A Short Guide to Major Types of Pallets and Their Advantages

A Short Guide to Major Types of Pallets and Their Advantages

Pallets are not simply pieces of wood nailed together. They are a vital element of your logistics and product packaging.

Following are the benefits of pallets Australia:  Pallets permit a company to use air-space apart from floor space, thus lowering warehouse costs.  They reduce handling time with a saving in working hours and a reduction in overtime wages.  They can completely eliminate damage to goods by installing a palletisation program.  You can generate savings of 40% to 45% from palletisation.  Handling of mechanical material helps to reduce personnel accidents often associated with manual lifting and handling.  Pilferage can be reduced when individual items are wrapped or strapped to pallets.

Types of Pallets

Pallets are made of numerous materials. You may choose from following types based on your need: Aluminium/ Metal Pallets Metal pallets, made of steel or aluminium, are used to transport heavy goods, for airfreight/shipping and long-term storage in the outdoors.

Advantages are:       

Stronger than plastic or wooden pallets No rot or decay ( weather resistant) Free of bugs/ pests Do not splinter Are recyclable Highly sanitary, suiting chemical and food industry.

Highly durable

Plywood Pallets These are perfect for holding a light to medium weight objects that require durable and strong packaging.

Advantages are:     

Light but strong Easy shipping and transport Minimal absorption of moisture Has smooth, clean finish Suits layer stacking or rack stocking

Wooden Pallets They are available in numerous designs. Typically they are used for heavier products in a one-way flow.

Advantages:

         

Durable and strong Suits storage in racks Has been proven as a reliable carrier of loads Less costly than other pallet types Can be repaired easily since they are made with different boards which can be detached and replaced when broken Can be resold Pallet material can be collected from materials that can be recycled.

Easy and quick to construct Can be recycled into paper and mulch.

Has high friction compared to metal and plastic pallets.

Plastic Pallets They are safe and stable packaging solution for all transport applications and can be reused numerous times without any costly maintenance.

Advantages:            

Anti-slip surface High loading capacity Low weight Resistant to corrosion and humidity Resistant to shock and stress.

Uninterrupted delivery due to regulations for timber pallets 100% recyclable; can be ground and processed to create a new pallet Lifespan of over 10 years.

Resistant to acidic and alkaline chemicals Safety in handling; no chipping, splinters, nails and screws.

Suited to all types of climate Can be cleaned easily (chemically sanitized, steam cleaned or hot washed to get rid of bacteria).

Corrugated Cardboard These pallets are made from a structure of corrugated cardboard sheets, designed to carry heavy loads. Such pallets feature an under layer where spaces are inserted for entry of forklift blades and then for two more cardboard layers to form the upper layer.

Advantages:     

Strong and lightweight Easy handling Totally recyclable Customizable Inexpensive to transport.

These are some of the main types of pallets in the market.