In the packaging design process, the pallet is often given the least amount of attention when it is actually the most important part of the unit load. Determining the correct type of plastic pallet is important for both cost and safety reasons.
Here are some questions to get you on the right track:
- What size pallet do you think you need?
The footprint of your load will help to determine this. It’s important to make sure that the load covers as much of the deck of the pallet as possible without hanging over the edge. This will maximize shipping space utilization and minimize damage to your product.
- Is the pallet going to be kept in a closed loop system or will it be sent out for a single use trip?
If a plastic pallet is going to be kept in a closed loop system, a pallet manufactured from durable Polyethylene (PE) material is recommended. If you are shipping the pallet in a single use/export situation, Advanced Composite Material (ACM) is recommended as it is inexpensive and designed for this application.
- What is the maximum weight that the pallet will need to hold?
Every plastic pallet has a weight range rating. It is important to know the weight of your product in order to spec the correct plastic pallet.
- Is the pallet going to be used in an unsupported racking system?
If the plastic pallet will need to go into an “Edge” or “Drive Thru” racking system, without center support, a “Rackable” plastic pallet is required.
- Are you double stacking the pallet?
If you are double stacking on top of an uneven or sensitive load, a full perimeter base or 3-runner pallet is recommended. If not, you may be able to use a less expensive 9-Leg nestable plastic pallet.
- What type of equipment will the pallet be used on?
It is important to know if the plastic pallet will be moved with forklifts, hand jacks, conveyors or any other types of material handling equipment.
Post by: Mike Simon, Midwest Sales Executive