How to prepare and pack the perfect pallet

Packing a pallet and preparing it for shipping is anything but simple and if you do so incorrectly, it could prove to be very costly indeed. No matter which goods you are planning on packing, it’s vital that you securely pack your pallet and load it correctly. The last thing you want is for the contents of your pallet to become damaged in transit because they weren’t securely packed in place. They could also cause injury to others. To ensure this isn’t an issue, we’ve compiled this beneficial document for you. Below we’ll walk you through a step by step process of packing and be wrapping a pallet correctly, to ensure it remains safe and secure for the duration of its journey. So, without any further delay, let’s take a look at how you should package the perfect pallet.​

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Source the correct pallet – To wrap and pack a cot, you first need to source the right pallet. Believe it or not, but not every pallet is alike, as there are different ones designed to do different jobs. Speak to warehouse merchants for advice, or browse the web and see what you can find. There are numerous pallet distribution companies all over the globe, so take a look and find the right company for you. Standard pallets are 1 meter across x 2 meters high, and 1.2 meters deep. These are the most common pallets you are likely to find. CEN pallets, or Euro pallets, are slightly smaller. These are 0.8 meters by 1.2 meters. 

Set your cargo – Once you have inspected your pallet and have deemed it safe and free from damage, the next thing you should do is set down your load onto the pallet you are using. Make sure it is as square to the pallet as possible, with absolutely ZERO overhangs! By placing your cargo this way, you help to ensure everything is level so that it doesn’t topple over and damage the contents of your pallet during transportation. 

Lock the ratchet straps in place – To pack and secure a pallet, you will, of course, need ratchet straps. Assuming you have a set handy, run them underneath the pallet, and then over it, before locking it firmly in place. It should be locked firm, but there should still be a minimal amount of free space to allow for packaging. Check the straps to ensure they are securely fastened in place. 

Package your pallet – Now for the fun part. It’s now time to package your pallet. Ideally, you will want some form of bubble wrap or foam. Just wrap your pallet with as much packaging as you can squeeze between the cargo and the straps. Don’t cut corners with your packaging as it is this which will help protect the pallet cargo from damage during transit, as well as from the weather. Try to cover every single square inch of your pallet to ensure that, should the pallet be exposed to rain, it won’t cause the contents inside to become wet. 

Tighten the straps – Once you’ve wrapped the contents, pull the ratchet straps tight, but not too tight; otherwise you risk damaging your goods. 

Cover in shrink wrap and label – Again, it’s time to use yet more shrink wrap. This time you should wrap the outside to add yet another layer of protection as the pallet prepares to make its journey to its new home. Once you’re happy you’ve added enough shrink wrap to protect the cargo, add a delivery address/shipping label, etc., and you’re good to go.

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