Are you new to the pallet industry or business? Whether you are a new pallet user or already acquainted with these essential workhorses of the industry, it is crucial to know certain key aspects of pallets. Used mostly in the supplier/shipment business to deliver goods safely to a destination, pallets typically come into play at the beginning of a supply chain. Due to this, most businesses consider pallets as the backbone of the shipment business. Without high-quality pallets, it becomes difficult to maintain business continuity.
What Do We Mean By Pallets?
Pallets are objects for goods to be stored and safely shipped to their required destination. A pallet, often made from wood, is a type of packaging that usually becomes the base for storing goods and maintaining their safety throughout the supply chain. Pallets often have a rigid structure, and are horizontal and easily portable. With the use of pallets, it becomes easy for businesses to stack, assemble and store a wide range of goods. Workers handle pallets by using advanced equipment such as forklifts, jacks and even conveyors.
Significance Of Pallets In The Industry
Pallets increase the efficiency of the entire supply chain by ensuring that goods are stacked and stored safely. They act as a base for the transportation/shipment business. Pallets are available in different materials including:
- wood
- plastic
- metal
- paper/cardboard
- recycled materials
Safe Handling Of Pallets
Every pallet user should follow these tips to ensure that pallets are handled safely…
1. Know That Pallets Are Used For Products/Goods And Not For People
Pallets are designed to handle the evenly distributed weight of objects or goods. If you are using them for people, that’s dangerous. People do not have evenly distributed loads, and they can cause an imbalance in the pallets. They can also cause pallets to break. So, ask workers to refrain from standing on pallets!
2. The Workspace Should Be Clean
Most pallets have a rigid and heavy structure and can spread debris when placed in the workspace. You should ensure that pallets are not placed on uneven ground, as this usually leads to breakages. The pallets may even get damaged when they fall or topple on uneven floors. Therefore, the workspace should be clean and even.
3. Ensure Proper Pallet Height
Ensure that you are not stacking pallets higher than 3 to 5 feet. Anything taller may lead to the stack of pallets collapsing or buckling.
4. Proper Packaging Is A Must
Always make use of shrinkwrap to ensure that the product(s) and pallets do not get damaged. Shrinkwrap ensures that the goods do not budge during transit.
5. Safety Gear Is A Must
Make use of the right safety gear. While handling pallets when packing and/or unpacking goods, all workers are advised to wear proper safety gear and adequate protection.
6. Utilize Proper Equipment
Ensure that you are lifting pallets with the right equipment and following best practices. You can use forklifts operated by a professional technician for moving your pallets safely.
7. Carry Out Checks And Inspections
Inspect pallets before using them for any purpose. This will enable you to see any damaged or weathered pallets and remove those from the stock to be either repaired or recycled.
Every Pallet User Should Understand Specifications
Before you start using pallets, it is essential to understand specifications. For instance, learn details about the unit load efficiency and ideal weight distribution. Also, get details about the pelletization process. You should also know about the structure of the racks, as well as equipment and automated systems. Finally, it’s good to know the overall cost of the pallets.
What Is Special About Heat-Treated Pallets?
Heat-treated pallets are specialized pallets that undergo a specific process to increase the strength and durability of the pallet wood. The heat treatment process follows the standard guidelines set by the International Phytosanitary Standard for Wood Packaging. The standards explain that pallet wood should be debarked effectively and then heated at high degrees to enhance the quality of the wood. Such wood pallets have a mark of quality assurance and provide high strength and durability.
There are various benefits of using heat-treated wood pallets. Since the moisture content is dried out, they don’t get fungus, mold or algae growth. The heat treatment also deters bugs from living on the wood. Meanwhile, heat treatments provide additional strength and durability, and thanks to the treatment, these types of pallets can even be used for storing/shipping chemicals.
Summary
With all this information, all you need now is the best wooden pallet supplier. Talk with the pallet experts at Pallet Resource Corporation– your one-stop solution for all your standard size and custom-built wooden pallets. Call 763-792-2882 for more information.
