A pallet is a pallet, right? Not so fast!

Where Can I Get Pallets?

Whether you need to move products from one place to another, or store them long-term, finding the right material handling solution is critical. The world of pallets is a complicated one, and the sheer number of options can be daunting to all but the most seasoned packaging professionals. That’s where Reusable Transport Packaging can help.

With over 40 years of experience, we’ve gleaned a vast amount of product knowledge along the way. By consulting with you to understand your business and processes, our team can drastically shorten your journey to find the ideal pallet for your application. Our consultative approach is the key to ensuring that we can get you the best product, at the best price, at the right time.

What Kind Of Pallet Do I Need?

Pallets are the unsung heroes in the logistics and shipping industry. They play a pivotal role in ensuring products reach their destination intact, and they are expected to perform repeatedly with little to no maintenance. When it comes to suitability for any given task, not all pallets are created equal, and sourcing the right model is a top priority. Rather than spending your time becoming an expert on pallets, you can trust in our expertise and excellent customer service to meet your needs in the shortest amount of time possible.

There are several different types of pallets on the market, and several factors play a role in choosing the best pallet for your application. One way to approach pallets is to think of them in terms of light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty options. Another way is to segment them by materials. Here are the five main pallet categories by materials:

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  Wooden Pallets: Wooden pallets are the most traditional and widely used type. They are a known quantity and are typically chosen for their cost-effectiveness above all else. The construction of wooden pallets can vary, with options such as block pallets and stringer pallets. While they are widely used, the typical light-duty wood pallet will last for 10 usage cycles on average, which accounts for a significant amount of material waste worldwide. Additionally, wooden pallets present certain workplace hazards, with splinters and exposed nails being cause for concern. For export purposes, wooden pallets must meet the ISPM 15 standard to ensure that no exotic or invasive species are introduced into a new environment. For these reasons, wood pallets have lost some market share to reusable pallets over the last five decades.

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  Plastic Pallets: Plastic pallets have seen a surge in popularity due to their lightweight nature, overall durability, and resistance to moisture and pests. They are particularly favored in industries where hygiene and cleanliness are paramount, such as the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. More importantly, plastic pallets can be reused 10x longer (or more) than wooden pallets, with some heavy-duty plastic pallets providing a service life of over 200 use cycles. While the initial investment cost is higher than that of wooden pallets, plastic pallets provide a rapid return on investment, and they continue to provide years of ongoing savings after the initial payback. In addition to eliminating the material waste associated with wood pallets, plastic pallets can be recycled at the end of their service life, which contributes to sustainability goals. Plastic pallets can be reinforced with steel rods for use in edge-racking applications, and are available in a wide array of designs offering different features.

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  Metal Pallets: Metal pallets, often made of steel or aluminum, offer unparalleled strength and durability. They are ideal for heavy-duty applications and environments where hygiene is crucial. However, their overall weight can be a limiting factor in some logistics operations. Metal pallets are also highly resistant to pests and extreme environmental conditions. They are also fireproof, which helps to lower insurance costs.

• Corrugated Pallets: Corrugated pallets are a lightweight and eco-friendly alternative. Made from corrugated cardboard, these pallets are suitable for one-time use or short-term storage. If kept unsoiled and dry, they can be recycled, reducing their overall environmental impact. While not as durable as some other materials, they are cost-effective and serve well in specific applications.

• Molded/Pressed Wood Pallets: Molded wood pallets, also known as pressed wood pallets or particleboard pallets, are composed of wood particles compressed together with glue or epoxy as a binding medium. They are heat-treated, making them compliant with international shipping regulations. Molded wood pallets are lightweight, making them suitable for export, and they are often used in industries requiring compliance with ISPM 15

Want to save time and shorten your search for the perfect pallet? Put your trust in the team at Reusable Transport Packaging. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, responsiveness, and technical product knowledge, all of which will help make your project a success. Contact us today!

 

Looking for a deep dive on reusable plastic pallets? Click here to read “The Complete Buyer’s Guide To Plastic Pallets.”