Why Pallet Couriers Are Essential for a Streamlined Supply Chain?
In the dynamic realm of transport and logistics, selecting the right pallet delivery services provider is a critical decision that can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations.
As transport logistics professionals navigate through a myriad of pallet delivery options, there are numerous challenges to grapple with when it comes to finding the perfect balance between cost, speed, and reliability. As such, the journey towards choosing an optimal pallet delivery service requires careful consideration of various factors, from pallet sizes to delivery times to the geographic coverage of services.
This blog aims to guide logistics managers through the process of selecting the right pallet shipping company for their precise business needs, revealing what to look for and what to expect throughout the process.
Pallet delivery is the cornerstone of modern logistics, facilitating the efficient transportation of goods on sturdy, standardised platforms known as pallets, which are loaded onto the backs of lorries for secure long-range haulage. These pallets provide a secure and uniform way to transport a variety of products, ranging from fragile items to bulk goods.
(Image source: ibisworld.com)
The process involves carefully loading products onto the pallets, securing them for transit, and utilising specialised pallet transport services to ensure safe and streamlined delivery. Pallet delivery is not merely a method, however. It's a strategic approach that optimises handling, storage, and transportation, which is why it is the go-to solution for the billions of tonnes-worth of goods shipped into, out of, and around the UK each year – an industry set to be worth £33.5 billion between 2024 and 2029.
(Image source: gov.uk)
No matter if you need only domestic pallet shipping, one that covers the UK and Europe, or full international pallet delivery, there are a number of things you need to bear in mind when selecting a pallet delivery service.
Below are our five top tips for ensuring you do business with the right pallet shipping service for every shipment.
The cheapest pallet delivery service isn't necessarily the best. Indeed, one of the most important things you must consider is delivery time – and how this might affect the price you pay for a pallet delivery service.
There is nearly always a trade-off between price and speed regarding pallet delivery. For example, if your goods must arrive on a specific date at a specific time, you’ll need to source pallet delivery services that offer such guarantees, which might well be same-day or next-day pallet delivery.
Plenty of leading pallet delivery companies offer such services – but you should expect to pay a premium for them.
If, on the other hand, time isn’t so much of the essence, then consider some cheap pallet delivery alternatives, which may not get your goods where they need to be as quickly, but will allow you to save you money on the shipment.
Pallet sizes can be confusing at the best of times – even if you’ve used pallet delivery services many times before.
The important thing to know is if your goods will fit standard pallet sizes – which are 120 x 100 cm (48” x 40”) – before booking your pallet delivery. This will avoid problems further down the line, or the potential for incurring additional charges if your goods require a different pallet size to the one you’ve ordered.
(Image source: universalpallets.com)
Different sizes of pallet can hold multiple items depending on their weight and size. Each size pallet has a load limit, so it’s important you know the weight of your goods so you can choose the right size of pallet accordingly.
There are many different types of pallet, but the three you are most likely to encounter are the euro pallet, the block pallet and the mini pallet, each designed with specific dimensions to accommodate different loads.
The Euro pallet, measuring 80 x 120 cm, stands as the standard choice across the European mainland, while the block pallet (100 x 120 cm) finds popularity for slightly larger loads, especially in France and the United Kingdom. The mini pallet, sized at 80 x 60 cm, is a prevalent option for smaller loads.
Today, pallet courier services are generally able to tell you the whereabouts of your goods – though not all offer precise, technology-driven pallet delivery tracking.
No matter what types of goods you’re shipping, tracking offers peace of mind that you can always locate your goods so you can prepare for pallet collection and delivery, and keep your customers up-to-speed.
As such, it is advisable that you choose a pallet delivery service that offers tracking – either through a dedicated tracking app, or via a web page or online customer portal.
Beyond the dimensions and types of pallets, the geographical reach of your chosen pallet delivery service is a crucial factor to consider for optimising your logistics. It's imperative to confirm that your selected supplier possesses the capability to deliver pallets to all the locations pertinent to your operations, especially if your warehouses are spread across considerable distances.
The importance of international coverage cannot be overstated as well – particularly for businesses with a global footprint that need to deliver and/or collect across the UK, Europe, and beyond. A reliable pallet delivery service with international reach ensures a cohesive and streamlined supply chain, minimising the challenges of dealing with multiple providers.
As such, when evaluating pallet suppliers, assessing their geographical coverage is crucial to ensure your operations remain streamlined on both a regional and international scale.
In the intricate world of pallet delivery services and international pallet shipping, the choices made can reverberate through the entirety of your supply chain. Only by carefully weighing up the trade-offs between cost, speed, and reliability, understanding the nuances of pallet types and sizes, and ensuring comprehensive geographical coverage can you choose the provider that ensures your operations run as smoothly as possible.
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The weight capacity for pallets varies depending on the type of pallet:
Full Pallets: Up to 1000 kg.
Light Pallets: Up to 750 kg.
Mini Pallets: Up to 150 kg.
Oversized Pallets: Up to 1000 kg (for goods that exceed standard pallet dimensions).
It's important to also note that assisted loading is not available for goods exceeding 750 kg.
To calculate how many pallets you need for shipping, follow these steps:
Determine the Total Weight of Your Shipment: Weigh all the items you intend to ship. This total weight will help you determine the type and number of pallets required based on their weight limits.
Calculate the Total Volume of Your Shipment: Measure the dimensions (length, width, and height) of all items you need to ship. This total volume will help you determine how many pallets you need based on their size limits.
Calculate the Number of Pallets Required: For weight, divide the total weight of your shipment by the weight limit of the pallet type you are using (e.g., for a full pallet: Total Weight ÷ 1000kg).
For volume, determine how many pallets can fit based on the size of your items. Measure how much space your items take up and divide by the area of the pallet base. Since you can't have a fraction of a pallet, always round up to the next whole number if your calculations yield a fraction.
Consider Additional Factors: Depending on your shipping service provider, consider any additional limits or regulations that may affect your pallet size or weight.
By following these steps, you can accurately determine how many pallets you will need for your shipment.
Yes, you need to secure your goods on the pallet. This will prevent any shifting or damage during transit and ensure that your items remain stable and protected throughout the shipping process. Common methods include: