Pallets are a great way to store goods in a warehouse. When it comes to pallets, there are a lot of different options out there.
Wooden pallets are the most preferred type of pallet due to their strength and durability.
Another popular type of pallet is the plastic pallet. Plastic pallets are lightweight and easy to clean, making them a good choice for food and beverage applications.
Metal pallets are very strong and resistant to fire and chemicals.
Finally, there are also cardboard pallets, which are less expensive than other types of pallets but are not as durable.
Why do you need pallets in warehousing?
1. Pallets use space more optimally and help organize the warehouse better.
2. Faster unloading and loading to delivery vehicles.
3. Safety of workers. Using forklifts to lift the goods is much safer than having people deal with it. The labour cost would also see a dip.
4. Increased warehouse efficiency as it is better organized.
5. The risk of damage is less as goods are correctly stacked in storage and transport.
6. Warehouse space is optimized. Pallet racking is built vertically, saving much warehouse space.
What are the different types of pallets?
Pallets can be of various kinds depending on their size, composition, etc.
According to the dimensions:
1. Euro pallet
Measurements: 1200mm x 800mm
Primarily used in Europe and the middle east and is regulated by European Pallet Association
Weight loading capacity: 1 to 1.5 tons.
2. American pallet
Measurements: 1200mm x 1000mm.
Primarily used in America and Japan.
Also known as a universal pallet.
Weight loading capacity: 1500kg.
According to the material:
1. Wooden pallet
Wooden pallets are the most widely used type of pallet.
Market share: 90-95%.
Type of wood used: Oak, Elm, or maple wood.
Advantages:-
Easy to repair.
It is easy to recycle, thereby eco-friendly.
Increased duration of the lifecycle.
Resistance to damage
Disadvantages:-
Difficult to clean and disinfect
2. Plastic pallet
Type of plastic used is high-density polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate.
Widely used in chemical and pharmaceutical supply chains.
Advantages:-
Easy to clean and disinfect.
Lighter weight by 30% compared to wooden pallets
Greater resistance to damage
100% recyclable
Disadvantages:-
More expensive than wood
In case of damage, there is no possibility of repair
3. Metal pallet
Type of metal used: Steel or aluminium
Used in the metal industry.
Advantages:-
Cleaned and disinfected easily
Most durable
Heavy loads can be supported
Disadvantages:-
The cost of transport is more.
4. Cardboard pallet
Used for light loads
Advantages:-
Recyclable and eco-friendly
Cheapest
Disadvantages:-
Short life span
According to the number of entry points:
Entry points are the number of points where the forklift introduces the fork to move the load from one point to another.
There are 2 types:
a) 4 entry points: The pallet is accessible from all sides
b) 2 entry points: The worker can access them from two opposite sides of the pallet; therefore, they have less mobility than the 4 entry points.
Other types of pallets:
1. Stringer pallets
The Stringer Pallet is a variation of a two-way pallet, with the two boards running parallel. The stringer plates are perpendicular to each other.
They use stringers to support the unit load
Extra support over block pallets
2. Block pallets
The Block Pallet is similar to the Stranger Pallet but uses two or four blocks instead of stringer plates. This makes it much stronger than a stringer pallet.
Four-way pallet
Materials used: Wood, plastic, plywood
Has 4 to 12 cylindrical wooden posts
3. Double face pallet
This pallet type has decks on top and bottom surfaces, making it more sturdy.
These are of two types: Reversible and non-reversible.
Used for heavy-duty tasks.
4. Double wing pallet
In a Double wing pallet, the top and bottom deck boards extend beyond the stringers, giving an illusion of wings.
Helps to transport huge amounts of goods all at once.
5. Solid deck pallet
The pallet has top boards that are fully connected, making it a flat surface, so the goods are stable.
Helpful to move smaller goods.
Consists of a single continuous sheet.
6. Roto-molded pallets
Roto-molded pallets are environment-friendly pallets with a greater life span than wooden pallets.
The roto-molding process is used to make these pallets.
They are easy to clean and resistant to chemicals.
Weatherproof as well as termite proof.
Strong enough to withstand any load.
7. Injection molded pallets
These high-performance, durable pallets are made from high-quality HDPE/PP/PE. They are a great option for heavy racking as well as lighter goods.
These are flat pallets
These have precise dimensions, firm structure, and high-impact resistance
But which type of pallet is best for your warehousing needs?
When choosing the right pallet for your warehousing needs, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, think about the weight that you need to transport.
Heavyweight items require a sturdier pallet, such as a wooden or metal pallet. In contrast, lighter items may be better suited to a plastic or cardboard pallet.
Additionally, consider the environment your pallet needs to be stored in. Some materials may not be fit for exposure to damp or freezing temperatures.
Suppose you need a pallet for food and beverage applications. In that case, plastic pallets may be the best option as they are easy to clean and can be designed to meet food-grade regulations.
Metal pallets are an excellent option for heavy and bulky items as they are solid and resistant to fire and chemicals.
Wooden pallets are a popular choice, as they are strong but affordable. And finally, although cardboard pallets are less expensive than other pallets, they are the least durable.
Overall, when it comes to choosing the right pallet for your warehousing needs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
So, when it comes to selecting the right type of pallet for your warehousing needs, it’s important to consider your environment, weight, and budget. That way, you can pick the pallet that best suits your application. Good luck!