When it comes to distributing your goods on pallets, do you have the most efficient delivery system in place?

Are you assured that your product will arrive at its destination undamaged? And, if needed, will it be appropriately stored? Is the delivery system efficient and well managed?

Of course, no one can be 100% sure in these matters.

But one way to vastly increase the likelihood of efficient delivery and superior storage is to opt for a dedicated palletised delivery network.

In fact, it’s the preferred delivery method for many businesses.

Why Use Palletised Delivery?

If you’re not aware, a pallet is a flat transport structure that supports goods while being lifted by a forklift or pallet jack. Goods or containers are secured to the pallet with straps, stretch wrap or shrink wrap.

Because pallets serve as the structural foundation for that secured load of multiple goods, they provide an efficient and cost-effective means for easy transportation.

We’ll take a look at three reasons to use pallets.

1. Ease of Use

Since palletised goods require less manual handling, there is less risk of the product getting damaged. There is also a reduced risk of worker injury.

Palletised products are moved more quickly than by the manual handling of individual cartons.

Generally speaking, pallets are also easier to handle with material handling equipment than other styles of unit load bases. Slip sheets, for example, may require specialised equipment.

2. Efficiency

As a result of being easier to handle, palletised delivery allows for faster turnaround. And this means an overall increase in the efficiency of the transport equipment.

Again, this means a reduction in labour requirements versus manual handling.

The efficient systems in place also ensure that the product won’t sit forever on a loading dock – a critical issue when shipping perishable or more fragile products.

And since everything moves more efficiently with pallets, the trailer door is more quickly available for the next arrival.

3. Many Customers Prefer Pallets

This probably has to do with optimisation.

Along with the ease of transport, palletised products are also stored more efficiently in warehouses. Standard sized pallets streamline operations in pallet racks and other spaces where storage is necessary.

Pallets also provide drainage and circulation of air. This is particularly crucial for produce or other perishable commodities.

Know Your Pallet Materials

Now that you have a basic understanding of how pallets work, it’s important to pick the right material.

Materials

Wooden pallets dominate the industry purely because they’re robust, inexpensive and easily fabricated into the required sizes.

But plastic pallets are increasingly prized by certain industries for their durability and ease of cleaning.

Paper pallets are a cleaner and lighter weight option for products that aren’t too weighty. They are also more ecological since they can be easily recycled.

And finally, metal pallets are ideal for situations that demand strength and durability.

Are You Ready to Palletise?

Palletised delivery could help you save time and money in your distribution efforts. And you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that your product has landed safe and sound to its destination.

And if you’re looking for other great solutions for transporting your goods, feel free to contact us today. We love to talk distribution!