Pallet Delivery: More Than What Meets the Eye

While the thought of shipping a pallet may sound simple, there are a LOT of things that need to be considered before handing your goods over to a delivery company.

That’s why we’ve compiled some useful information to help you better your understanding of pallet distribution. 

What does Pallet Delivery mean?

Put simply, pallet delivery is when a pallet is loaded with goods and secured, then handed over to a pallet carrier. Once the pallet has been collected, your pallet will journey through the network until it reaches its final destination.

Regardless of which carrier you select, the process of delivering a pallet is usually the same.

If you choose a network to distribute your pallets, the goods will be picked up by the depot closest to your collection point. It will then make its way through the network until it reaches the delivery depot. Sounds pretty simple, right?

Well, there’s a bit more to pallet delivery than you think! Here’s what goes on behind the scenes when you use a network to transport your precious pallets:

• 1) The bill payer confirms the booking, ensuring the number of pallet spaces and addresses are correct. The sender at the collection point should then ensure their goods are palletised and ready for collection.
• 2) The collection depot will receive a collection request. If they accept it, you will then be given a confirmed collection date. 
• 3) The depot will send a vehicle out to collect the pallet and load it onto their trailer. They will then take it back to the depot and forward it on to the nearest network hub. 
• 4) Once at the hub, the goods are unloaded, scanned, quality checked, and then trunked to the depot closest to the delivery point.
• 5) Once the goods arrive at the delivery depot, they will then arrange delivery of the pallet. They may also give you an ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) if this is something the delivery depot is able to provide.

Then, all you need to do is sit back and wait for your delivery.

But that's just scratching the surface of how pallet networks work.

How long do pallet deliveries take? 

The amount of time it takes to deliver a pallet can be affected by a number of things.

Firstly, the distance your goods have to travel will hugely influence how long it takes to deliver your pallets. For example, a domestic shipment will take considerably less time to get to its destination than a pallet going from Ireland to Germany.

The pallet carrier you choose may also make a significant difference to delivery times depending on the number of vehicles they have available and the volume of freight currently going through their depot.

There are plenty of carriers out there to choose from, each with their own set of services. 

However, regardless of which pallet courier you choose, if you select an economy service for a domestic shipment, it will typically take between 2 and 5 working days to deliver your goods. On the other hand, if you book a premium service for a domestic shipment, delivery will most likely be made the following working day.

When you book through a network, there will usually be additional options to choose from, such as lift assist for heavier pallets, and a pallet & wrap service if you don’t have a pallet to place your goods onto. You could even request a smaller vehicle if the collection or delivery point is difficult to get to.

But be careful adding these services if you want your goods to be collected on the same day. Most carriers require 24 hours’ notice to arrange these additional services. 

What are hubs?

Generally speaking, a pallet network is a pretty simple concept.

Depending on the size of pallet network you use, they will have hubs dotted around the country (sometimes one, sometimes more). These hubs serve as a central place to collate and group your pallets between the collection location and delivery location.

Networks operate with a 'hub and spoke' system, which makes the hubs central points and the depots act as the spokes from the hub. Envisage a bicycle wheel that has a central hub and then many spokes coming out to form the entire wheel base. It's the most efficient way to move freight throughout a pallet network.

These central hubs mean fewer trucks need to be on the road transporting goods up and down the country, decreasing the carbon footprint and reducing our overall effect on the planet.

• Fun Fact: The Association of Pallet Networks estimates pallet network efficiency saves in the region of 150,000 vehicle journeys per year!

Is it cheaper to ship by pallet?

In short, it all depends on what you're shipping and how much you're shipping.

It's likely going to work out cheaper to use a parcel delivery service if you're shipping just one or two boxes of lightweight items, but a pallet carrier is the best, more cost-effective option if you need to ship numerous items, or large and heavy goods.

What is the difference between a package and a pallet?

Put simply, a package (also known as a parcel) is a container for transporting small and/or lightweight items, whereas a pallet is a wooden platform designed for carrying much larger and heavier goods.

Packages are typically composed of cardboard, which makes them weak and prone to being dented or ripped during transit. Parcels also come in so many different sizes. Large, medium, letter, and so many more custom sizes... the list is endless!

You may also hear packages being referred to as ‘cartons’ every now and then. A carton is pretty much the same thing as a package, however, cartons are more widely referenced in E-commerce.

A pallet, on the other hand, is completely different to a parcel. Pallets are flat, wooden platforms that are used to transport large or heavy items on top of them.

Pallets are also much safer and more durable than parcels as they are built of solid wood and are less likely to get damaged during transportation.

Unlike parcels, pallets are usually of a uniform size, no matter which pallet carrier you choose.

• Fun fact: Did you know that around 45 million wooden pallets are made each year in the United Kingdom alone?

Key Takeaways

• Pallet delivery entails a pallet carrier or delivery service handling and delivering your items to a certain destination
• If you’re sending a small number of lightweight goods, it’s safe to say that parcels will be the best choice for you.
• However, if you’re looking to send a large number of heavy items, pallets will be the best (and probably cheaper) option as their sturdy frame will be able to withstand heavier goods.
• A pallet network is a great way to get your goods from A to B, however, be careful booking extras if you want to get your goods collected the same day! Some couriers require 24 hours to arrange those extras.

Did you know PalletOnline provides a pallet delivery service that is unrivalled in the industry? Want to get a fast, no-fuss quote from us? Simply head over to our quote page.