Unit Load Formation Equipment (l) - Pallets

A pallet is a low, portable platform constructed of wood, metal, or fiberboard, built to specified dimensions, on which supplies are loaded, transported, or stored in units. Pallets are the most common form of unitizing device.
Some of the primary pallet material choices are wood pallet (most common), steel pallet, paper pallet, metal pallet, plastic pallet.

Pallets may afford two- or four-way entry. The two-way entry pallet is so constructed that the forks of a forklift truck may be inserted from either the front or rear of the pallets. The four-way pallet is so constructed that the forks of a forklift truck may be inserted from any of the four sides.
Various types of pallets are two-way double wing, two-way flush, two-way reversible flush, two-way single wing, four way nonreversible flush, block type, foam padded plywood pallet, single face pallet.

Advantages of using pallets:

• Handles more items at a time
• Reduces the number of trips
• Reduces the handling costs
• Reduces the loading and unloading times
• Reduces the product damage

Disadvantages of using pallets:
Operators can’t use either option in areas with rocks or other firm high spots. You may need a forklift to install and remove pallets.

Different types of pallet material will have its own pros and cons.

The majority of pallets are made from wood.

Advantages:

• Lower cost than most other materials
• Can be repaired/renovated
• Can be painted and easily printed on
• Stickers can be easily removed
• Their popularity allows them to be used universally

Disadvantages:

• The dimensions can vary slightly
• Can be distorted through rough handling
• Contain metal parts (nails) which could interfere with metal detection (some now are made without nails)
• Need to be maintained
• Can become contaminated with unwanted bacteria or pests. Export pallets need to be heat treated.
• Weight can fluctuate due to wood variations and level of absorbed moisture
• They can be prone to splintering or have loose nails
• Wooden pallets are not fully washable
• They cannot be nested in each other when empty
  

Plastic

Advantages:

• Precise and consistent specifications
• Do not absorb humidity
• Some can be moulded so that that can be nested when empty
• No sharp edges, loose nails or splinters
• Can be cleaned effectively
• Very low maintenance required
• Can be manufactured from recovered material
• Can be lightweight (depending on density)
• Long life if handled correctly
• Washable and not prone to infection or infestation

Disadvantages:

• High purchase cost
• Cannot be repainted
• Stickers may not be easily removed, leaving bug harbouring and unsightly residue
• There are no universal standards, reducing the possibility of pooling and swapping
  

Metal

Advantages:

• No loose splinter/nails
• Long life if handled correctly - can withstand rough treatment
• High load bearing capacity (depending on specification)
• Washable and not prone to infection or infestation
• Low maintenance requirement

Disadvantages:

• Can be warped through mis-use
• Heavy
• Stickers may not be easily removed, leaving bug harbouring and unsightly residue
• Very high purchase cost
• There are no universal standards, reducing the possibility of pooling and swapping

Paper

Advantages:

• Lighter weight
• Disposable
• Recyclable
• Very flexible to adapt to special transport needs
• Meet IPPC requirements
• Meet international regulations on trade (ISPM)
• No fumigation
• Environmental Friendly
• Clean and dust free

Disadvantages:

• Susceptible to moisture
• Lack stiffness compared to most other pallet materials