[FR] Palletless shipping: an advantage for your logistics?

Have you ever heard of the “palletless” concept? This involves transporting goods without the use of pallets in order to save space and weight. Depending on the context, this system can offer many advantages. However, it’s essential to weigh up the pros and cons before integrating it into your supply chain. In this article, you’ll find out how to make the most of palletless shipping.

1. How does palletless shipping work?

As the name suggests, palletless shipping is a packaging method that dispenses with the need for pallets. In practical terms, automated machines secure and stabilise goods using stretch film. This film is then used by machines that roll, cut and rotate it, enabling the contents to be packed compactly. This technique has its advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

Disadvantages

► Lower costs: the pallet is eliminated and the size and weight of the load to be shipped is reduced.

► Optimisation and increase in available space: more room for storing and transporting goods.

► Reduction in manual labour: this automated system requires fewer operators.

► Time saved during preparation: increased efficiency for faster production.

► Reduced pollution: thanks to their more compact format, loads can contain a greater volume of goods. This reduces the carbon footprint and improves the sustainability of the process.

► Secure contents: the load, firmly packed on all sides, is better protected against damage and theft.

► Machine costs: to save on pallets, you first need to invest in a new automatic packaging system.

► Less stability and versatility: the pallet is still a very versatile and safe method of transport, even for heavy loads.

► Not suitable for heavy and bulky loads: some loads are so heavy or bulky that “without a pallet” is simply not an option. With a pallet, these loads can be stacked safely and transported using a forklift or pallet truck.

2. When is it better to ship without a pallet?

Palletless shipping is an excellent alternative in certain situations:

Light loads: light items that do not require additional reinforcement can be shipped without a pallet.
Goods with irregular dimensions and shapes: the use of pallets is practical when the loads are of conventional shape or size and adapted to standard palletising dimensions. Otherwise, “without pallet” can be a good alternative, provided that the securing system is correctly applied (e.g. strapping).
Stacking bags: bags are often used to transport food, agricultural or construction products. They can be stacked directly on top of each other without the need for pallets. This creates a checkerboard base on which the rest of the goods can be arranged.
Sustainable sectors: companies that want to reduce their carbon footprint and who attach great importance to protecting the environment can decide, as a matter of principle, to do away with the use of pallets.

3. When should you opt for traditional pallets?

Deux palettes de bois empilées pour un grand colis

It’s not always easy to completely eliminate pallets from a logistics chain. In fact, there are many situations where their presence is essential:

Goods requiring greater stability: the pallet system ensures greater stability and reduces the risk of falling, damage or accidents during transport. It is advisable to palletise goods properly and to use a suitable wrapping machine.
Ease of handling: thanks to their standardised dimensions, pallets are easier to handle, even with hand pallet trucks. What’s more, they save time and cut costs.
Space management: loads without pallets take up less space, but pallets are still ideal for stacking goods safely.
Protection of goods: their structure limits the risk of impact or damage during handling and transport.
Safety: a standardised process protects operators and reduces the risk of injury or RSI.
Reusable: pallets are not for single use, but can be reused several times. They therefore represent a genuine investment.