"In recent times, the use of pallets in freight transportation has been increasing significantly. Many people have been asking questions about pallets, such as what they are, why they are used, their sizes, and the different types available. In this article, Duy Tan will provide a comprehensive overview of pallets, helping customers understand this important tool in freight transportation.
What is pallet? The popular pallets on the market today
What is a pallet? Common types of pallets in the current market
What is a pallet?
A pallet (also known as a cargo platform) is a flat structure used to secure goods during transportation by trucks, forklifts, or other transportation equipment. They serve as load units to facilitate efficient movement and stacking of goods in warehouses. Pallets are commonly made from wood, plastic, metal, or recycled materials.
The use of pallets helps to secure goods and streamline the loading and unloading process during transportation and between different means of transport. Depending on the customer's requirements and the specific types of goods, the palletization process is carried out in a cost-effective manner, ensuring the quality of goods during transportation.
Pallet là gì?
The functions of pallets
Pallets offer various benefits to users, including:
- Protecting goods during transportation, reducing the risk of damage and breakage.
- Safeguarding delicate items such as glassware and high-value products like electronics.
- Saving time and effort when handling large quantities of goods, improving overall efficiency.
- Facilitating easy and safe lifting of palletized goods onto shelves or into containers.
- Utilizing two-tier or three-tier rack systems to optimize storage space in warehouses.
Thanks to these advantages, pallets have become an essential tool in optimizing the transportation and inventory management processes.
Pallets bring great benefits to users
Common types of pallets in the current market
There are several types of pallets commonly used in freight transportation and warehousing, including wooden pallets, plastic pallets, paper pallets, and metal pallets. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages:
Wooden Pallets
Wooden pallets are flat structures made from quality wood used to secure and support goods during transportation or storage in warehouses.
Advantages:
- Affordable and widely available, suitable for one-time use or export purposes.
- Can be reused for making furniture after their initial use.
- Available in various sizes and types, allowing flexibility in transportation.
- Can be designed with stringer or block configurations, providing versatility in transportation.
Disadvantages:
- Susceptible to temperature, humidity, pests, and reduced lifespan.
- Not resistant to chemicals, difficult to clean, and prone to splintering in the warehouse.
Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets are made from high-quality plastic material, providing high durability and excellent load-bearing capacity for securing and supporting goods during transportation or storage.
Plastic pallets are widely used today
Advantages:
- High durability, long lifespan, and high number of usage cycles.
- Good load-bearing capacity, flexibility, and multi-directional use.
- Leave no marks on cargo due to smooth surface.
- Not affected by temperature and humidity.
Disadvantages:
- Limited recycling capability, leading to environmental pollution when disposed of improperly.
- Some types of plastic pallets may melt in case of fire.
Paper Pallets
Paper pallets are made from paper or related materials, used to secure and support goods during transportation or storage.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and suitable for exporting goods, especially for sea transportation.
- Have insect and pest resistance properties.
- Suitable for projects requiring easy recyclable materials.
Disadvantages:
- Affected by humidity and temperature.
- Lower lifespan and susceptible to damage from rodents.
- Most paper pallets are not fire-resistant.
Metal Pallets
Metal pallets are made from high-quality metal materials and are used to secure and support goods during transportation or storage.
Advantages:
- Suitable for oversized and heavy goods, with high load-bearing capacity.
- Long lifespan and can be reused multiple times.
- Ensures stable functionality in various environmental conditions.
Disadvantages:
- Heavyweight and difficult to move without the use of a forklift.
- Higher cost compared to other types of pallets.
Each type of pallet has its own unique characteristics and caters to different usage requirements. Selecting the appropriate pallet can improve the efficiency of freight transportation and storage while reducing risks and costs during handling and preservation of goods.
Classifying pallets based on function and design
Pallets can be classified based on:
Design and function:
- One-way two-way pallets
- Two-way two-way pallets
- One-way four-way pallets
- Special design pallets with locking mechanisms, etc.
Structure: Solid surface, open deck, cardboard top deck, mesh top deck, cup feet, two-sided, one-sided, two-way entry, four-way entry, etc.
Usage purpose: Export pallets, used pallets, second-hand pallets, liquidation pallets, forklift pallets, etc.
Load capacity: Light, medium, heavy, and very heavy pallets.
These classifications help users easily choose pallets that match their transportation and storage needs effectively.
Currently, pallets are typically produced in six main size groups with the following detailed dimensions:
- 1m long x 1m wide x 0.135m high
- 1.1m long x 1.1m wide x 0.14m high
- 1.219m long x 1m wide x 0.14m high
- 1.2m long x 0.9m wide x 0.135m high
- 1.1m long x 1.1m wide x 0.12m high
- 1.2m long x 1m wide x 0.15m high
Choosing the appropriate pallet for various industries
- Manufacturing companies and factories: For heavy or unstable goods, it is best to use plastic or wooden pallets to ensure load-bearing capacity and convenience during transportation.
- Businesses dealing with fragile items: For products like glassware, ceramics, furniture, and art pieces, paper pallets should be used to avoid breakage, deformation, and scratches.
- Import and export companies: Sturdy pallets are required to limit damages and save transportation costs and labor for loading and unloading goods. Wooden or plastic pallets are commonly used for large-sized export items.
- Logistics companies: Plastic pallets are ideal for transporting medium-sized goods, while metal pallets are used for super heavy items. These choices reduce external impacts during transportation, such as weather conditions, collisions, and mold growth.
- Businesses involved in frequent movement of goods: Businesses like supermarkets and grocery stores benefit from using lightweight, durable, and flexible paper or plastic pallets for regular movement of small-sized goods through narrow spaces.
Pallets are used in many professions
Guidelines for Proper Pallet Packing
- Stack goods in a column formation: Ensure that the goods are securely stacked in columns. If the goods inside are stable, you can use the brick stacking method to increase stability.
- Avoid overhang: Ensure the goods fit well and remain within the pallet, avoiding any overhang that could cause damage to other batches of goods.
- Keep the pallet surface flat: Ensure the top surface of the pallet is flat, allowing goods to remain stable and safely stack on top of each other. Pallets that cannot be stacked may incur additional fees.
- Secure the pallet with wrapping or straps: Use wrapping or straps to keep the cargo stable on the pallet. It is advisable to wrap the entire pallet to ensure stability and safety for the goods.
- Clearly label the pallet: Ensure that the pallet is clearly labeled on the sides, not on top, to facilitate easy identification and accurate transportation of the goods.
Conclusion
We hope that through this article, you have gained an overview of what pallets are, the common types, and their functions. Don't forget to follow Duy Tan's upcoming articles to stay updated with more knowledge and information!