Preparing your pallets for transportation the right way is absolutely crucial  to avoid any unpleasant surprises once your package has reached its destination.

Indeed, contrary to what some might believe, your carrier’s job is to transport your freight to its destination, not to package it. So make sure that your package is ready to go whenever your carrier comes to pick it up. For your peace of mind and for their safety.

To prevent damage during transportation, the goods you are sending needs to be loaded securely onto your pallet. Correct pallet packing is also crucial to reducing the risk of handling injuries. You can pack your pallet for shipping in a safe and secure manner by following simple packing instructions and by using good quality and robust packing supplies. If you are still in doubt about how to proceed, this article is here to help! Just keep reading.

 

1- Choose the right pallet for your freight

Get a pallet that can support the load and is robust enough. Verify that it is undamaged and in good shape. We advise using basic wooden pallets or plastic pallets for the majority of shipments. Avoid using corrugated pallets, treated wood pallets, or wooden pallets without bottom boards if you can as they are much less sturdy.

2- If shipping items in boxes, properly package each individual box.

Make sure the boxes are completely filled and are airtight. During shipping using air, your goods run the risk of being crushed. To avoid this, you can cut the box to the right size, use packing peanuts and bubble wrap, etc. Lastly, use enough tape to prevent tearing or impromptu opening in the middle or edges.

3-Distribute weight evenly

It is very important that you distribute the weight evenly within each box, as well as between each box to avoid damage. Indeed if you place a heavier box on top of a lighter one, you run the risk of damaging your goods. If you cannot avoid weight disparity between boxes, make sure to place the heavier ones at the bottom and the lighter ones at the top.

4- Stack properly

Place the boxes in straight columns and make sure the height does not exceed 220 cm. Please be aware that you might be charged by your carrier if you pallet cannot be stacked 9 unless it was agreed upon that it would not be stacked).

5-Always avoid overhand

Verify that the items are evenly spaced on the pallet with nothing protruding over the edge. Overhanging weakens the pallet and increases the chance of objects getting damaged. Additionally, a pallet that hangs over the edge may not be picked up by the carrier.

6- Avoid bumps

To reduce the chance of missing or damaged cargo during shipment, make sure the pallet’s top surface is flat. The package will be better off if it is smaller. Keep in mind that carriers typically charge more for pallets that cannot be stacked and have a level top surface.

7- Secure the package

To secure your load, use pallet packing materials like stretch film, bubble wrap, and foil. Make sure you invest in good quality material . Make sure the pallet is covered and secure the contents with straps on both sides.

8- Make all label clear and easy to access

Remove outdated labels if needed and make sure the new label is visible and easy to access . Due to the possibility of pallets being stacked on top of one another, place shipping labels on each side but not the top. We advise applying labels to the boxes rather than the outer plastic wrapping, which could tear during shipping. Label cones can also be used for pallets that cannot be stacked.