How to Ship a Pallet
Learn essential palletized freight lingo, expert tips on how to ship a pallet, and factors that impact pallet shipping costs.
Why Use Pallets?
A pallet is a flat, portable platform, usually made of wood, with openings on two sides or all four for easy maneuverability by pallet jacks or forklifts. The standard pallet size is 48″ x 40″, and most freight shipping will require palletization.
- Pallets are the perfect choice for an oversized item that won’t fit neatly inside a crate.
- Not only will pallets consolidate your shipment, but they also simplify the act of loading and unloading.
- Pallets also help carriers optimize the space they occupy in the trailer and the warehouse.
Pallet Shipping
Mastering how to ship a pallet is at the forefront of the shipping world. If you’re running a small business or a large corporation with products to import, pallets will be your best friends. That’s because pallets make it easier for you to send and can help support and protect your cargo when appropriately used. Shipping a pallet can help you improve efficiency, which means better productivity and profitability. But what exactly do you need to know about shipping a pallet? We’ll review best practices for pallet shipping, guide you through some terminology, and provide insider shipping tips.
Why Choose FreightCenter for Pallet Shipping?
There are many reasons to choose FreightCenter for your pallet shipping needs:
- Expertise: We have the expertise and experience necessary to ensure your shipment arrives safely and on time.
- Convenience: We offer a range of shipping options and delivery methods to meet your specific needs.
- Cost-Effective: We work with a network of carriers to provide you with the most cost-effective shipping options.
- Customs Expertise: Our team of customs experts can help you navigate the complex customs process and ensure your shipment is cleared as quickly as possible.
- Customer Service: Our dedicated customer service team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your shipment.
- Technology: Our advanced shipping technology allows you to track your shipment in real time and receive updates throughout the shipping process.
A Quick Guide to Pallet Shipping Terms
It is in your best interest to understand the different pallet types and the jargon used to define them. Speaking the same language as seasoned pros means you can better understand what options you have when it comes to pallets and shipping options. Here are some cheat codes when it comes to pallets:
- Skid – Another word used for a pallet. The terms skid and pallet are used interchangeably, but they are not the same. A skid has no bottom deck boards and takes up less space when stacked.
- Deck boards — Deck boards are 2 x 4 wooden slats that make up the flat top and bottom of the pallet. This is where the item will sit. Deck boards are either evenly spaced or close-boarded.
- 2-way entry — Opening on 2 sides of the pallet for forklift or pallet jack access.
- 4-way entry — Opening on all 4 sides of the pallet. This can be a true 4-way entry (open on all 4 sides) or 2 open entries with an additional 2 clefts for forklift and pallet jack access. Four-way entry is the preferred pallet type.
- Stringer pallets — Named after the 2 x 4 or 3 x 4 wooden “stringers” that support the top and bottom deck boards. There are typically 3 or more stringers to a pallet.
- Block pallets — True four-way entry pallets. Four to twelve blocks of solid wood are sandwiched between the top and bottom deck boards, with stringers laid flat between the deck boards and the wooden blocks. They do not always have bottom deck boards.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
LTL shipping involves combining multiple small shipments from different customers onto one truck, allowing each customer to share the shipment cost. Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
Truckload shipping, also known as full truckload (FTL), is a transportation option for freight that requires the entire trucks trailer space. Unlike LTL shipping, FTL shipping is reserved for larger commodities that exceed LTL weight and size limits, typically weighing more than 20,000 pounds or having dimensions that exceed 12 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet in height. We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload. Expedited shipping is a transportation option that prioritizes the speed of delivery for freight that needs to be shipped quickly. This can be especially important for urgent situations, such as engine repairs or replacements for critical machinery.
Specialized is a transportation option for items that require specialized handling, equipment, or shipping conditions. Specialized shipments may include high-value engines, oversized engines, or engines that require temperature-controlled transportation. The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.
