General information about shipping pallets
What is a pallet?
A pallet is a flat structure made of wood, plastic, or metal that is used to support and transport goods. It is typically used in conjunction with a forklift, pallet jack, or other mechanical handling equipment to move goods around a warehouse, distribution center, or other storage facility. Pallets are typically standardized in size and shape to allow for efficient handling and storage. They are also often used to stack and secure goods for shipping or storage in a trailer or container.
What are the most common type of pallets and what are they made of?
There are several types of pallets that are commonly used, including wooden, plastic, and metal pallets.
Wooden pallets are the most common type of pallets and are widely used in a variety of industries. They are typically made from hardwoods, such as oak or maple, or softwoods, such as pine or spruce. Wooden pallets can be either new or used, and they can be either solid or with open slats.
Plastic pallets are another common type of pallets. They are made from recycled plastic and are designed to be lightweight and durable. Plastic pallets are often used in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries because they are easy to clean and do not harbor bacteria or pests.
Metal pallets are made from steel or aluminum and are used in heavy-duty applications where high load-bearing capacity and durability are required. They are typically more expensive than wooden or plastic pallets, but they can last longer and are often used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and military.
There are also hybrid pallets that are made from a combination of materials, such as wood and plastic, or metal and plastic. These pallets are designed to combine the benefits of different materials and are often used in specialized applications.
What are the benefits of wooden pallets?
Wooden pallets have several benefits:
They are sturdy and durable
Wooden pallets are made of solid wood, which makes them strong and able to withstand heavy loads. They can be used for a long time with proper maintenance.
They are cost-effective
Wooden pallets are generally less expensive than other types of pallets, such as plastic or metal.
They are versatile
Wooden pallets can be used for a wide variety of applications, including storage, transportation, and material handling.
They are environmentally friendly
Wooden pallets can be recycled or repurposed after their useful life is over, making them a more sustainable option than disposable plastic pallets.
They are easy to repair
If a wooden pallet becomes damaged, it can often be repaired or recycled, whereas plastic or metal pallets may need to be replaced.
Overall, wooden pallets are a reliable and cost-effective choice for many businesses.
What are the benefits of plastic pallets?
Plastic pallets have several benefits over their wooden counterparts:
Durability
Plastic pallets are more durable than wooden pallets and can withstand harsh handling and harsh environments. They are also resistant to moisture, pests, and other contaminants, which makes them ideal for use in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Lightweight
Plastic pallets are typically lighter than wooden pallets, which makes them easier to handle and reduces shipping costs.
Hygiene
Plastic pallets are easier to clean and sanitize than wooden pallets, which makes them ideal for use in industries that require high levels of hygiene, such as the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Sustainability
Plastic pallets are made from recycled materials, which makes them more environmentally friendly than wooden pallets. They can also be recycled at the end of their lifespan, further reducing their environmental impact.
Cost-effective
Plastic pallets have a longer lifespan than wooden pallets, which means they may be more cost-effective in the long run. They also do not require the same level of maintenance as wooden pallets, which can further reduce costs.
Customization
Plastic pallets can be customized to meet specific needs, such as specific weight capacities or dimensions. This is not possible with wooden pallets.
What is the average weight of pallets?
A standard wooden pallet with dimensions of 120×80 (cm) usually weighs about 15 to 20 kg. A pressed wood pallet measuring 120×80 (cm) with a load capacity of 350 kg weighs about 9 kg. A heavy-duty plastic pallet of 120×80 (cm) weighs about 10 kg. There are alternatives, for example, cardboard and styrofoam, which weigh much less. However, the problem with these pallets is that they can usually be used only once.
What is a heat-treated pallet?
A heat-treated pallet is a type of wooden pallet that has been subjected to a process of heating in order to meet certain international regulations for the transportation of goods. The purpose of heat treating wooden pallets is to kill any insects or pests that may be present in the wood, such as beetles or termites, which could potentially infest and damage cargo during shipping.
Heat treatment involves exposing the wooden pallets to a high temperature for a specified period of time in order to kill any pests that may be present in the wood. The temperature and duration of the heat treatment process depends on the type of wood and the size of the pallets being treated. After heat treatment, the pallets are stamped with a mark or symbol indicating that they have been properly treated and are safe for use in international shipping.
Heat-treated pallets are used in many different industries and are particularly important in the export of goods to countries with strict regulations on the import of wood products to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
