How to Save Money by Sending Goods as Pallets

If you’re shipping large, heavy, or multiple items, standard couriers often aren’t the most cost-effective option. That’s where pallet deliveries come in.

Sending goods on a pallet isn’t just for big businesses, almost anyone can do it! The real challenge is knowing how to ship pallets efficiently and keep costs low.

Here’s everything you need to know to save money when sending goods as pallets.

What Is a Pallet Delivery?

A pallet delivery allows you to ship multiple or bulky items together on a single pallet through a specialist pallet courier network.

For example, if you needed to send 10 boxes of picture frames to a friend or customer, a standard courier may refuse the job or charge a premium. A pallet courier, however, is designed to handle larger, heavier consignments, often at a lower overall cost.

By consolidating your goods onto one pallet, you reduce handling, minimise damage risk, and usually pay less than sending multiple individual parcels.

What You Need to Ship a Pallet

Before booking a pallet delivery, make sure you have the right materials to prepare your goods safely:

• The correct pallet size
• A tape measure (to check height and footprint)
• Pallet wrap (shrink wrap)
• Strapping or ratchet straps
• A heat gun (optional but helpful for securing wrap)
• Labels provided by your courier

Once everything is secured and labelled correctly, your pallet is ready for collection.

Choosing a reliable pallet courier is just as important, and that’s where PalletOnline comes in.

Choosing the Right Pallet Courier

Not all pallet couriers are created equal. Choosing the right one can make a big difference to cost, reliability, and how smoothly everything runs from collection to delivery.

Here are a few things to look for when comparing pallet courier services:

Access to a Trusted Pallet Network

A strong national network, like the Palletline Network, means your pallet is handled by experienced local depots rather than being passed between multiple subcontractors. This usually results in faster transit times and fewer handling points.

Clear Pricing

Look for instant quotes that are easy to understand, with no surprise add-ons later. A good pallet courier will ask for accurate dimensions and weight upfront so pricing stays transparent.

Range of Pallet Sizes

The ability to choose quarter, half, full, or oversized pallets helps you avoid paying for space you don’t need. Flexibility here can lead to real savings.

Reliable Support

Even with careful planning, questions come up. A responsive support team that understands pallet freight can save you time and stress, especially if you’re shipping pallets for the first time.

Proven Track Record

Experience matters. Couriers that specialise in pallet deliveries tend to handle heavy and awkward loads far better than general parcel carriers. At PalletOnline, we've been delivering since 2008, and our parent company since 1955!

Pallet Deliveries vs Loose Cartons

Loose cartons are individual parcels shipped separately, even if they’re all going to the same destination.

While this may work for small quantities, it quickly becomes more expensive and harder to manage when shipping multiple items. More parcels mean:

• Higher overall costs
• Multiple tracking numbers
• Increased risk of loss or damage

If all items are heading to the same location, sending them together on a pallet is almost always cheaper and easier.

What Is a Standard UK Pallet?

A standard UK pallet measures 1200mm x 1000mm (1.2m x 1m) and is the most widely used pallet size in UK logistics.

Standard pallets:

• Are accepted by most pallet courier networks
• Can hold up to 1,200kg, depending on the network
• Are commonly used for storage and transportation

Because of their weight and size, pallets should always be handled by professional pallet couriers to avoid damage or injury.

UK Pallet Sizes Explained

Most pallet couriers use four main pallet sizes:

• Quarter pallet
• Half pallet
• Full pallet
• Oversized pallet

All standard pallets share the same base size (1.2m x 1m). The difference lies in their height and weight limits.

Hint: Check our handy Size Guide if you're unsure of specifics!

At PalletOnline, all pallet deliveries must meet Palletline network restrictions. If a pallet exceeds the maximum height or weight limit for its size, it may be refused at collection or incur additional charges.

Always measure your goods carefully before selecting a pallet size.

Understanding Maximum Height Limits

Maximum pallet height depends on:

• The pallet size selected
• The courier and delivery network

For example, Palletline allows pallets up to 2.2 metres high. This is the maximum height for a full pallet across the network.

If your goods exceed the height of a half pallet, you have two options:

• Upgrade to a full pallet (as long as it stays within the height limit)
• Book an oversized pallet if the goods exceed the pallet footprint

Checking measurements in advance helps avoid delays, refusals, and unexpected costs.

Can You Reuse Pallets?

Yes, and it’s one of the easiest ways to save money.

If you regularly receive goods on pallets, reusing them for future deliveries can significantly reduce costs. As long as the pallet is in good condition, there’s no need to buy a new one every time.

Before reusing a pallet:

• Check for damage or weakness
• Ensure it’s clean and structurally sound

For frequent reuse, pallets can be treated with varnish, lacquer, or professionally heat treated. Look for an “HT” stamp, which indicates the pallet has already been heat treated.

Book a Pallet Delivery with PalletOnline

Booking a pallet delivery with PalletOnline couldn't be simpler!

Simply:

• Enter your collection and delivery postcodes
• Select your pallet size
• Get an instant quote online

Your pallet will be collected on the chosen date, checked at the depot, and delivered efficiently through our trusted network.

If you need help choosing the right pallet size or want advice on reducing costs, our Live Chat team is always happy to help.