How to Ship a Pallet: Step-By-Step Guide
The question of how to ship a pallet is most importantly answered through how you properly secure one for transit. A lot of damage can be sustained to a shipment because of improper bundling or securing of the freight. Below are the steps to how to ship a pallet successfully:
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Package your Products carefully
- Choose a sturdy, undamaged box with the proper Edge Crush Test (ECT) rating for your box stacking needs. If the product is heavy, a double-sided corrugated may be best.
- Add ample cushion around the items.
- Fill empty space with proper padding.
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Seal Each Container
- Use a strong tape made of polypropylene that is the right thickness depending on the weight of the items in your boxes. Use tape that has a 2.9 mil thickness should be used for boxes over 50 Ibs.
- Another option that is thicker and stronger than polypropylene tape is PVC-based tape.
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Choose the Right Shipping Pallet
- Ensure the pallet is undamaged and no boards are missing or loose.
- Try to use a standard size 40″ x 48″
- A 4-way entry pallet is best as it’s easier to move with a forklift and pallet jack.
- Wooden pallets are cheap, affordable, and easy to repair. Plastic pallets are lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture and pests. Metal pallets have the greatest strength and durability.
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Load and Secure Your Pallets
- Make sure to align boxes perfectly when stacking to reduce loss of strength.
- Put the heaviest boxes at the bottom to avoid the shipment being top-heavy.
- Banding – Strapping made of steel and polyester is best for securing bundled loads to your pallet. Keep your bands close together to avoid damaging the bundled cargo, and use band cleats or strap protectors. Do not place strapping under the bottom deck of a pallet, as the strapping can be damaged when contacting a warehouse floor.
- Stretch Wrapping/Stretch Film – Stretch wrap provides complete coverage and keeps everything together. It will not provide protection to prevent damages. The more stretch wrap used, the better the pallet contains the product.
- Load Protectors – To keep your freight’s top and bottom layers protected, sandwich your freight between corrugated load protector pads. This will distribute the weight properly and keep the bottom boxes from slipping through the pallet slats.
- Edge Boards – Edge boards protect boxes’ edges, corners, bottoms, and tops. They help contain the load and stabilize it, protecting it from the friction caused by straps or banding.
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Properly Labeling Freight for Transport
- An address label should be visible to the forklift driver when handling the freight. Put the labels on the sides where the forklift entry is.
- Place an address label on each box or piece and number all boxes (x of x).
- FreightCenter recommends attaching a copy of our bill of lading to multiple sides of the shipment.
What to Avoid When Shipping a Pallet
- Insufficient Packaging: Avoid using inadequate or substandard packaging materials that may not withstand the rigors of transportation. Fragile or sensitive items should be properly cushioned and protected to prevent damage during handling and transit.
- Overloading the Pallet: It is crucial to adhere to weight restrictions and not exceed the maximum load capacity of the pallet. Overloading can lead to pallet failure, causing damage to the shipment and other shipments in the load.
- Improper Pallet Stacking: Avoid haphazard or unstable stacking of items on the pallet. Ensure a balanced and uniform distribution of weight to maintain stability during transportation—stack heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Inadequate Labeling: Accurate and visible labeling is essential for efficient handling and identification of the shipment. Avoid incomplete or incorrect labeling, as it can lead to misrouting, delays, or even loss of the pallet.
- Neglecting Proper Documentation: Ensure all necessary shipping documents, such as the Bill of Lading, customs paperwork, and any required permits, are complete and accurate. Neglecting proper documentation can result in delays, fines, or even the rejection of the shipment at customs.
- Ignoring Carrier Requirements: Different carriers may have specific guidelines and requirements for pallet shipping. Avoid overlooking these guidelines, such as pallet dimensions, weight restrictions, or packaging specifications. Non-compliance can lead to additional charges or refusal of the shipment.
- Failing to Secure the Load: Properly secure the items on the pallet using suitable strapping, banding, or stretch wrapping techniques. Neglecting load security can lead to shifting during transit, potentially causing damage to the cargo or compromising the safety of handlers.
