Beginners Guide to Pallet Delivery

When it comes to pallet delivery, the courier's job is not to prepare your pallet for shipment but to get it from point A to B safely. 

So, what do you need to do for your pallet delivery? We can help set you on the right track!

Essentially, you are responsible for the sturdiness of your pallet and how it is packed.

But for you to be certain that your pallets are well-packed, there's a few things you need to know. 

Luckily, we have everything you need to know about arranging your first pallet delivery below!

So, let's jump straight in... 

Pack Products in Individual Boxes

All items that you want to ship via a pallet should be packed into boxes, especially if those items are fragile. 

For example, let's say that you want to ship a pallet of phone cases to an Amazon Fulfilment Centre, you would pack each different type of case into one box. 

Doing this will help the courier identify which items are in which box! 

Plus, when you pack each box always make sure they are full. And by full, we mean there should be no air in the boxes. 

If there’s any air inside your boxes, products can move and shift position and potentially get damaged.

So, be sure to use plenty of packing materials, like bubble wrap, packing peanuts and air pockets to fill the empty space. 

Try to use plenty of duct tape to seal your boxes once packed as this will prevent them from opening mid-journey. 

Box Stacking Techniques

Your boxes must be stacked on the pallet together, in a careful and even manner, so to speak.

Most pallet delivery companies prefer staggered or aligned boxes.

Moreover, you have to make sure that the heavier boxes are at the bottom of the pallet, and that the lightweight boxes are placed at the top, on the heavier one.

Also, the boxes should not overhang or be misaligned. 

If so, the entire pallet can act as a bumper or, in a worst-case scenario, the boxes will move and get damaged while in transit.

Even Weight Distribution

The weight of the boxes and the entire pallet must be distributed evenly for a pallet pick up.

Every single box must have its weight distributed within it so that all of the boxes are properly placed on the pallet.

Each box of items must be stacked according to its weight.

For example, the largest and heaviest boxes are to be laid on the pallet first, followed by the lightest boxes on top.

This will ensure any items at the base of your pallet are secure and will not become damaged during transit.

By placing boxes of heavier items at the top of your pallet (on top of lightweight items), you run the risk of severely damaging those at the bottom of the pallet.

Not to mention, if anything happens to fall off as a result of the uneven weight distribution, you may also cause damage to other pallets on the delivery vehicle.

However, if your pallet is packaged inappropriately, then we will be forced to refuse collection until you re-pack to meet the requirements.

We will simply not risk your items becoming damaged or lost in transit, or causing our drivers any harm for that matter.

Use Flat Empty Cardboard (or Liner Paper)

Every couple of rows – 2 rows recommended – you should use either flat empty cardboard or liner paper to solidify all loose boxes.

This will make it harder for them to shift their position and move while in transit.

Overall, using the aforementioned will make the pallet sturdier and safer.

Use Cardboard Corner Beads

You can place cardboard corner beads around the pallet to strengthen it for a pallet pick up.

As mentioned before, you have to make sure that the pallet is as resilient as possible so that it can face all of the bumps and movement that will be inflicted on it while it’s being shipped and handled.

Shrink Wrapping 

To make the pallet even more secure, you can use pallet wrap (ideally shrink wrap) to cover your items and prevent them from falling off the pallet or moving around during transit.

Keep in mind that applying only one layer may not be enough, so we recommend you go for at least 3 or 4 layers of shrink wrap material for each pallet you are planning to ship.

Plus, when wrapping your pallet be mindful that you don't wrap underneath the pallet as it will likely be carried by a forklift between the collection and delivery point. 

The whole purpose of shrink wrapping is to protect your items from damage, while not restricting access to the pallet itself.

Top Tip: if you twist the shrink wrap, this should give your pallet more strength once wrapped. 

This way, your shipment is far less likely to fall apart in transit and everything will be held closely together throughout! 

Finally, shrink wrapping a pallet doesn't have to be hard or time-consuming at all. 

There are tools and equipment, such as turntables and pallet wrap dispensers that make the process much easier and quicker to do. 

A turntable allows you to position your pallet flat and turn it slowly as you apply each layer of shrink wrap to your items. 

Doing this will save plenty of valuable time as you won't have to walk around the pallet to apply your many layers of pallet wrap. 

You can also use a shrink wrap dispenser tool for easy application, saving you the hassle of unravelling the pallet wrap every few seconds.

However, the use of such tools is not compulsory as long as your pallet is wrapped properly.

Final Thoughts

Before you go, these were simply the very basics when it comes to pallet delivery! 

Remember, if you want to further ensure your pallet's safety, you can rely on the Palletline network and choose the optimal location for delivery. 

This can reduce the risk of damage and can also ensure fast delivery.

For more details regarding packing your pallet for delivery, please send us a message via Live Chat.

We are available Monday - Friday, between 9am and 5pm and are always on hand to help!

Alternatively, you can head over to our Help Centre for more of our expert advice and top tips.