How to Palletize a Shipment: Step-by-Step Guide

In a world with increasing dependence on global supply chains, packaged commodities must always be secure for safe transportation, especially regarding FTL and LTL shipping. For this purpose, you’ll need to palletize a shipment. Palletizing refers to placing goods on a platform for storage and transportation. Palletizing is a critical activity in logistics management. If done correctly, it protects your products during shipment, reducing loss in transit.

This guide will discuss the best packing and shipping process to help you transport your shipment to the destination with maximum care. Using these processes guarantees eliminating some much-needed time and money while maintaining quality. Let’s see exactly how you can package and dispatch your shipments while keeping quality at the forefront.

WHY PALLETIZING SHIPMENTS IS IMPORTANT

When every second counts and every dollar matters in the world of logistics, there stands a hero mostly unsung: the humble pallet. Being ultra-simple in appearance and a wooden or plastic platform in nature, palletizing shipments is nothing short of magic during freight shipping. Let’s understand why it’s such an essential step in securing your goods and further streamlining operations.

A shield against damage

Items carefully set onto a pallet and secured by stretch wrap or strapping create one solid unit that absorbs shocks and prevents shifting during transportation. Think about what would happen to items on a truck going around sharp turns and hitting bumps on the road if they were loose. Chaos would ensue: items could break and get irreparably damaged. With palletization, they stand united against the elements.

Simplifying loading and unloading

Time means money in the shipping business, and each minute it takes to load and unload increases the cost of operations. This constitutes another merit for palletizing shipments: palletized shipments ease these processes immensely. Forklifts and pallet jacks save a great deal of time by moving entire stacks of goods rather than slowly handling each item individually. This is usually quite burdensome and may cause injuries, hence inefficiency. When pallets are used effectively, movement of entire loads can occur within minutes, not hours.

Maximize space efficiency

It’s all about freight shipping dimensions—every inch counts. Appropriately set up pallets ensure total capacity, not just in transport vehicles but also in houses.

Businesses can fully utilize the cubic space available in containers and trucks by safely stacking items on pallets rather than scattering them everywhere. This saves time and fuel, both financially and ecologically.

Takeaway

Lower breakage rates translate to fewer replacements; therefore, simplified loading means reduced labor costs are involved, and maximized space translates to fewer trips needed for deliveries. It all stipulates lower overall shipping expenses.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PALLET FOR YOUR SHIPMENT

Every decision you make from when your product leaves your facility to its destination can impact efficiency, cost, and customer satisfaction. One of the most impactful decisions in the process often flies under the radar: choosing the right pallet for your shipment and knowing how to palletize boxes. A seemingly unexciting task might be a game changer in ensuring your goods arrive safely and on time. You have 3 clear-cut options for pallets: wood, plastic, and metal. Each has strengths and things to consider that can drastically affect your shipping experience.

Wooden pallets: the traditional workhorse

This is one of the oldest materials used to date. It remains widely used because of its strength and versatility. Most wooden pallets are made from different types of lumber; thus, they can support large weights, some carrying 2,500 pounds or more. However, they do have a few drawbacks. Wooden pallets may be subject to moisture damage and pest infestation if improperly treated.

Plastic pallets: the new wonders

Plastic pallets do not warp or break even at high stresses nor absorb moisture. Plastic pallets provide an unmatchable environment, like food processing or pharmaceutical use. However, they do come at a higher initial expense than wood. Many companies find it worth the added expense because plastic pallets can last for years without needing to be replaced.

Metal pallets: the heavyweights

Metal pallets are typically reserved for use where strength is a concern in automobile parts or machinery. However, these heavy-duty options can withstand extreme conditions and tend to be heavier and less pliable than other types. While metal pallets offer no contest for strength and security on shipment, they’re not always ideal for standard shipping containers configured for their wood or plastic counterparts.

Tips for choosing the right pallet

While material selection is essential, choosing the proper pallet depends on its weight capacity. Every pallet is designed and constructed for a specific load-bearing capacity based on the design and makeup of the material:

Know your load: Before looking for a pallet, know what you will be shipping. Know the total weight of your cargo and how it will be spread across the pallet.
Safety margins: It is sensible to surpass these limits by assuming added weight, like packaging and shifting contents while in transit.
Carrier’s specifications: Some carriers have separate size requirements. You must ensure your pallet meets your specific carrier’s size requirements. By keeping this requirement in mind, you will not incur additional charges and will not run the risk of being stopped at a checkpoint.

Size matters: accommodating carrier sizes

Besides material and weight capacity, there’s also the issue of dimensions when choosing the appropriate pallet:

Standard vs. custom requirements: Most carriers will accept standard-sized pallets, such as 48 inches by 40 inches, which makes it straightforward to move through systems automatically. What if the freight doesn’t fit the mold? Custom options are available, but special arrangements may need to be made with carriers.
Space efficiency: The number of space required in shipping containers for stacking several pallets must be taken into account. Any optimization in these amounts will save on costs and reduce waste.

HOW TO PACK A PALLET FOR SHIPPING (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)

Learning the art of packing pallets will guarantee the safe transportation of goods and make handling and transportation processes effective. Let’s dive in on this essential skill in detail using the practical advice below:

STEP 1: UNDERSTAND THE ITEMS: Understand the size, weight, and fragility of the items you need to pack on the pallet.

STEP 2: GET THE RIGHT PALLET: Choose a pallet that meets your shipping requirements and check its condition.

STEP 3: EXAMINE AND CLEAN: Clean the pallet surface and examine it for damages such as broken slats or rotting wood.

STEP 4: CHOOSE PALLET WRAP: This depends on the type and fragility of the goods you are shipping. Choose either stretch wrap, shrink wrap, or pallet strapping.