Pallet Shipping Tips
To avoid the possibility of damaged freight or billing adjustments, keep these things in mind:
- Overhanging freight can cause damage to your freight and the other freight around it. So make sure there isn’t any overhang. Understand the standard pallet size and weight and choose the right pallet for your shipment.
- Know the capacity of your pallet, and stay within it.
- Multiple items stacked on a pallet are considered one shipment. Consolidate multiple freight shipments onto one pallet to save some money!
- Four-way entry pallets are the easiest for forklifts to handle.
- Don’t interlock or pyramid stack boxes on your pallet. It weakens the pallet and causes instability.
For a more comprehensive look into freight packaging best practices and options, download our free Guide to Freight Packaging.
Pallet Shipping Cost
The big question for many small business owners and operators regarding anything shipping-related is, “How much does it cost?”
There’s no set cost to shipping a pallet because so many factors play a part in the final freight rate that is outside of the carrier’s or 3PL’s control. However, several factors affect the freight rate of your shipment that you can manage and prepare for in advance, such as:
- Originating and delivering zip codes and location types (commercial location, residential or home-based business location, limited access location, etc.).
- Any extra services or accessorials required, such as liftgate, white glove, or call before delivery.
- The freight’s packaging, both internal and external.
- Total packaged weight and dimensions.
- Specialty vehicles are required, such as full truckload shipping.
- Freight class and NMFC code.
It is crucial to add your shipment’s total packaged weight and dimensions with the pallet included. This will affect your NMFC code. Even the slightest weight variation can radically impact your freight quote and could lead to a costly billing adjustment later. Remember, the carrier will always weigh, measure and inspect your freight shipment with sophisticated equipment. Suppose the carrier’s weight or measurements differ from what the customer reported, and the carrier has to recategorize a shipment’s freight class. In that case, the customer will get a billing adjustment after the shipment is completed. Always be accurate and honest when getting a quote and on the Bill of Lading (BOL)!
Best Pallet Shipping Rates
Your best bet for safe, affordable pallet shipping is partnering with a third-party logistics company (3PL) like FreightCenter, which has been in business for 24 years. Our team of expert shipping agents can handle any shipment, no matter what industry you operate in or whether you are a first-time shipper, run a small business, or are a large corporation. With a large network of your favorite carriers, you get peace of mind knowing your freight will be handled with care and with you in mind.
Start by getting a free online quote today or call 800.716.7608.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Pallet Shipping FAQ
Q. Why use pallets?
A. Pallets will help consolidate your shipment and make it easier for a freight carrier to load and unload your freight.
Q. What is a standard-size pallet and its dimensions?
A. Standard pallets are wooden and typically come in a size of 48″x 40″.
Q. What are deck boards?
A. The 2 x 4 wooden slats at the top and bottom of a pallet making it a platform to place freight on top of.
Q. What are 2-way entry pallets?
A. They are pallets that a forklift or pallet jack can access on via two sides of the pallet.
Q. What are 4-way entry pallets?
A. They are pallets with openings on all four sides of a pallet for a forklift or pallet jack to easily access.
Q. What are stringer pallets?
A. Named after the wooden “stringer” that supports the tip and bottom deck boards in a pallet.
Q. What are block pallets?
A. These are true four-way pallets since there are four to twelve blocks between the top and bottom deck boards.
Q. How to ship a pallet?
A. Utilize the correct supplies when shipping a pallet. Banding, stretch wrapping, and using load protectors/edge boards will keep your goods safe.
Q. Pallet shipping tips
A. Avoid any overhanging freight, as it will damage your freight and other freight around it. Knowing the capacity of your pallet and using four-way entry pallets are the easiest for freight carriers to handle is important.
Q. What is a skid?
A. A pallet that has no bottom deck boards and is a less expensive version of a pallet.
