Imagine shipping large items without a pallet. Using boxes alone could make your shipment more vulnerable to damage and increase your packaging expenses. Because of this, more companies are using pallets for delivery as an easy way to cheaply transport large items. Using pallets also decreases the chance for damages because a secure forklift handles your items rather than individuals who might drop or misplace boxes.
Before your pallet is ready to ship safely, if must be wrapped properly. Here are some tips on how to pack a pallet compiled from UPS and FedEx guides:
Choosing your pallet:
- It should be large enough so that your shipment does not hang over the edges.
- Pallets should be sturdy enough to support the load.
- Avoid pallets with broken boards or protruding nail heads.
Stacking your pallet:
- Make sure cartons are new and of proper strength to withstand stacking.
- Stack smaller, lighter items on heavier items.
- Securely seal cartons.
- Use proper amounts of paper packaging or dunnage, like Kraft paper, within cartons and leave no spaces between product. Align boxes in columns, corner to corner, for the greatest stacking strength.
- Use a slip sheet or pallet linerboard under the load and every third layer when possible to help distribute the weight evenly and protect the bottom layer.
Shipping your pallet:
- Use strapping or banding to secure your shipment to the pallet. It should be drawn tightly to the load, which may require running it underneath the top deck boards of the pallet.
- Stretch wrapping is an effective way to keep all pieces of a shipment together. The plastic stretch wrap should first be applied around the pallet and continued upward around the load. Overlap by 50% and make sure it’s tight to prevent shifting. Stretch wrap can be twisted like rope for greater strength.
- Use a dust cover sheet over the top of your shipment to protect it from the time of packing to delivery.
For more protection, use an edge protector to avoid damages. These corner boards increase vertical stacking strength, prevent damage to edges, and stabilize the load. They should extend to the full height and length of the load, and should be used on all corners. This will help maintain the boxes' shape, so that they aren't squeezed in by the stretch wrap.
Next time you pack a pallet, lower your delivery damage claims and cut costs by using the right paper packaging and edge protector products. Have more questions about shipping materials? Contact our paper converting company today.
