Pallet Guide: What are the Main Types of Pallets, Uses and Sizes?

Pallets are critical for any logistics company. Depending on your supply chain needs, pallets can be used to suit different needs—and for that reason, there are many different types of pallets out there. But what’s the difference between one type of pallet and another? How do their uses and sizes vary? Is it made of the best materials? Here we explore the common types of pallets, and explain how to find the right type of pallet for your business.

Recycled Plastic Pallets

Recycled plastic pallets have many advantages over traditional wooden pallets. Wooden pallets are high risk due to safety issues presented by nails, and they don’t last as long as plastic pallets. They are also less efficient when it comes to transportation, as wooden pallets are unable to ‘nest’ into each other. Even if they are said to be from a ‘sustainably sourced’ forest, the carbon footprint of the timber pallet is still large; they are still contributing to environmental impact. The alternative is recycled plastic pallets. These types of pallets are made from a variety of recycled plastics, resulting in a sturdy and long-life pallet without the excess waste. Re>Pal’s patented ThermoFusion™ system involves processing and compressing mixed plastic waste to create quality, robust pallets of many shapes and sizes.

All of our recycled plastic pallets are produced to the highest standards and capable of passing the ISO8611 pallet testing regime from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

Rackable Pallets

Every logistics company understands that space is at a premium, which is why rackable pallets are in such high demand. Re>Pal’s range of rackable plastic pallets are able to provide additional strength and stability in their runners for smooth warehouse racking. They can be used to rack up to 1,500kg, and have four-way forklift access, two-way pallet mover access, and can fit approximately 152 pieces in a 20-foot container.

Export Pallets

Export pallets are designed for lengthy one-way hauls and heavy items stacked on top of them. That means you need to look for a strong yet lightweight type of pallet, to help streamline logistics operations. Re>Pal’s export plastic pallets are nestable, which keeps freight costs down when sending to the client or ‘back-hauling’ for re-use and saves on storage space when not in use. They are able support heavy weights when lifting (1,200kg) or stacking (3,000kg).

Nestable Plastic Pallets

Whether it’s for low-cost distribution or warehouse use, nestable plastic pallets make lifting, stacking and racking easy. Re>Pal’s nestable and stackable plastic pallets are ideal for space saving when not in use or when being sent, which reduces your overheads, and can help keep freight costs at a minimum. Rackable and nestable types of pallets are also ideal for export jobs.

Pallets With Ventilation

Some items require unique pallet specifications in order to maintain their integrity while being stored or exported. Fruit and vegetables, for example, need constant ventilation, so pallets with ventilation are essential for businesses working with produce and other perishable goods. Re>Pal’s ventilated plastic pallets are both lightweight and nestable, so you can be sure your fruits and vegetables are being stored in the ideal environment.

Heavy Duty Pallets

For large and heavy items, logistics companies need heavy duty pallets: types of pallets that can go the distance while maintaining their integrity over the long term. Re>Pal’s heavy duty warehouse plastic pallets are designed for exactly that – they are built for a long life in warehouses. These pallets can be used in double deep racks, drive-in racks and can be used on conveyors. Best of all, these heavy duty types of pallets can support huge weights when lifting (2,500kg), stacking (3,000kg) and racking (1,500kg).

Light Duty Plastic Pallets

Heavy duty types of pallets can be ideal for some items, but they aren’t always necessary – and they can actually hamper operations if you need a lightweight option. Light duty plastic pallets offer a better alternative for storage and shipping jobs involving lighter products. Re>Pal’s extra lightweight and nestable pallets reduce freight costs and keep storage space needs at a minimum.

Stackable Pallets

Not all pallets are built for stacking, so if you have specific needs in your warehouse or when exporting, make sure you choose the right stackable pallets for the job. Re>Pal’s stackable and rackable plastic pallets are built to support up to 3,000kg when stacking – and they are also perfect for lifting (1,200kg) and racking (1,200kg). There’s additional stability in the runners for warehouse racking, and the four-way forklift access makes stacking these types of pallets a breeze.

Pallet Sizes

Re>Pal understands that every business has different logistics and supply chain needs. That’s why our pallets come in a range of sizes to suit various warehousing and exporting requirements. We know that different countries and continents have their own standard dimensions, which is why our pallets can be built to your specifications with the help of our in-house design and engineering teams. From nestable to stackable and everything in between, we can create the size of pallet you’ve been looking for.

As you can see, there are many types of pallets and it’s all about finding a pallet best suited to the needs of your business. The Re>Pal team would love to talk you through the types of pallets we offer in greater detail, so we can help you find an eco-friendly pallet solution that can be used for many years.

Re>Pal understands that every business has different logistics and supply chain needs. That’s why our pallets come in a range of sizes to suit various warehousing and exporting requirements and have a variety of different material handling equipment options too.

To find out more about types of pallets, the next generation HDX pallet with its forthcoming sizes of 1100×1100,1200×1100,1300×1100, 1200×1200, 1200,800 and our custom options, please get in touch today.

2021-11-01T05:27:06+00:00October 29th, 2021|News|
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