Pallet types – Your best choice is what works best for you

The most common pallet used today for packing and shipping goods is a 48” x 40” wood pallet with 3-inch-wide boards. It is an inexpensive, easy-to-repair option for moving and delivering products and they are easily stacked for storage.

Wood pallets, however, are not the only option available today, and, depending on what products are being secured and shipped, they may not be the best choice for you. Plastic and metal pallets also are options for the shipping industry, and, while they are more costly than wood pallets, they have benefits that may make them more appropriate for your shipping needs.

Wood Pallets

The 48x40 pallet was established as the standard when shipping became a bigger industry around World War II. At the time many pallets were made of metal, but wood became the most common material for its low cost and ease of use with a forklift. Today, there are six different international standard dimensions for wood pallets and even more in the US, the most used being the 48x40 GMA pallet.

Wood pallets are the most common for several reasons:

·        Cost-effective – They are the least expensive to make, are durable if properly maintained, and are easy to repair.

·        Versatile – They are appropriate for a variety of storage needs and can easily be modified for different specifications.

·        Ideal for warehouse storage.

·        Capable of carrying heavier loads than many plastic pallets available today.

·        Ideal for open loop systems that don’t reuse pallets, such as shipping overseas.

Plastic Pallets

Plastic pallet sizes are governed by the same standards as other pallets used in shipping but because they are molded, they can offer a wider range of styles and features. Their popularity continues to grow as part of the sustainable movement.

For food, pharmaceuticals, and any item that may be vulnerable to contamination or damage, plastic pallets are a great choice. They also have many other advantages:

·        Durable and long-lasting – They are resistant to damage from moisture, chemicals, and insects even when stored in harsh environments.

·        Meet hygienic requirements – They are easy to clean and sterilize because the surface is not porous.

·        Higher fire safety rating than wood because plastic burns at a higher temperature than wood.

·        Light weight and splinter free for easy and safe handling.

·        Consistent quality and customizable – They are manufactured using molds so they are rackable and nestable for unique warehouse needs.

·        Ideal for closed loop systems that allow reuse of pallets.

Metal Pallets

Metal pallets account for less than 1% of the pallet market, but they are crucial for industries shipping heavy loads, such as the automotive and metal processing industries. These pallets are typically pretty basic in design but they can be customized.

Benefits of using metal pallets:

·        Ideal for industrial applications – They are strong, lightweight and able to carry heavy loads.

·        Customizable – Today’s steel and aluminum pallets are designed with removable doors, open access, detachable panels, and legs to keep products off the floor.

·        Fire resistant

·        Highly durable, with a lifespan two to three times that of plastic or wood pallets.

·        In closed loop systems, longevity can mean cost savings despite their higher manufacturing cost.

Choosing the right pallet

The best pallet for your business is the one that provides the best shipping protection for your goods and flexibility and durability for storage at a cost that makes sense. Consider the following:

·        Wood pallets are inexpensive, but if your goods are fragile, they could be damaged by the fasteners used to build them.

·        Plastic pallets are more expensive, but if you must store them outdoors, you won’t need to replace them as often as wood pallets.

·        If you occasionally have heavy loads to ship, you may find wood pallets can more consistently support them.

·        For industrial applications, the high cost of metal pallets is probably worth the investment.

Choose your pallets based upon your needs, the conditions in your warehouse, and what you feel is a good investment for your business. If you have questions, contact the experts at Tri County Pallet. We buy, sell, and recycle pallets for all types of industries.