When it comes to shipping, preparing your pallets might be the most crucial step in your process. Learning how to prepare your pallets for shipping eliminates many of the most common shipping errors that plague businesses, such as lost shipments and damaged goods.
Also, it can help you cut costs! Now that you are ready to change your current process, follow these guidelines for secure and efficient shipping.
Stack your boxes
Did you know that choosing the right pallet can make a huge difference in how intact your shipment arrives? You want to use a sturdy pallet in good condition, and it should be free of cracks, chips, or other signs of wear. Also, always stack boxes neatly on top of one another to prevent them from sliding off during transport! Start with the heaviest box at ground level and build up from there—this will help keep everything secure during transit.
Second, make sure the shape and dimensions of your pallet are appropriate for your shipment. If you’re shipping heavy or unusually light boxes, selecting the correct pallet will keep them from shifting during transportation.
Check weight
Putting too much on one pallet can cause difficulty in transportation and, worse yet, damage your goods. You should also check the weight of your products. If your total weight is over the limit, you should repackage some items onto another pallet.
Stretch wrap
Do you remember how you used to try and wrap holiday presents as a child? There are many different ways to wrap your pallets, but they all follow the same fundamental principles of stretching the plastic film around the object.
You can wrap your pallet properly with a few simple steps:
- Start below the base of the bottom layer of products.
- Rotate around the pallet, keeping an even tension throughout the process.
- Wrap until it reaches the top layer of products, then cut film.
This job has traditionally required manual labor; however, automated stretch wrappers can eliminate the need for manual wrapping because they provide a safe and efficient alternative to your workflow.
Use protective edge boards
- Protective edge boards help protect the pallet from damage and hold the load in place, so they are essential for securing your gear.
- Many different edge boards are wood, plastic, or cardboard. You can attach these protective edge boards to the pallet with staples or nails, and you should use them on all four sides of a pallet.
Add weather protection
Cover your pallet with weatherproof material to reduce the chances of damage from the rain along the way. Don’t forget to add this extra layer of protection before shipping to ensure your goods remain intact and dry.
Final thoughts
The best way to prepare your pallets for shipping is to take care of them and use suitable materials and practices. Without good preparation, your pallets could become damaged, stolen, or lost, causing you to lose money in the long run.
Before you ship, consider pallet sizes, protective bumpers, stretch wrap, weight checks, and any other special requirements, such as temperature control, to ensure that your pallets are ready for their journey.
