5 Essentials Facts You Need to Know Before Shipping Pallets

Shipping goods on pallets is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to move freight across the UK. Whether you’re a business shipping regularly or sending a one-off pallet, a little preparation goes a long way.

Before booking a pallet courier, here are five essential facts you should know to help everything run smoothly.

1. Your Pallet Must Be Wrapped Before Shipping

One of the most important steps when shipping a pallet is making sure it’s properly wrapped and secured.

If your goods aren’t wrapped, the courier may refuse to collect them. Wrapping protects your items from damage, movement, and exposure during transit. It also keeps everything safely together on the pallet.

If you’re unsure how to wrap a pallet correctly, some couriers offer a wrapping service. If not, make sure your pallet is fully wrapped and ready before collection day to avoid delays.

We do offer a Pallet and Wrap service at PalletOnline where we can safely palletise your goods to prepare them for transport and is available for up to 3 pallets at £20 + VAT when booked by 4:45pm the previous day. 

2. Some Items Can’t Be Shipped on Pallets

While pallets can carry a wide range of goods, there are certain items that couriers won’t transport.

Each pallet courier has its own list of restricted or prohibited items. These are usually available on their website, but they’re not always obvious. Before booking, it’s always best to double-check that your goods are allowed.

If you’re unsure, contacting the courier directly can save you time and prevent your shipment from being rejected.

The top 5 restricted items which can not be loaded onto pallets:

• Personal effects and household belongings.
• Glass or fragile items.
• Bathroom furniture or fully assembled furnishings.
• TV and other delicate items.
• Engines containing fluids. 

A full list of what can not be used on pallets can be found here. 

3. Choose the Correct Pallet Size and Weight

Selecting the right pallet size is crucial. Your goods should fit neatly on the pallet with no overhang and no unstable stacking.

Couriers also have strict weight limits. Exceeding these limits can lead to extra charges or require specialist handling, such as forklifts or oversized pallets.

Before booking, measure your pallet and check its total weight to ensure it meets the courier’s requirements.

There are 4 different sizes available to order at PalletOnline:

4. Shipping via a Pallet Courier Is More Cost-Effective

Sending multiple boxes individually can be expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to manage.

Pallet shipping allows you to move large or heavy loads in one go, often at a much lower cost than standard parcel delivery. It also offers clearer collection and delivery times, making it easier to plan around.

Comparing pallet couriers and choosing one with instant online quotes can help you find the best value quickly and easily.

You can find an instant quote from PalletOnline when filling in collection and delivery postcodes, email address and pallet specifications. 

5. Maximise Space When Packing Your Pallet

Packing your pallet efficiently helps keep your goods safe and reduces the risk of damage.

Boxes should be placed tightly together with no gaps. Empty spaces allow items to move during transit, which can cause breakages. However, it’s important not to overload the pallet — stability is just as important as space-saving.

The goal is to make full use of the pallet while keeping everything secure and balanced.

In the rare chance that an item does get damaged, we will follow the correct procedure to make sure it can be resolved quickly and fairly. We are very proud to have an exceptionally low damage rate of under 0.06% of goods arriving damaged. 

Final Thoughts

By wrapping your pallet properly, choosing the right size and weight, packing efficiently, and knowing what you can and can’t ship, you can avoid common problems and enjoy a smooth pallet delivery experience.

If you need help with pallet shipping or have questions about your goods, the PalletOnline team is always happy to help via Live Chat or phone.