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Important Things to know about Pallets
Interesting things to know about Pallets
Pallets are a staple to the transportation industry. They are the base for almost every shipment. Shippers use pallets to secure the freight on, helping to ensure a safe transit. Pallets come in many different configurations and it is important to know what type of pallet is best for your needs. This blog will take a look into the different pallet types as well as the different materials that are used when building a pallet.
Block Pallets
Why is it named a block pallet?
Block pallets get their name from the use of blocks for the structural integrity of the skid. As seen in the picture, three blocks are placed in a row, with a total of three rows, making 9 blocks.
Block pallets are defined by their accessibility. The four-way entry setup of a block pallet is important because it allows pump truck and fork lift operators to access the pallet from all 4 sides.
Having the ability to access a pallet from all 4 sides can make a world of difference with certain shipment types. An example of this is when you are shipping with a role-tite trailer. Shippers may load a role-tite through a dock, driving the skids on with a fork lift. When the shipment arrives at the receiver, they may be unloading the shipment without a dock. They may not sound like a big deal but when skids are not accessible from all 4 sides, the receiver will need to turn the skids using a pump truck so that the fork truck operator can unload the skids.
Stringer Pallet
Why is it named a stringer pallet?
Stringer pallets get their name from the stringers that are used to support the pallet. Stringers are the 3 boards that run through the pallet. These stringers are typically made of 2 x 4s or 3 x 4s.
Stringer pallets are one of the most common types of pallet found in North America. If you have been in any environment that has pallets, you would have seen one of these. They vary in configuration and some pallets, like the one above, have only a top layer of wood. Other pallets will have wood on the top and bottom, increasing the strength.
Stringer pallets are also different from block pallets in that they cannot be access from all 4 sides. The stringers on the left and right sides of the pallet run the full length of it, blocking access from each side. There are work arounds for this issue, pallets can be chamfered or notched to allow fork trucks and pump trucks access to the sides of the pallet.
Plastic Pallet
What is a plastic pallet?
A plastic pallet is exactly how it sounds, a pallet made of plastic. It is built by creating a plastic molding that set in the shape of a pallet.
Plastic pallets offer a few advantages that can make them desirable for shipping freight on. First, plastic pallets are defintely lighter than your traditional wooden pallet. This makes them easer to handle and move around. Along with this, for shipments where weight is a major concern, they could make a different in the transportation process.
Next, plastic pallets are generally quite durable. They are built in one solid piece, with no need for fasteners to assemble it. This reduces the potential weak spots and creates strength throughout the whole pallet. Along with this, plastic pallets generally have a longer service life.
These advantages are often offset by the higher price of the plastic pallet compared to a traditional wooden pallet. Along with this, plastic pallets are not nearly as repairable as a wooden pallet. If damaged, the pallet basically needs to be fully remolded. Furthermore, plastic pallets provide great added benefits but these are sometimes overrode by the additional costs involved with purchasing and repairing them.
Conclusion
Pallets are an integral part of the shipping industry. They give a secure platform to place freight on. They create an added degree of organization within a warehouse and a trailer. They reduce the chances of freight going missing or being damaged. They are one of those things that just doesn’t really change a whole lot. They have and will continue to make so many different industries more organized and efficient.
We thank you for your time. At ShipOntario, we target two of the broad categories mentioned above, Skids and loose freight. Learn more about our vans by checkout out our instagram or through our website. Reach out Reach out to us today at [email protected] or give us a call at 519-213-1000.
The Team at ShipOntario,
A Division of Wood-Hall Logistics
Important Things to know about Pallets