Palletizing Cargo: When to Do It

What is a pallet?

A pallet is a strong, flat structure, specifically designed to support goods and provide stability when they are being lifted on a forklift, moved with a pallet jack, or being transported from between different locations.

While the most common type of pallet is made out of wood, they can also be constructed from plastic, metal, paper, and various recycled materials. Each one is used to hold and transport different types of goods.

What types of cargo should be palletized before transport?

Some of the types of goods that should be transported on pallets are:

Fragile cargo, like glass and liquid bottles
Building materials
Furniture
Domestic appliances
Machinery
Small and stackable items packed together

What are the size dimensions of pallets?

Countries like the United States, Canada, Spain, and Portugal hold a standard size for pallets to make sure that they can fit through typical entrances and in trucks and containers. Here is a size breakdown:

North America Standard Dimensions:

Dimensions in inches (W x L)	Dimensions in meters (W x L)	Uses
48 × 40	122 × 102	Groceries
42 × 42	107 × 107	Telecommunications and Paint
48 × 48	122 × 122	Drums
40″× 48	101.6 × 122	Military Equipment and Cement
48 × 42	122 × 107	Chemicals and Beverage
40 × 40	102 × 102	Dairy
48 × 45	122 × 114	Automotive Parts
44 × 44	112 × 112	Drums and Chemicals
36 × 36	91.4 × 91	Beverage
48 × 36	122 × 91	Beverage and Packaged Paper
35 × 45.5	89 × 116	Military
48 × 20	122 × 51	Retail

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Australian Standard Dimensions:

Dimensions in inches (W x L)	Dimensions in meters (W x L)	Usage Location
45.90 × 45.90	117 × 117	Everything in Australia & New Zealand

European Standard Pallet Dimensions:

Dimensions in inches (W x L)	Dimensions in meters (W x L)
31.50 × 47.24	80 × 120
47.24 × 39.37	120 × 100
39.37 × 47.24	100 × 120
31.50 × 23.62	80 × 60

ISO Pallet Dimensions:

The International Organization for Standardization has its own set of approved pallet measurements for its member-countries.

Dimensions in inches (W x L)	Dimensions in meters (W x L)	Region used in
48.00 × 40.00	122 x 102	North America
39.37 × 47.24	100 x 120	Europe, Asia
44.88 × 44.88	114 x 114	Australia
42.00 × 42.00	107 x 107	North America, Europe, Asia
43.30 × 43.30	110 x 110	Asia
31.50 × 47.24	80 x 60	Europe

How can I prepare my pallet for a safe transit?

Here are some steps you can follow to make sure your pallet is prepared for transit:

1. Use multiple layers of corrugated cardboard to evenly distribute the weight of the contents on the pallet.

2. Use corner boards to prevent damage to the corners of boxes and to stabilize the load. Whenever possible, make sure that they cover the full height and length of the load and use the materials in all corners.

3. Use shrink wrap or stretch wrap to secure all pieces of the shipment together.

First, apply the stretch wrap around the pallet.
Then continue wrapping it around the contents of the pallet and upwards around the load to prevent the load from shifting.

4. Use strapping or banding techniques, in conjunction with the stretch wrap to secure the load to the pallet and keep it from tipping or shifting during transit.

If you’d like to learn more about pallets or other palletization and packing requirements, contact us!

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Palletizing Cargo: When to Do It