Preparing cargo for a pallet is an everyday occurrence for many UK-based businesses. While it may seem trivial and often overlooked, it can have more of an impact on loss, safety, and productivity than you may first think. Not doing this properly can lead to injuries, missed revenue opportunities, and problems with delivery. So, how can you avoid these? Here are some tips for preparing cargo for a pallet, showing you what you should and shouldn’t do, including how to secure it.
Tip 1: Select a Suitable Pallet
Our first tip is to select a pallet suitable for the cargo you want to transport. Different weights require differing construction materials. Don’t overload weak wooden pallets with products and equipment that are too heavy as you could damage them during transport and risk operator injury.
Therefore, choose sturdy pallets with undamaged sections for peace of mind. Don’t opt for broken ones or those missing wooden slats as these can cause instability; if a pallet has experienced some damage, repair or recycle it.
Tip 2: Distribute Weight Evenly
When preparing pallet cargo, it’s important to distribute the weight evenly; placing heavy items on one side and lighter ones on another isn’t recommended. You can estimate the weight distribution of a pallet simply by gauging the heaviness of objects as you lift them. Therefore, when placing a heavy product on one side, offset it with another heavy item on the other.
Also, by positioning the heaviest items at the bottom, this lowers the pallet’s centre of gravity and reduces the risk of it toppling during transit. If all the products are identical, arrange them uniformly on the pallet and don’t pile them high unless you have to.
Tip 3: Secure the Cargo
Securing the cargo is another essential tip when preparing a pallet for transit. Ensuring it gets to its destination intact prevents losses and injuries. Most businesses use shrink wrap, which fits around the pallet’s exterior and the products on top, preventing them from toppling while being moved by lifts, pallet trucks or forklifts.
You can also use strapping for an eco-friendlier approach which involves using various reusable ties around the pallet to contain everything. This second option is usually better when transporting one or two larger items on the pallet. Straps go underneath the pallet and around the sides. However, this solution may not be practical for operations involving dozens of smaller products, since strapping them all down requires much more work.
Tip 4: Weather
Protecting your freight from the weather is essential to ensure products arrive in perfect condition. Using pallet toppers provides a reliable shield against rain, dust, and other environmental elements.
By securing the topper and tucking it into the shrink wrap, you create a tight, protective barrier that prevents water or debris from seeping in. This method not only safeguards the products from weather damage but also maintains the integrity of the packaging during transit, ensuring your shipment stays clean, dry, and undamaged.
Tip 5: Stack Your Pallet Correctly
Another tip is learning to stack your pallet correctly; arranging items in the proper order can prevent damage and reduce losses. As a rule, don’t allow products to protrude from the main body of items. Boxes sticking out are prone to damage during transit and handling. Instead, make all four sides of the stack flush with the pallet’s edges. This approach enables pallets to sit beside each other and slot into narrow warehouse spaces more efficiently.
Pyramid stacking isn’t recommended either as products are more prone to shifting and moving around, making the pallet more challenging to secure. We suggest aiming for a flat top, so you can shrink-wrap all four sides equally and perhaps secure with an additional tie running over the top.
Tip 6: Label Your Cargo
Labelling your cargo is also a tip worth following. Sticking information on it, like the shipment address and the sender’s name, can help it find its way to its destination, even if something goes wrong. When sending through pallet networks it is also worth making sure there are two labels on the pallet to ensure whichever way the pallet is picked up, there is a label facing out.
Tip 7: Test The Load’s Stability
Finally, we recommend testing the load’s stability before placing it on a vehicle. Check for wobbling, particularly at the base. Sometimes, the best solution is to add more items to the pallet or using additional shrink wrap also works. However, don’t ship the pallet if damage is causing the instability. The last thing you want is for it to fall over and injure someone whilst also damaging the product.
If you have any further questions about how to prepare pallets, if you require any more tips for preparing cargo for a pallet or need information on pallet delivery situations, get in touch with our friendly team today. We pride ourselves on our great customer service, with a stellar reputation for being reliable and always going the extra mile.
