The rental and purchase of pallets (or skids) is often an overlooked or underestimated detail. However, pallets are a useful and, in many cases, essential item that companies need to meet standards and succeed in their business.

Basic pallets are constructed from heat-treated wood products and formed into a box shape. Each pallet has specially sized openings to allow transportation with forklifts, pallet jacks, front end loaders or other devices for ease. Often, a load is secured on a pallet with the use of shipping strapping, stretch wrap, or shrink wrap. Although the dimensions of a pallet vary by country and location, the most widely used pallet in North America is a 42-inch x 42-inch square for use in the grocery industry. The square shape of the pallet ensures the stability of the load and prevents it from tipping over. Other dimensions are used to meet warehouse specifications or to accommodate loading dock doors, railcar doors, or openings for other storage containers. Pallets can also be designed to fit through standard doorways when required. Pallet companies have the ability to design custom pallets to meet the needs of their customers accordingly.

Other pallets are constructed of galvanized metals, aluminum, engineered wood products (such as plywood or particle board), hard plastic, or even paper. All types are designed with storage, transportation, and stability in mind. Depending on the use of the platform, different standards apply.

The pallet was originally designed to help with the import and export of various products internationally. The military benefited greatly from the introduction of ‘palletizing’, as placing goods on pallets freed up men for other services. As the need for safe and reliable freight transportation has increased, so has the pallet industry. The pallet industry has now become a standard for shipping, cargo transportation, and the international export and import of goods.

The use of pallets has been instituted for the following purposes:

• Goods storage (ie warehouse, shed, warehouse)

• Safe transportation

• To comply with food safety regulations

• Stacking purposes

When it comes to being able to safely store multiple items of various weights on one pallet, it’s a must. For example, in parts warehouses, pallets are widely used to neatly store products that cannot be lifted manually. The integrity of the pallet must be intact, the quality of the wood or material must be safe and strong, and the pallet design must be able to withstand the weight and pressure of the item being stored on top of the pallet. . The items can be stored for a long period of time and therefore the wood used must be treated so that there is no risk of rot or decay. In most cases, pallets are heat treated where the wood is heated to a temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) for at least 30 minutes. Other treatments, such as chemical treatments, have been phased out due to environmental concerns.

Pallets are also treated to resist weather conditions as they are used in outdoor storage yards.

Transportation and shipping regulations have mandated the use of pallets, especially as it pertains to food businesses. Shipping products is made easier with the use of pallets, as is the mobility of products that would otherwise be too heavy to lift. When it comes to international shipments, the pallets must receive special treatment to comply with the specifications of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) that deal with the possible transport of diseases, insects, plants or other infectious materials of other countries during transportation.

To meet food safety standards for merchandise storage, food businesses must lift their products off the ground. This can be achieved with the use of pallets. Used in food warehouses, freezers, and production lines, pallets are an integral part of the foodservice industry. They are also necessary for safe food shipments.

The use of pallets has also allowed the safe stacking of the product. Because the pallets are uniform, balancing is a simple task, as is finding ample storage space for merchandise. Forklift operators can easily pick up pallets and stack them neatly, organize them and as a result free up space for other products. Pallets also allow for storage within other containers, such as shelving, racks, and other sealed storage units.

When selecting a pallet company, be sure to research the company’s policies on repairs, safety standards, and recycling programs for old pallets. With environmental concerns in society, more and more decking companies are looking for ways to recycle their wood products. Simple repairs are often needed, deck reconfiguration may be necessary, or a few more nails or safety devices may need to be replaced. Some companies are more diligent than others when it comes to checking the safety and integrity of the pallet structure. To save money, you can rent or buy used paddles, but be careful to check the company’s program and standards for recycling and repairing old paddles before you dive in.

Whatever the case, be sure to thoroughly research a company’s pallet recycling program before choosing to use recycled pallets for your purposes. Also be sure to do your own product inspection before you buy or rent pallets. Some companies are more thorough than others.

Some pallet companies may also offer a discount or refund for returning old or used pallets. Be sure to check out the offers available. While pallets may seem insignificant, they can save you money, storage space, and assist you in many ways as you run your business.