The difference between shipping goods on pallets and in containers

Pallets vs containers: both are load units that serve as practical means of transporting cargo. The general idea of using them is to form a group of separate parcels so that a single handling operation can be carried out. Yet, there are differences between shipping goods on pallets and in containers.

The main difference between pallets and containers is that pallets are open platforms while containers are enclosed, with a limited volumetric capacity. Both pallets and containers have pros and cons, which we will present in this article.

Jump to:

What is a pallet?
Advantages/disadvantages of pallet shipping
What is a container?
Advantages/disadvantages of container shipping
Summary – which to choose?

What is a pallet?

Pallets are the most frequently used type of packaging used in road freight transport. A pallet is a relatively small wooden, plastic or metal platform on which the cargo is loaded for storage or transport. Different types of pallets are used around the world. When booking pallet delivery in Europe, please note that the size of a standard European pallet (also called a EUR-pallet or EPAL-pallet) is 1.2 m x 0.8 m.

Pallet vs container shipping: advantages of using pallets

Pallet advantages

Pallets are easier to move than containers since they require less equipment
Faster handling is possible with pallets compared to containers
Pallets require less time and effort to prepare for shipping

Pallet disadvantages

Pallets have less load capacity than containers
Palletised cargo is exposed and less secure
More packing care is required compared to containers

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What is a shipping container?

A shipping container is a metal box used for transporting, storing, and handling cargo. There are many different types of shipping containers. Their characteristics differ depending on whether they are transported by road, rail, sea or air. The most important properties of shipping containers are their:

Structure (metal frame)
Size, ranging from 1.56 m x 1.53 m x 160 m (air freight containers) to 16 m x 2.5 m x 2.9 m (sea freight containers).

Air freight containers are much smaller compared to those transported by sea, road, and rail. These containers can be used almost interchangeably on different transport methods, although the largest containers are normally reserved for sea freight.

Pallet vs container shipping: advantages of using containers

Container advantages

Excellent protection from all elements during transit
Containers prevent unauthorised access thanks to special locks
Refrigerated transport is possible with reefer containers

Container disadvantages

Containers take up a lot of terminal space
Loading/unloading containers require more time and effort
Containers have a short lifespan of approximately 5 years

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What to consider when comparing pallet vs container shipping

When choosing between pallet or container shipping, consider factors such as:

Distance from the collection to delivery points
The type and size of cargo being shipped
Transit time and urgency (e.g. container shipping via sea freight takes much longer than pallet delivery via road transport)
Your available budget
Other specific conditions and requirements

Pallet vs container differences: which should you choose?

Having considered the differences between pallets and containers, you should now find it easier to decide which option you need for your shipment.

Check the quick summary points below to help you make the right decision:

Pallets are lighter and easier to transport than containers.
Containers are ideal for transporting fragile or high-value cargo.
Pallet shipping services are generally much faster than container shipping services.
Since containers require cranes or special forklifts, make sure these are available on site before booking a container shipping service, otherwise you could opt for a more flexible pallet service.

If you are looking for a reliable logistics service provider offering a wide range of specialist logistics services at very reasonable prices, look no further than Eurosender!

Interested in learning more about pallet and freight shipping? Check all our articles about pallet deliveries.

This article was written in collaboration with Roman Bilozor.