How to Choose the Right Type of Standard Pallet for Your Business
Selecting the right type of pallet for your business is essential for ensuring safe and efficient transportation and storage of goods. With many variations in size, construction, material, and design, understanding the key factors is crucial for choosing a pallet that meets your needs. This article will guide you through the key considerations when selecting the ideal standard pallet, focusing on board spacing, material thickness, entry style, construction variations, load capacities, and the differences between pallets used for local versus export purposes.
Understanding Pallet Board Spacing and Material Thickness
Board Spacing: Board spacing refers to the gaps between the wooden boards on the pallet deck. The correct spacing is critical for ensuring stability and durability when transporting goods. Standard pallets often feature a spacing of around 20mm to 30mm between boards, depending on the application. Too wide of a gap can lead to items shifting during transit, while too narrow a gap may limit airflow, which is particularly important for temperature-sensitive goods.
Material Thickness: The thickness of the material used for pallet construction plays a major role in the strength and load-bearing capacity of the pallet. Standard pallets made from South African pine typically have boards with a thickness of around 19mm to 25mm, which provides a good balance of strength and cost-effectiveness. However, if your pallet will carry heavier loads or endure harsh conditions, saligna (another strong timber option) may be a better choice, as it is denser and can withstand greater stress.
Local Pallets vs. Export Pallets: Key Differences
Local Pallets (Wet-Off-Sawn Wood):
For local use, pallets are typically made from wet-off-sawn wood, which has a higher moisture content. The wood used for these pallets usually has a density of around 1,000kg/cubic meter, making them heavier. This makes local pallets ideal for shorter transport distances and less stringent environmental conditions. Since moisture is less of a concern in domestic transport, wet-off-sawn pallets are a cost-effective option for local shipping.
Export Pallets (Kiln-Dried Wood):
Export pallets, on the other hand, are made from kiln-dried wood that has a much lower moisture content. The drying process ensures that the wood meets the requirements for international shipping, particularly in compliance with ISPM15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15), which aims to prevent the spread of pests and diseases through wood packaging. These pallets are typically lighter, with a density of around 500kg/cubic meter, making them easier to handle and more cost-efficient for long-distance transport.
EPAL pallets are high-quality wooden pallets made by manufacturers registered with the European Pallet Association (EPAL). Commonly used in logistics, they follow strict rules for durability and consistency. They are easy to handle, stack, and transport, identifiable by the EPAL logo on their sides. EPAL pallets meet ISPM 15 standards, making them suitable for international shipping and promoting sustainability through repair and reuse. These pallets form part of a pallet pool system.
Export Pallets (Plywood):
A plywood pallet is an alternative to traditional wooden pallets and is typically made entirely from plywood rather than solid wood. It is lightweight, durable, and often used for exports, as it is exempt from ISPM15 regulations due to its treatment. Plywood pallets provide a smooth surface, ideal for sensitive or smaller products, and can be more cost-effective in specific industries where lighter, compliant materials are needed for international shipping. They also reduce the risk of splinters and offer a stable, consistent load-bearing capacity.
While export pallets are lighter than their local counterparts, they tend to cost a bit more due to the additional kiln-drying process. However, they are necessary when shipping goods internationally, especially when moisture control is a factor and ISPM15 compliance is required.
Choosing the Right Entry Style: 4-Way vs. 2-Way Entry
Pallets are available in two main entry styles: 4-way and 2-way. The entry style refers to how the pallet can be accessed by forklifts or pallet jacks.
4-Way Entry Pallet: A 4-way entry pallet allows access from all four sides, providing more flexibility in handling and storage. This style is ideal for applications where the pallet needs to be moved in different orientations or when equipment might not always approach from the same direction. It is particularly suitable for businesses with limited space or varied handling equipment.
2-Way Entry Pallet: A 2-way entry pallet can be accessed from only two sides, usually the long sides. While this style is more cost-effective, it limits flexibility, as the pallet can only be accessed from specific angles. This type of pallet is often used in situations where the entry direction is fixed and equipment can easily approach the pallet from two sides.
For most businesses, a 4-way entry pallet offers more convenience and flexibility, but 2-way entry pallets may be sufficient for simpler applications with limited handling equipment.
Construction Variations:
Closed Pallet:
A closed pallet features a solid deck, meaning there are no gaps between the boards on the surface of the pallet. This construction type is ideal for items that need a smooth surface to rest on, such as small components or containers. Closed pallets offer additional protection against dirt and moisture, which can be important for transporting sensitive or high-value goods.
Reversible Pallet:
A reversible pallet has a deck on both sides, meaning it can be flipped over for use, increasing its longevity and making it more versatile. Reversible pallets are ideal for applications where the pallet may experience wear and tear and need to be used for multiple cycles. They are commonly used in the industrial sector, where pallet durability is crucial.
Winged Pallet:
A winged pallet features overhanging deckboards at the edges, which help secure plastic pallet wrap more effectively. This design ensures that smaller items stay tightly in place and provides an additional layer of protection from moisture during transport. The overhang aids in keeping the load stable and prevents shifting, which is particularly beneficial for items sensitive to movement.
Skid:
A low-cost pallet without bottom deck boards, often used for simpler applications or in situations where only top support is needed.
Load Capacities: Static vs. Dynamic
Understanding the load capacity of your pallets is crucial to ensure that they can safely support the weight of your goods without breaking or becoming damaged. There are two main types of load capacities to consider: static load and dynamic load.
Static Load Capacity: This refers to the maximum weight a pallet can safely carry while it is stationary, without any movement. A standard South African pine pallet typically has a static load capacity of around 1,500kg, while saligna pallets, due to their denser material, can handle up to 2,000kg or more depending on design. This makes saligna pallets a better option for heavier loads or bulkier items.
Dynamic Load Capacity: Dynamic load capacity refers to the weight a pallet can carry while it is being moved (either by forklift or pallet jack). Standard dynamic load capacities are typically between 800kg and 1,500kg for a South African pine pallet, with the saligna alternative supporting dynamic loads closer to 1,800kg or more, depending on the construction.
It is essential to choose a pallet that not only meets the static load capacity requirements but also handles the dynamic loads involved in transport and handling, ensuring that your products remain secure and intact.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of standard pallet involves several considerations, from board spacing and material thickness to entry style and construction variations. For businesses that require a reliable, durable pallet solution, opting for South African pine pallets provides a strong and cost-effective option for local use. However, if you’re exporting goods, kiln-dried export pallets are required to meet ISPM15 regulations, offering a lighter and moisture-controlled alternative. Although export pallets are more expensive due to the kiln-drying process, they are necessary for ensuring compliance and preventing moisture-related issues.
By understanding the differences between local and export pallets, as well as the benefits of 4-way vs. 2-way entry, closed, reversible, and winged designs, you can select the right pallet for your specific needs. Additionally, considering load capacities—both static and dynamic—ensures that your pallet can handle the weight and movement requirements of your products during transport and storage.
At Menzilmann Industries, we offer both South African pine and saligna pallets tailored to your business needs, ensuring that your equipment, products, and goods are transported and stored with the highest level of safety and efficiency, whether locally or internationally. Please follow the link for more information on our pallets.
