ISPM-15 treated (heat-treated against pests). In practice, EPAL pallets comply with this, but when in doubt, you can check (there will be an IPPC stamp on the pallet). Finally: ensure your commercial invoice, packing list, and any permits are enclosed in a plastic sleeve on the pallet if customs are involved.
4. Carrier instructions: Choose a carrier or logistics partner with experience in these types of deliveries. Give them all relevant info: the appointment confirmation or reference number of the recipient (for Amazon, for example, the unique ISA code of the appointment, which the driver must show at the gate), the number of pallets, weight, and if there are special requirements (e.g., refrigerated transport, or truck with tail lift needed if no dock is present). Agree on a pickup time at your warehouse that is well in time for the delivery slot. Also share contact numbers: your own and the receiving warehouse’s (or instructions on where the driver should report). A good carrier keeps you informed and provides a tracking link, something byrd also requires from their customers – this way the fulfilment center knows when your pallet is on its way and arrives. Create a checklist: pallet securely wrapped, label present, documents attached, appointment made. Then you are ready to go!
Smart shipping: save time, money, and errors
Logistics to fulfilment centers doesn’t have to be a headache. By shipping smart, you can save a significant amount of time, money, and errors:
Combine shipments and volume: If possible, try to bundle stock deliveries. One larger pallet shipment per month is often more cost-effective than sending small packages weekly. You save on transport costs thanks to economies of scale and reduce the number of times you have to prepare a delivery. Moreover, the chance of errors is smaller – you go through the process less often, so there’s less chance of forgetting something during registration or documentation.
Choose the right transport mode: Analyze whether you are better off with groupage/LTL (less-than-truckload) or your own dedicated freight. For 1–2 pallets, groupage (combined with other cargo) is economical, although it takes a bit longer. However, if you have strict delivery times or a full pallet load, direct transport (FTL or dedicated LTL) may be wiser. Smart planning also means avoiding empty runs: send pallets to multiple fulfilment centers in the same region in one trip if possible. For example, a truck that first unloads your pallet in Belgium and then continues to a second pallet destination in France – saves two separate trips.
Know the requirements and avoid fines: As we saw, errors (and associated costs) mainly lurk in non-conformity. Invest a little time to go through your fulfilment partner’s inbound manuals and instruct your staff on them. Building and labeling a pallet correctly might take an extra half hour of work, but it can save you days of delay and hundreds of euros in fines. Many SMEs underestimate this at first and only learn “the hard way.” Be smarter: prevent errors the first time.
Use technology & tracking: Ensure real-time insight into your shipment. A good transport platform or a carrier with tracking ensures you can follow every step. This helps to intervene quickly if an unexpected delay occurs (e.g., traffic jam or loading problem) – you can immediately inform the fulfilment center or arrange a new time slot. Moreover, you don’t have to be in the dark or endlessly call to ask “where is my pallet?”, which saves you time and frustration. Some systems send automatic notifications upon delivery, so you know immediately that everything was successful.
Hire an experienced logistics partner: You don’t have to reinvent the wheel yourself. Platforms like Cargors are there specifically to unburden SMEs with these types of shipments. In the next section, you will read how Cargors can help you with smart route planning, competitive rates, and support. A partner familiar with fulfilment deliveries will point out key considerations (e.g., “Have you made your Amazon appointment yet? If not, we’ll arrange that.”). This prevents errors and saves you time, so you can focus on your core business.
Why Cargors is the perfect logistics partner
Finally: why should you as an SME choose Cargors for your pallet transport to fulfilment centers? Cargors is a digital freight forwarder specifically focused on SME transport within Europe. They understand the challenges of deliveries to parties like Amazon, ShipBob, Huboo, and co. Some reasons why Cargors stands out:
Transparent rates: At Cargors, you get immediate insight into the price for your pallet shipment, without hidden costs. Via their online platform, you calculate an all-in rate in seconds based on location, weight, distance, and type of transport. As an SME, you know exactly where you stand beforehand – no surprises afterwards. Moreover, Cargors works without subscriptions or contract obligations; you only pay for what you ship.
Direct booking (user-friendly): Forget waiting days for quotes. Cargors lets you book transport with a few clicks. You enter your shipment details, compare options from different carriers in the network, and book the best choice immediately. Everything happens via a user-friendly online gateway. This saves a huge amount of time and hassle compared to traditional calling or emailing with carriers. Within 60 seconds, your transport is arranged, fully digitally.
Europe-wide network: Whether your pallet needs to go from Antwerp to Amsterdam, or from Rotterdam to Warsaw – Cargors has an extensive network of qualified carriers throughout Europe. They support transport within, from, and to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and every other European country. You can therefore rely on one partner for all your fulfilment deliveries, regardless of the destination. This network also ensures competitive rates, as there are multiple options for every route.
Experience with fulfilment companies: Cargors has ample experience with deliveries to well-known e-commerce fulfilment centers. They know what it takes to deliver a pallet to Amazon FBA or a Byrd warehouse. This allows them to proactively advise you (e.g., about required labels or time slot appointments) and prevent problems. Their drivers and carriers are familiar with the procedures at distribution centers, reducing the chance of misunderstandings during unloading. That expertise is worth its weight in gold for you as a customer.
Smart routes & sustainable logistics: Through their IT-driven approach, Cargors optimizes the route and loading of every shipment. They combine loads where possible (without delaying your delivery) and utilize capacity optimally. That means not only a competitive price but also fewer empty miles and thus a lower ecological footprint. Smart route planning can in practice save hours of transport time and reduces the chance of a truck appearing late for your appointment time. Good for your planning and for the environment.
Customer support: Last but not least, Cargors is ready for you with personal support. They offer direct communication with the carrier and actively monitor every shipment, so you don’t have to check continuously. Should something not go according to plan (e.g., traffic or a change at the warehouse), their support team helps immediately with a solution. No anonymous call centers, but people who know your case. This service takes away a lot of worries and ensures your pallet deliveries run smoothly from pick-up to POD (proof of delivery).
Conclusion
By choosing a partner like Cargors and following the tips in this guide, you as an SME can deliver pallets to any fulfilment center in Europe without worries. You prevent delays and extra costs, and maintain control over your logistics. Ultimately, this means your stock reaches your fulfilment partner faster and your customers receive their orders more quickly. Smart, efficient, and stress-free – isn’t that how you want to do business? With the right preparation and a reliable logistics partner, you can take your e-commerce scaling to the next level. Good luck with your pallet transport!
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