Understanding how to properly package your shipment is a vital step in the warehousing and shipping process. If you were to make one simple packaging mistake at your warehouse, it could lead to bulk storage issues, expose your pallets to damage, and cause you to have to restack pallets, which takes even more time.
To properly stack your pallets for transit or storage, it’s imperative to start with premium quality materials, which means using reliable plastic wrap and avoiding broken pallets. At the same time, it’s important to package your pallet in a manner that can bolster the durability and strength of the freight.
Very simply, packaging your pallet for transit and unloading isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice. It does, however, start with a few very basic best practices. To help you get started, the team at On Track Freight Systems has created a comprehensive guide to packaging pallets for secure truck loading and unloading.
Let’s take a closer look at best practices for pallet stacking and pallet restacking.
Why Should I Use a Pallet for My Freight?
Opting to use a pallet for your freight will immediately add a level of stability and protection. Most often, small business shipments and freight that exceed 150 pounds are palletized for extra security. When you use a pallet for your load, it makes loading and unloading easier, safer, and faster. And there are a vast range of pallet types that can be used for warehouse storage as well as shipping.
The wooden pallet is the most commonly used type of pallet used for loads. Whether it’s for truck or trailer, the wooden pallet has stood the test of time and is proven to effectively secure loads. The two most prevalent types of wooden pallets used for loads are block pallets and stringer pallets.
The Stringer Pallet Offers Excellent Support for Trailer Loads
The stringer pallet is named such because it utilizes three “stringers” that support shipments. The stringers are boards that can be 3x4s or 2x4s sandwiched between the bottom and top deck boards.
These types of pallets offer 2-way forklift access but can be utilized for 4-way forklift access. This versatile design of stringer pallets make warehousing, loading, and unloading easier.
Using the Block Pallet Can Be Timely, Efficient, and Reliable
Block pallets are true 4-way forklift entry pallets. They employ a solid block of wood to offer a reliable warehouse storage solution. Designed to create extra-durable stacks, block pallets can use anywhere from 4 to 12 blocks.
Don’t Restack Your Pallet! Use These Tips to Get It Right the First Time
As we previously mentioned, when packing and stacking your pallets for warehousing and deliveries, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you have one stack, two stacks, or more, use the following best practices to get it right the first time and avoid pallet restacking.
Start with the Heaviest Goods First
The first step is for your team to load the heaviest goods first. This will help create a stable base and prevent crushing less-dense or lighter goods, which can keep customers happy. If necessary, consider using a pallet jack to securely move the heaviest boxes to the bottom and create a solid base.
Don’t Stack Your Load Over the Edge
To maximize every square inch of your pallet, it’s best to arrange your boxes in a manner that brings them as close to the edge as possible — without going over. This also makes strapping easier and more stable.
If you have any boxes that overhang the pallet, they are more likely to compromise stability and cause damage. More so, stacking boxes over the edge will most likely lead to pallet restacking.
Laying Boxes…Laying Bricks
When you stack the boxes of your load, consider doing so as you would laying bricks. Ideally, you can do so with an overlapping form or design commonly used with bricklaying.
If this isn’t possible, you should always avoid stacking boxes in columns. This can make it easier for boxes to slide and shift when being transported on trailers.
Avoid the Pyramid Form for Your Freight
Many businesses make the error of stacking smaller boxes near the top of the pallet. This causes the stack to get narrower as it gets taller and take on a pyramid form.
While pyramids may make great iconic images, your customer will not be happy when they receive damaged products that have shifted while in transport. Instead, it’s best to work your smaller boxes into the stack to create a more cubic shape that is more stable.
Strap Your Stack First…Then Stretch Wrap the Load
Before you start stretch wrapping or shrink wrapping your load, you should always strap your pallet with heavy-duty bands. Once you’ve strapped the loaded boxes or products securely, use a high-quality stretch wrap or shrink-wrap to protect your freight throughout warehousing and delivery.
Can I Stack Pallets with a Pallet Jack?
Yes, you can stack pallets on top of each other. However, it can be very dangerous if you’re using the wrong pallets, such as damaged pallets.
Because of this, it’s imperative any pallet that has been damaged should be marked as such or only used with a freight forwarder who explicitly avoids stacking pallets.
Contact On Track Freight System for Shipping Services
At On Track Freight Systems, we offer a vast array of less-than-truckload (LTL) services, full truckload (FTL) shipping services, and more at an affordable cost. We offer virtually every sized trailer in our inventory and use state-of-the-art technology to ensure timely delivery at the desired location.
Contact On Track Freight Systems today for the best freight shipping and logistics services.
