How to choose the right type of pallet for shipping
Pallets are very useful for transporting bulky or heavy loads. They can be a cost-effective option for businesses that frequently ship large quantities of goods or an efficient solution for transporting furniture during a relocation. It is important that you choose the right type of pallet for your shipping needs. Find out about different types of shipping pallets and their uses.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
What to bear in mind when choosing a pallet for shipping
- Choose the right material for your item – Shipping pallets are available in different types and materials. For example, wooden pallets are ideal for shipping furniture, while plastic pallets are preferred by the food and pharmaceutical industries.
- Use a pallet that is in good condition – It should not have any cracks, old labels or signs of damage. You can opt for a used pallet instead of a new one to save on shipping costs, as long as the pallet is sturdy enough for transport.
- Size matters in the destination country – Standard pallet dimensions vary worldwide since they are regulated by different associations. Try using a pallet that complies with the standard in the destination country, to avoid the need for special handling equipment on the other side.
- Equipment for loading and unloading – Before booking, check if you have access to handling equipment such as forklifts for collection and delivery. If you need any extra equipment, please inform us when placing your order.
HOW TO SHIP
Freight solutions for shipping all pallets types
STANDARD SIZES
Euro pallet standard sizes and dimensions
Euro pallets (or EUR pallets, EPAL pallets) are the standard European pallet. A single pallet weighs 20-25 kg and is available in 4 different sizes:
| EUR-pallet types | Dimensions (W x L) cm | Dimensions (W x L) inch |
|---|---|---|
| EUR, EUR 1 | 80 x 120 cm (most commonly used in Europe) | 31.50 in x 47.24 in |
| EUR 2 | 100 x 120 cm (most commonly used in the UK) | 39.37 in x 47.24 in |
| EUR 3 | 100 x 120 cm | 39.37 in x 47.24 in |
| EUR 6 | 60 x 80 cm | 23.62 in x 31.50 in |
Global pallet standard sizes and dimensions
ISO pallets are available in 6 different sizes, and pallet dimensions vary depending on the region in which they are used.
If you are shipping a pallet across continents, it is a good idea to choose an appropriate ISO pallet for the destination so that the goods do not have to be transferred to another pallet at the other end of the journey.
Here is a summary of the 6 ISO pallets most commonly used:
| Where they are commonly used | Dimensions (W x L) cm | Dimensions (W x L) inch |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 101.6 x 121.9 cm | 40 x 48 in |
| Europe and Asia | 100 x 120 cm | 39.37 in x 47.24 in |
| Australia | 116.5 x 116.5 cm | 45.9 x 45.9 in |
| North America, Asia, Europe | 106.7 x 106.7 cm | 42 x 42 in |
| Asia | 110 x 110 cm | 43.4 x 43.4 in |
| Europe | 80 x 120 cm | 31.50 in x 47.24 in |
PALLET FEATURES
What are the different types of shipping pallets?
Although they may look alike, every pallet is unique. They are made out of different materials, including recycled wood, plastic, metal and paper. Pallets can be classified in various ways, usually by the type of supports and deck configurations they have, as well as the materials.
Type of support: block vs stringer pallets
Block pallets – Also known as deck-board pallets, these are easy to handle thanks to their parallel and perpendicular stringers, the boards that run between the top and bottom decks of the pallet. They usually have a four-way entry, meaning that they can be lifted by a forklift on all four sides. Another typical feature is the 4 to 12 blocks that support the top deck boards.
Stringer pallets – The stringers are positioned in parallel across the pallet and support the load on top. Stringer pallets are normally two-way, meaning that they can only be accessed on two sides by a forklift. Notched stringer pallets with a four-way entry are also available. Stringer pallets are the most common type of pallet used for shipping in the United States.
Type of deck configuration: open deck vs solid deck pallets
Open deck pallets – Also known as ventilated pallets, these have openings or “meshes” on the top deck to make it a lighter and less expensive alternative to other types of pallets. The meshes also allow for easier drainage if the goods get wet in transit.
Solid deck pallets – The top surface of this type of pallet is made of a single sheet of wood, plastic or other material. This makes them a safer option for shipping small items because there are no openings on the surface for things to fall through. Solid deck pallets are also easier to clean and transport, which makes them a popular choice.
Other types of pallets: double face vs double wing vs nestable
- Double face pallets – They have decks on both the top and bottom surfaces, which increases the strength of the pallet by evenly distributing the load weight. These pallets have two types: reversible and non-reversible. Reversible pallets are stackable on either side because they have two surfaces with densely-packed planks. Non-reversible pallets can only be loaded on top as they have different surfaces.
- Double wing pallets – The top and bottom decks of this type of pallet extend beyond the stringers or blocks to give the appearance of “wings“ along the sides of the pallet. This makes them ideal for transporting bulky or numerous goods because of the wider surface area.
- Nestable pallets – As the name suggests, these pallets “nest“ into each other thanks to the legs on each corner. These pallets, when empty, can be efficiently stacked to save valuable storage space. Nestable pallets are normally made of plastic and are ideal for lightweight goods.
PALLET MATERIALS
Choosing between different pallet material types
Wooden pallets are available in soft or hardwood, with the latter providing more stability for heavier loads. A new wooden pallet can typically hold up to 3,600 kg of static load.
Plastic pallets are made from recycled PET or new HDPE and are more expensive, as they are longer lasting compared to wooden pallets. They can carry a load of up to 680 kg or 1500 lb.
Paper pallets or Eco-pallets can hold the same weight as a standard wooden pallet but are more commonly used for lighter loads. Eco-pallets are the most environmentally friendly type of pallet for shipping, as they are can be recycled easily.
Steel pallets provide the most longevity, especially when transporting freight in harsh conditions. Steel pallets are more expensive but are ideal for heavier loads such as transporting ammunition and machinery.
Wooden pallets: the most popular type of pallet for shipping
Wooden pallets are the most common type of pallet material used for shipping because they are durable and cheaper than plastic pallets. They are the best type of pallet for shipping furniture or non-biodegradable products.
Wooden pallets can be divided into the following subcategories:
- Plywood pallets are used to carry light to medium-weight goods. They are able to withstand much handling and loading. Additionally, they offer more resistance to moisture and pests.
- Presswood pallets are made of processed wood fibres or recycled wood shavings. They are sturdy but easy to customise. Their disadvantage is that they are sensitive to moisture damage, especially if left out in the rain.
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FAQ on different types of pallets for shipping
How many types of pallets are used for shipping?
- Material
- Size
- Number of entry points for a forklift
- Deck design