Freight Shipping Pallets: Choosing Between Wood, Plastic, and Metal

Moving things from one place to another forms the most important integral part of that process of shipment. Pallet constructs the whole carriages within it, holds it steadfastly in order that it could be moved from one place to another. But not all pallets are the same. There are plenty of different shapes and types, and so many possible ways of choosing which is best suited for your needs. In this guide, we will show you the three major freight shipping pallets: wood, plastic, and metal – benefits and considerations of all three types of pallets in making the most informed decision.

Why Are Pallets So Important?

Understanding the various kinds of pallets should come after being familiar with their significance in freight shipping. Pallets are platforms upon which commodities are piled for the purposes of transportation. These systems enable more straight operations for moving as much bulk as a forklift or pallet jack can hold in carrying bulk loads. Reliability, damage prevention while in transport, and the rapid loading and unloading process are other features one gets with pallets. The appropriate pallet material influences the total cost, durability, and environmental impact of your shipping process.

Now let us take a look at the major distinctions between wood, plastic, and metal pallets so that you will know which option is best for you.

Wood Pallets: The Traditional Choice

We are talking about wooden pallets which have become most popular in terms of types and shipping. They existed for several decades-the still-going option for many businesses. The reasons for their popularity can be manifold, but don’t miss the opportunities and limitations behind it.

1. Advantages of Wood Pallets: 

Cost-Effective: Wood pallets are mostly quite cheap. It’s quite straightforward to manufacture them, and the raw material (wood) is quite abundant, hence making them able to be in use by many industrialists, especially into bulk shipping.

1. Broadly Available: The wooden pallets come in very many sizes and specifications. Be it an ordinary pallet of 48×40 inches or any special requirement, the chances are, you will find exactly what you are looking for. Furthermore, quite a number of them have pallet repair services to extend the life of the whole of the wooden pallet.

1. Strong and Sturdy: These are durable wood pallets, which can take heavy loads. This is because such pallets can carry significant weights, thus making them ideal in industrial production and bulk transport needs.

    4. Easily Repairable: Once damaged, a wood pallet can often be repaired quite easily. This makes them a good option for companies that require reusing pallets often because it can be relatively cost-effective to have pallets repaired rather than purchasing replacements.

Cons of Wood Pallets:

1. Damage-prone: Wood pallets are susceptible to splinters, cracks, and other sorts of degradation. Not as durable as their plastic or metallic alternatives, provided that they are subjected to moisture or rough handling. 

2. Infection by Pests or Fungus: One great disadvantage of wooden pallets is their susceptibility to pests and molds. In some ambient shipping conditions, wooden pallets might harbor soil insects or fungi that later infest the cargo or violate regulations, especially for international shipping. Many countries then have requirements for heat treatment or fumigation of wood pallets to avoid such incidences. 

3. Less Eco-friendly: While wood is a renewable resource, the cut and processed pallet wood does not come without its environmental drawbacks. The chances of final disposal of the wooden pallet are also low.

Plastic Pallets: The Modern Solution

Newer plastic pallets have also become popular lately, especially in companies that want cleaner and more durable alternatives to wood pallets. Made out of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, plastic pallets can come in different forms and shapes and present a range of benefits.

1. Plastic Pallets Pros:

        Durability – Plastic pallets are very durable and resistant to different climates. They do not splinter, crack, or warp           as wood does, though they would be exposed to moisture, extreme temperatures, and heavy loads. Because of               this quality, they are inline for high-demand industries that want to have a pallet that will stay longer and withstand         severe conditions.

1. Hygienic: These pallets can also be easily cleaned and maintained. Unlike wood pallets, which can absorb moisture and bacteria, plastic pallets can easily be sanitized. This is essential for industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, in which hygiene is a priority.

1. Lightweight: Still on light weight, plastic pallets stand a better chance of being lighter than wooden pallets. And less weight means lower costs in shipping. Their lightness is also an advantage in ease of handling, especially by teams of workers who frequently need to load and unload several pallets.

  4. Recyclable: One more fact to note is the recyclability of plastic pallets, making them more eco-friendly alternatives        to wood pallets. Indeed, many plastic pallets are commonly made from recycled plastics which again lower down          environmental footprints.

Cons of Plastic Pallets:

1. High Initial Cost: Plastic pallets tend to be very durable; however, they do come with a high upfront cost when compared to wooden pallets. This is something worthwhile to note when considering a tight budget, or if extreme durability is not required from plastic pallets.

2. Less Repairable: Unlike wooden pallets-very easy to repair-plastic pallets may not be so much easy or inexpensive to fix once they are broken. If a plastic pallet cracks or breaks, it’s often beyond repair and needs replacement.

3. Less Loading Capacity: MOLLE rating of plastics cannot compete with the load holding capacity of sawn timber or metal pallets. If sinking heavy or giant products, plastic pallets are not advisable at all.

Metal Pallets: The Heavy-Duty Option

That’s why they have become most rare. It is possible to find that best pallet for an odd special shipping need. Metal pallets have an incredible strength design, which usually means that they are made from tough materials, mostly steel and aluminum. Those metal pallets are used in moving heavy industrial equipment, materials that need very protected protection from other forms of shipping.

Pros of Metal Pallets:

1. Outstanding Durability: Metal pallets are exceptionally strong and can endure excessive weights and rough conditions. They will not suffer damage or splinter, bend, or warp like wood does. Also, they are well resistant to exposure to chemicals, oils, or other industrial materials.

2. Security: Metal pallets are very strong and therefore very secure for delicate or high-value items. They have a level of protection which wooden or plastic pallets may not come close to offering. 

Conclusion 

Determine the specific needs and weigh each material with its benefits and disadvantages to decide the best pallet that guarantees the safely and effeciency of the transportation of goods.