STEP 5: STACK BOXES: Start with the heaviest on the bottom of the pallet. The cargo must be well secured inside the pallet and not protrude from the edges.

STEP 6: USE PALLET THE WRAPS OR STRAPS: Engage pallet wrap or straps to hold the boxes in place to prevent them from moving about during transport.

STEP 7: SECURE PALLET EDGES: Put the pallet edge protectors or edge protectors on the pallet so that items on it don’t fall off

STEP 8: LABEL APPROPRIATELY: Attach the sender’s name, recipient’s name, a tracking number for shipment, and any special handling instructions to each of the boxes and the pallet.

STEP 9: FINAL CHECK: Examine the pallet and all it carries for loosening signs along its route. Everything should be tied or held in place. Those that will fall or shift during shipment should be identified and fixed, if possible.

BEST PRACTICES FOR SECURING AND WRAPPING A PALLET

Efficient securing and pallet wrapping can prevent unwanted movement of your cargo while in transit. Below are some of the best techniques for securing items on a pallet, followed by proper wrapping techniques.

Using straps or bands to hold items in place

Secure your products directly to the pallet by using heavy-duty straps or bands. This will prevent individual objects from shifting around or sliding from their position during transport.

Interlocked placement: Leave your loads interlocked on the pallet so one item sits against the others. Move as little of that as possible.
Corner bracing: To stabilize a pallet, place heavy or malformed items in the corners. Corner bracing can hold those items in place.
Void filling: Fill empty spaces between the products with void-filling material using airtight bags or packing materials. This leaves no space for movement.

Wrapping the pallet

Next comes wrapping your pallet. Here’s how to wrap the whole pallet to give an extra layer of safety. The two most common methods for wrapping pallets are:

Stretch wrap: Stretch-wrap the pallet tightly, overlapping each layer to create a tight and smooth wrap. This holds the contents in place and protects against the elements.
Shrink wrap: Wrap the pallet in the shrink wrap machine or manually apply hand-applied shrink wrap. The heat-activated shrink wrap molds over the pallet, creating a tight, weather-tight seal.

Protecting freight in its form

Boxes: Place the boxes in an interlocking pattern, using corner braces and void-filling materials as needed. Cover the pallet with tight stretch or shrink film.
Barrels: Tie barrels on pallets with straps or bands to position them for non-rolling. Wrap the pallet firmly to hold the barrels.
Machinery: The very heavy or irregularly shaped machinery must be firmly secured within the pallet through corner braces and additional straps or bands. Stretch and shrink-wrap the pallet.

HOW TO LABEL AND PREPARE A PALLET FOR SHIPPING

If you follow these steps, whether shipping boxes, barrels, or machinery, your freight will be ready for the journey ahead.

Application of shipping labels and barcodes

Begin by affixing the shipping labels and barcodes to the pallet. Ensure the labels affixed are on numerous sides of the pallet so they can be seen from different angles. This makes it easier for the carrier to scan and identify the shipment in transit.

Readability and durability: Check that the labels are readable and will not tear or be knocked off en route. Order professional weather-resistant labels and attach them firmly to the pallet. You can laminate the label or apply a crystal-clear protective covering to prevent it from being destroyed or faded.
Securing the freight: Now that the pallet has been labeled, it is time to address its items by attaching them to prevent shifting and breakage as the pallet is moved around.

Bonus tips

The shipping address should display the full address, including the recipient’s name, company name, street address, city, state, and zip code.
Every pallet or package shall carry a unique number or identifier for tracking and handling purposes.
If the package needs special handling instructions like “Fragile”, “This End Up,” or “Keep Dry,” place these works prominently on all boxes.
Include the total weight of the pallet and dimensions such as length, width, and height.
Give the shipping carrier’s name and contact information.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN PALLETIZING SHIPMENTS

Most shippers commit common mistakes that affect the products, lead to additional costs, and may even expose the cargo to safety hazards. Let’s uncover a few typical errors:

Overhanging items

One of the most common mistakes in palletizing is allowing items to overhang the edges of the pallet. This leads to instability as the load may shift or even collapse. To avoid this, you must measure accurately and place your cargo on the pallet about the size of the pallet.

Weak or damaged pallets

Inspect your pallets before loading and remove any that are cracked, splintered, or compromised in any way. When possible, select strong, high-quality pallets capable of holding the weight and pressure of your goods. Reinforcements on pallets, such as corner protectors or edge guards, would add to their durability.

Poor securing of goods

Most shipments require a combination of stretch wrap, banding, and other securing to keep your items in place within a pallet. Confirm that your pallet’s wrapping ranges from top to bottom, and apply the proper tension to hold the load intact without damaging its contents.

HOW USHIP CAN HELP WITH YOUR PALLETIZED SHIPPING NEEDS

Online shipping marketplace uShip offers users easy access to a massive network of specialized LTL freight carriers familiar with palletized freight packaging and shipping. Technology powers the uShip platform, making it easy to find the suitable carrier for any shipping need while offering multiple perks:

Access to a vast network of carriers: uShip gives you access to the nation’s top LTL transporters all on one platform, enabling users to access a diverse range of experienced carriers with proven palletized freight experience.
Cost estimation: Immediate price estimations for shipment provide users with a proper and quick comparison of costs among various carriers. By knowing the cost quotation in advance, users can be transparent about their budget and service provider requirements.

Properly wrapping and securing a pallet means goods are moved around safely, minimizing damage during transit. Some techniques that significantly contribute to safe transportation include using appropriate materials, symmetrical stacking of items, diagonal straps or bands, and covering the whole in stretch film.

Above all, uShip offers a deep network of qualified LTL carriers specializing in palletized freight transportation and helpful resources such as cost estimates, comparisons with carriers, and real-time tracking. Check out uShip today and experience not only shipping without hassle but also greater security.