There are a number of different types of pallets out there, and each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. You want to be certain that you’re getting the most out of the type of pallet you choose. Some types of pallets are more suited for certain types of products or for certain uses than others. Here’s a look at some of the most common types of pallets and why you might want to use them.
Wooden Pallets
Look at any pallet rack and you’ll most likely see wooden pallets. These are the most traditional type of pallet out there, and they’ve been used for centuries. Wooden pallets, however, do have a few drawbacks. Because they’re made out of wood, they can more easily be broken, plus they will wear down over time. They’re also heavier than pallets made from plastic.
To get the most out of your wooden pallets, be certain that the pallets are in good shape before using them. Those that have broken boards will need to either be repaired or recycled.
Wooden pallets can be made from new or recycled wood. Those made out of recycled materials need to be examined more closely for defects and damage. However, they are often cheaper to purchase, and in most cases, recycled pallets will last for quite some time. Wooden pallets are great for long-term storage since they can be racked and moved by forklifts.
Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets are much easier to move around because they’re lighter than wooden pallets. You’ll see this material used in stores and other places where employees need to move stacks of product down aisles without the benefit of a forklift. However, plastic is not as still as wood, while means heavy loads can cause the middle of the pallet to buckle a bit. Using these pallets in open racks that have no middle support is not always the best idea.
Newer plastic pallet designs have been created with racking in mind, though, but always make sure to find out if yours are beforehand. Use these in situations where employees need to move products quickly by hand.
Paper Pallets
There are actually types of pallets that are created out of pressed paper. These paper pallets are very lightweight and are used for things like air shipments and other situations in which a one-time use pallet is desirable. They’re usually recycled immediately after use, which means they’re also very sanitary. These pallets aren’t rackable, though. You’ll get the most out of them in situations where a product is being sent one-way and won’t need a pallet once it arrives.
Pressed Wood Pallets
These types of pallets are made from wood, but they differ from traditional wooden pallets because they’re more solid rather than having a space between each board. These pallets can easily nest within each other, which means they take up less space when being stored or shipped empty. However, they can’t be free span racked, nor can they really be stacked on top of each other unless there’s something for the pallet legs to stand on.
Other Materials
These are just a few different types of pallet designs that you can use. There are more, such as pallets made from aluminum or steel; those have their own advantages.
If you’re not sure what type of pallets are best for your warehouse, contact us today to talk about what will work for your warehousing needs.
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