How Can You Prevent Damaged Pallets?

Pallets must be safe to handle and strong enough to carry the goods you load on them. If your pallet breaks or your goods are not stable, your delivery may be refused. Follow these simple checks to make sure your pallet is ready for transport.

Use the right pallet truck or equipment

Do not attempt to lift pallets by hand. If your location does not have a forklift or pallet truck, select the tail lift option at checkout. The driver will bring a pallet truck to move the pallet on and off the vehicle. Make sure your site is suitable for safe tail lift use with a flat, solid surface for unloading.

Inspect your pallet before use

Only use strong pallets that are free from damage. Do not use pallets with broken boards, missing blocks or visible weaknesses. If you are using second-hand pallets, check how they were stored and confirm they have not been exposed to weather or stacked incorrectly. Always place your pallet on flat ground to avoid warping.

Do not overload your pallet

Each pallet has a weight limit. Exceeding this will cause the pallet to collapse during loading or transport. As a general rule:

• Grade 1 pallets hold up to 1,000 kilograms
• Grade 2 pallets hold up to 750 kilograms
• Grade 3 pallets hold 200 to 500 kilograms

Always check the condition and strength of your pallet and match your load to its capacity. Never assume a pallet will hold your goods without checking first.

Choose the correct pallet size

Your goods must fit fully within the pallet with no overhang. If your items are too large for a full pallet, you must book an oversized pallet space. Overhanging goods will be refused or charged as additional pallet spaces to protect other freight in the vehicle.