February 26, 2020

Re-consider about Wood Pallets for transporting and Storing Goods

Information overload may have you ever questioning your options when it involves transports and storing goods. You recognize the industry standard is wood pallets. But, you'll have heard or read that wood pallets cost more to ship due to their weight or that they’re bad for the environment. Some may have you ever believe that a majority of wood pallets are only used once then discarded. This simply isn't true.

Many suppliers are pushing alternatives like plastic, metal, and corrugated options. While all will do the work, each has drawbacks also. For instance, metal pallets are strong, but even heavier than wood and costlier. Plastic pallets are sanitary and have an extended lifecycle, but they're also more costly. Corrugated pallets are lighter than wood, but they're not stackable or as strong.

Of course, pallets aren't the sole option. Slip sheets weigh less and are cheaper, but they can't support the maximum amount weight as pallets. They’re ideal for filling every cu ft of a trailer with product, which isn't always possible to try to with pallets. Forklifts won't work with slip sheets, however, and special equipment is required for its handling.

For companies that have fewer products to maneuver per shipment, the old-fashioned method of loading and unloading by hand can work. But, this process is time intensive and therefore the risk for injury is bigger.

A Strong reason for Wood Pallets

Ultimately, there are many reasons why wood pallets still dominate the industry. Here are just a couple of that make a robust case:

Environmentally Friendly – Wood stores carbon and it's renewable, biodegradable, reusable, and recyclable.

Protection – Wood pallets are sturdy. Their strong base combined with protective wrapping means less manual handling and fewer chances for product damage.

Faster Deliveries – Pallets are often handled and quickly moved with standard forklifts, making it much faster to deliver one pallet containing 50 boxes than moving 50 boxes by hand.

Cost Effective – Wood pallets are inexpensive compared to other alternatives and, while heavier than some options, the safe transport of products outweighs any added fuel expense.

Safe for Workers – Unlike heavy boxes, people don't lift pallets. this suggests less risk of back injuries.

Smarter Storage – The uniform shape of pallets makes them easy to stack and store without taking over much space during a warehouse.