Shipping pallets are integral elements of modern logistics and freight transportation. Their use increases efficiency, reduces costs and ensures the safety of goods at all stages of the supply chain. The use of pallets of different sizes in logistics and freight transportation simplifies delivery, storage of goods and minimizes the risk of damage during transportation. Choosing the right cargo pallets for a particular type of goods can be done by considering the basic selection criteria, including pallet sizes and certification requirements.
What cargo pallets are and why they are needed
Cargo pallets (or pallets) are platforms used for stacking, storing and transporting goods. These pallets have a flat rectangular shape, forklift grips and protrusions for attaching slings. Pallets are standardized in size, which facilitates their use in international logistics and trucking.
The use of pallets in logistics and transportation has now become widespread. This is primarily due to the concern for the safety of the cargo, as well as the automation of loading and unloading processes. The cargo is delivered without additional problems with loading intact and undamaged largely thanks to pallets. The advantages of their use include:
- Space optimization by rationalizing the use of space inside vehicles and warehouses thanks to the ability to stack goods.
- Faster loading and unloading thanks to compatibility with material handling equipment such as forklifts and pallet trucks, which significantly reduces handling times.
- Safeguarding of goods by placing them on pallets in an orderly manner, reducing the risk of damage, contamination or deformation during transportation.
- Unification. Standard pallet sizes simplify logistics planning, warehousing and transportation of goods.
Pallets are a versatile fixture used in a variety of industries such as retail, manufacturing, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Due to standardization and reusability, pallets reduce logistics costs and are environmentally friendly.
Types of freight pallets
There are several types of pallets, including depending on the materials from which they are made. Usually they are made of wood, plastic or metal. Each variety has its own properties and disadvantages. So, wooden cargo pallets – their most popular type due to availability and versatility. Among the pros:
- availability and low cost;
- ease of repair;
- wide application;
- environmental friendliness;
- high load capacity;
- standardization;
- resistance to high temperatures.
There are disadvantages to wood pallets. For example, they have a limited service life, are unstable to moisture and rot, have a large weight, which can increase transportation costs, the difficulty of keeping them clean. Based on this, it is necessary to make a selection depending on the conditions of use, such as humidity, hygiene requirements and load.
Plastic pallets are a modern alternative to wooden pallets, made from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or recycled plastics. They are in demand in industries where hygiene, durability and resistance to external factors are important. Plastic pallets are aesthetically pleasing, eco-friendly, lightweight, moisture resistant, hygienic, and resistant to chemicals. They are most often used in export shipments, logistics and cold chains, food industry, pharmaceuticals and medicine.
Metal pallets are used where high strength and durability are required, as well as protection against mechanical damage or exposure to aggressive conditions (e.g. in the chemical, petrochemical or heavy industries).
How to choose the right pallets for freight transportation
When selecting pallets for cargo transportation, it is important to consider several factors to ensure a safe, efficient and cost-effective transportation process. In addition to the material of manufacture, the main selection criteria include the type and weight of the cargo and the Europallet, the humidity and temperature that will be present during operation, and possible mechanical effects. Usually europallets have standard dimensions of 1200 × 800 mm, but if the cargo is non-standard or large-sized, pallets of individual dimensions may be needed.
Not only Europallets have standardized dimensions, but there is also an American standard of 48 × 40 inches. In addition, international shipping requires compliance with standards such as ISPM 15 (for wood pallets), which mandates wood treatment to prevent the spread of pests.
It is important not only to choose the right Europallets in Kiev, but also to know how to use them properly, as well as care for them. So, for example, if you need a high degree of protection from contamination, it is better to use plastic pallets, which are easier to wash and disinfect. If the shipment is subject to mandatory certification or requires special conditions, you should choose pallets that meet safety and cleanliness standards, for example, for the transportation of food products or medicines. If you choose wooden pallets, which are suitable for most types of cargo, be aware that they may be susceptible to rot and require pest control treatment.
