With international lockdown measures subsiding, forecasters predict the shipping industry will bounce back with a bang, despite record lows in 2020.
The pallet market will surely follow suit, due to the universal importance of these simple tools in the shipping industry.
We all know that wood pallets are great for DIY design projects, but have you ever wondered about their role in shipping? Pallets are vital for moving heavy goods from the shore to the container and back again quickly and efficiently.
As such, they’re much more versatile than you think. These are the most common types of pallets used in the logistics industry today.
- Stringer Pallets
Stringers are the boards that run between the top and bottom deck boards on a pallet. Two-way stringer pallets allow pallet jack fork entry from two sides, while four-way stringer pallets allow fork-lift access from all four sides.
Four-way stringer pallets may have notched stringers or block designs. Notched stringer pallets only work with forklifts, while block pallets accommodate both pallet jacks and forklifts.
This is the best pallet type for warehouse storage due to its versatility.
- Block Pallets
These pallets have four-way entry, so forklifts can access them from all four sides. Block pallets typically comprise four to twelve wooden posts that stabilize the deck boards.
They’re made from plywood, plastic, or wood, and may or may not feature bottom boards.
- Solid Deck Pallets
Solid deck pallets have a top deck made of one sheet of wood. They’re easy to transport and clean and have a neat appearance.
These pallets work best for moving smaller items as there are no cracks or anything to slip through. Many of them feature a smooth surface with anti-skid material on top or a lip around the edges.
- Double-Face Pallets
While single-face pallets have only one upper deck, double-face pallets have a top and bottom surface. This makes for a stronger, better-balanced pallet.
There are two types of double-face pallets available i.e. reversible or non-reversible pallets.
You can flip the reversible ones to stack items on either side, while non-reversible pallets often feature one surface with more densely packed planks for holding smaller goods.
Double-wing pallets have top and bottom decks that extend beyond the stringers to create a ‘winged’ look on the side of the pallet.
- Spill Pallets
A spill pallet is a type of double face pallet. They’re the best pallet racks to prevent accidental spillage and leaks from drums damaging your warehouse floor or infiltrating the environment.
The pallet has a permeable upper layer with an enclosed space underneath. The lower container must have the same volume as 110% of the drum’s capacity.
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The different types of pallets are a mainstay of the shipping industry, ensuring safe, efficient, and speedy transport of goods across the globe.
They’re just another one of the finer details that we all take for granted.
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