a href = “/? page_id = 2537″> Pallet transport , pallet distribution, pallet transport; they are all names for transport where the load is placed on pallets. In other words, the pallet is the carrier of the shipment. Thanks to the pallet, the shipment can be lifted and moved easily and quickly with a forklift or pump truck. Handy when the shipment consists of several parts. In addition, according to the Working Conditions Act, an employee may not lift more than 23 kg. A pallet also offers a solution for heavy shipments.
Pallets come in many shapes and sizes. At first glance it may not seem to matter which one you choose, but in practice one pallet turns out to be much more suitable than the other. You can even save money by choosing the right carrier. Read these points of interest quickly and find out which pallet is the best choice for your shipment.
& nbsp;
1. The right pallet size
The first tip and perhaps the most important: choose the right pallet size. In our previous blog, Pallet First Aid , we explained the importance of packing the shipment in a transport-resistant manner and ensuring that the load does not protrude. This increases the risk of damage and this damage is not always compensated in this case. In addition, the rate for many transport companies is based on the floor size and the weight of the shipment. If you choose a too large carrier, you will pay more than you actually should. Please note the maximum height that can be transported. Infinite stacking is of course also not possible.
The most common pallet size used for road transport is 80 cm wide and 120 cm long. In addition, pallets with a size of 100 x 120 cm or 80 x 60 cm are common. Does your shipment have different dimensions? Then it is also possible to have a pallet made to measure.
& nbsp;
2. The pallet type
Pallets come in many different types, but the most common variants for pallet transport are the euro pallet, the block pallet and the mini pallet. These pallets consist of three beams with a platform of slats on which the goods can be placed. The pallets can be picked up from four sides with the fork of a forklift or pump truck. The Euro pallet (80 x 120 cm) is the most commonly used pallet on the European mainland, but the block pallet (100 x 120 cm) is also often used for slightly larger loads. This type of pallet is also called an “industrial pallet” and you see a lot in France and the United Kingdom. With the size of 80 x 60 cm, the mini pallet is the most common type for smaller loads.
In addition to standard pallet types, Chep pallets are often used in the food industry. Furthermore, a UK or American pallet is also sometimes used for road transport. These resemble the standard pallets, but cannot be lifted from all sides. Do you want to send goods that are more vulnerable? Then it is advisable to use a pallet box. This has fixed walls so the load is nicely protected. The pallet box comes in different sizes.
& nbsp;
3. The load capacity
It seems like a buyer: a larger pallet can be loaded more heavily than a smaller type. However, the maximum load capacity that is used everywhere is not the same. Although a standard Euro pallet should be able to carry 2,000 kg, EPAL (European Pallet Association) recommends that the maximum weight be 1,500 kg. In addition, the material of the pallet influences the load capacity. When building a pallet, always ensure that the weight is evenly distributed over the pallet.
Due to the maximum weight that a truck is allowed to transport, many transport companies maintain a maximum weight per pallet. At CTS GROUP we use a maximum weight of 875 kg for a block pallet, 700 kg for a Euro pallet and a maximum weight of 500 kg for a mini pallet. If the pallets are heavier, this is always in consultation.
& nbsp;
4. The material
Wooden pallets are generally used for pallet transport. These pallets are very strong, can carry a lot of weight and are relatively cheap. Nevertheless, a wooden pallet quickly weighs 25 kg, making the pallet not easy to move by hand. There are several alternatives that are also quite strong, such as plastic / plastic pallets. In addition, there are variants that are made of cardboard, styrofoam or pressed wood. However, these can often only be used once.
& nbsp;
5. Certificates and approvals
As mentioned, pallets come in different shapes and sizes. But those are not the only differences. Pallet can also have different certificates. First of all, a distinction is made between official and unofficial euro pallets. The official variant has the EPAL mark. This type of Euro pallet meets strict quality requirements and is suitable for reuse and pallet exchange. The Euro pallets with the same size, but without a characteristic, are EW pallets (Einweg / Oneway). These pallets are fine for one shipment, but cannot be reused. In terms of purchase, these pallets are cheaper, but this type of pallet also lasts less.
For shipments outside the EU, it is important that pallets are treated against harmful organisms and the international standard own ISPM 15 flag . This may not seem relevant to you right now, but if the Brexit is continued this will also apply to shipments to / from the United Kingdom. Click here to read more about it.
More information
In short: with pallet transport, make sure that you do not pick the best pallet first. In general, the wooden euro pallet is most often used for road transport, but this does not mean that it is always the best choice for you. Choosing the right pallet can improve financially and the risk of damage is also reduced. Do you have any questions about choosing the right pallet, its distribution or are you looking for a logistics solution? We are happy to advise you! Get in touch with us.
