How do I prepare a pallet for shipping?

Shipping with a courier or other carrier is an extremely popular option that allows for fast and hassle-free transportation. However, what should you do if the products you are packing are large or the number of items is so large that packing individual boxes is not the best solution? In this case, palletised shipping works best. How do you prepare a pallet for shipment? We have the answer!

Shipping on a pallet – what is worth knowing?

A pallet shipment is nothing more than goods placed on a specially prepared wooden platform. Due to the construction of the pad, which consists of transverse beams and additional reinforcements, you have the possibility to transport goods that reach up to 4,000 kilograms. When deciding to ship, it is good practice to check that the carrier you are working with has the option enabled to receive shipments placed on a pallet. Furthermore, it is important to know what the maximum weight is that they can collect from the point indicated.

Using a palletised shipment is ideal when you are sending a groupage shipment containing a larger number of small goods. It will also work equally well when sending bulky goods with a weight that is difficult to lift on its own. Due to the geometric shape of the pallet (rectangle, square), it is ideal for placing shipments with a fairly regular shape.

Goods that are worth shipping using a pallet

Wondering how to prepare a pallet for shipment? In the first instance, it is worth paying particular attention to the goods being shipped. It all depends on the industry you are in, but there are a few universal products that are best sent by this type of courier service. The most common items packed on a pallet are:

• large consumer electronics and white goods,
• collectively packaged foodstuffs,
• furniture and household equipment,
• gardening items, including gardening equipment,
• selected car parts,
• certain building materials.

Despite its numerous advantages, palletised shipments also have their limitations. First of all, both the individual products and the overall structure should be properly secured. This means that no article or part of it should protrude beyond the pallet area. Furthermore, all products, especially loose products (animal feed, soil, pet food, etc.) should be properly secured to negate the risk of spillage during transport.

What goods should not be placed on a pallet?

Each carrier clearly states in its terms and conditions the permitted dimensions and maximum weight of the pallet to be shipped. When preparing the cargo, it is worth paying special attention to this. If a pallet is incorrectly prepared or the prescribed standards are exceeded, the courier has the right to refuse to accept the goods. Each shipment is additionally verified at the carrier’s sorting office. If the relevant standards are not met, the goods will automatically be rejected.

The acceptability of the shipment of selected products must also be borne in mind. Dangerous substances marked as ADR may be transported on a pallet, provided that the appropriate precautions are taken. Furthermore, such goods cannot be picked up by a courier, but only by a qualified carrier.

How to prepare a pallet for shipment – materials for packing goods

If you want to protect your goods properly, you should rely on proven and effective solutions. If the products are not pre-packed in large bags or cardboard boxes (e.g. in the case of household appliances and consumer electronics), a good solution is to use packing cartons. The reinforced corrugated cardboard packaging can accommodate smaller products, which you pack in bulk. In this way, you can easily position the individual packages on the pallet, creating an even shape according to your requirements. Check here how to prepare your goods for shipping.

Additionally, when preparing your shipment, it is good practice to use cardboard or plastic dividers between the individual loads. This will allow maximum protection of the individual products, against possible damage. Check here which packaging accessories to choose when preparing a pallet for shipment.

Large volume shipments – how to improve the packing of goods?

There are many machines and tools on the market today that make the packing process easier. The right system can help speed up the process of preparing individual pallets. Such a solution will save you time and costs related to additional working hours of your employees.

One of the most important elements of a well-prepared carton placed on a pallet is the use of fillers. These adequately protect the contents of the shipped parcel from various types of damage. Sometimes, due to the need to use a large amount of paper or film, it is a good solution to use automatic machines. Their main task is to properly prepare the individual materials so that they are ready to be filled into the parcel. Find out here what other packaging equipment you can use.

Shipping a pallet – how do I secure the goods?

Total weight and dimensions such as height and width are extremely important elements to consider when preparing a pallet for shipment. But is this all there is to know about how to prepare a pallet for shipment? One of the most important elements is to protect it from the outside. For this purpose, it is best to use the popular stretch film. Prepared stretch film in black will prevent outsiders from seeing what products are stacked on the pallet. What is more, it will protect the goods from shifting, harmful effects of atmospheric agents such as rain or wind.

The film is extremely flexible, so it can tightly protect the contents of the pallet preparation. Check here where you can use stretch film.

The best packaging materials – Raja

Raja is one of the most popular manufacturers of packaging and accessories for the preparation of parcels and pallet shipments. A great advantage is that both individual customers and entrepreneurs of small and large companies can take advantage of the proposed services. In addition to the highest quality packaging products, our company is characterised by extensive environmental activities. This is why you will find biodegradable materials and recycled products here.

It is worth noting that Raja cooperates with reputable brands operating throughout Europe. A great advantage is the possibility of fast shipping of ordered goods, which is often sent within 24 hours of placing the order. Familiarise yourself with the proposed services and use them for your business. In this way you will bet on the highest quality and reliability of the services provided: rajapack.pl.

Palletised delivery is an excellent solution for large goods and small items sent collectively. The most important thing is to secure them properly and follow the procedures set out by the carrier.