Pallet Shipping is a method of shipping in which items are stacked and shrinkwrapped on metal, plastic or wood pallets. It is ideal for shipping large and heavy freight. Instead of shipping goods in cartons alone, you can palletize and ship them to any location.
Are you new to pallet shipping? This “pallet shipping 101” explains everything you need to know about packing, palletizing and preparing your freight for shipping.
Palletizing Your Freight For Shipping
To allow for easy movement of freight, pallets are often used. Pallets here are rigid platforms on which items can be carefully packed. There are several types and sizes of pallets that exist. Some of them are listed below:
This type features two decks. That is the major reason they can be used with any of the sides up.
This type is usually very easy to identify. They come without any form of spacing at the top. A single material completely covers the upside.
This type has either of the deckboards (top or bottom) extended beyond the stinger edges. Single wing pallets can carry bigger or heavier freight.
Unlike the single-winged type, the double wing pallet has both of the deckboards extended beyond the stringer edges. Pallets of this design can hold much weight.
Flush pallets usually come with all of the edges square. There is no overhang on any of the sides.
This type can be turned and used with any of the sides up. Both the top and the bottom are identical.
For this type, only the top can be used. You cannot turn it upside down like the former because it features a different design at the bottom.
These are the various types of pallets used for freight shipping. Each of these falls under two main categories: block pallets and stringer pallets. They are usually made of metal, plastic or wood.
Based on your need, you would have to choose any of the above listed pallets to palletize your freight. Ensure you choose a pallet that can fully handle the weight of your freight.
Important Tips For Packing and Preparing Your Freight For Shipping
- Do not exceed the capacity of the pallet you intend using.
- Ensure that new cartons are used for the stacking. This will help prevent them from tearing or breaking easily.
- Carefully staple or seal the cartons to avoid losing some of the items.
- Ensure that the cartons are properly labelled. Each must bear the complete information of the consignee and the shipper. This includes the address, phone numbers and postal code.
- To prevent parts of the load from being separated and getting lost, secure the shipment to your pallet using either banding or strapping.
- The weight of your freight should be evenly distributed on the pallet. You can do this using load protectors. Load protectors here are heavy paperboard or corrugated fiberboard which can be used to make the shipment weight even on all sides.
- Print at least 3 copies of the air waybill. One copy for the pickup driver, the second for the shipment (it will be attached to the freight) while the third should serve as a record for yourself.
In Summary
Pallet shipping is a faster, easier and more advanced means of moving your freight to the exact destination you want. It involves the use of metal, plastic or wood pallets to pack and prepare your freight for shipping.
With pallet shipping, your shipment can arrive at the destination intact.
I hope this information helps.
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