Information overload may have you ever questioning
your options when it involves transports and storing goods. You recognize the
industry standard is wood pallets. But,
you'll have heard or read that wood pallets cost more to ship due to their
weight or that they’re bad for the environment. Some may have you ever believe
that a majority of wood pallets are only
used once then discarded. This simply isn't true.
Many suppliers are pushing alternatives like
plastic, metal, and corrugated options. While all will do the work, each has
drawbacks also. For instance, metal pallets are strong but even heavier than
wood and costlier. Plastic pallets are sanitary and have an extended lifecycle,
but they're also more costly. Corrugated pallets are lighter than wood, but
they're not stackable or as strong.
Of course, pallets aren't the sole option. Slip
sheets weigh less and are cheaper, but they can't support the maximum amount of weight as pallets. They’re ideal for filling every cu ft of a trailer with the product, which isn't always possible to try to with pallets. Forklifts won't
work with slip sheets, however, and special equipment is required for its
handling.
For companies that have fewer products to maneuver
per shipment, the old-fashioned method of loading and unloading by hand can
work. But, this process is time-intensive and therefore the risk for injury is bigger.
A strong reason for Wood Pallets
Ultimately, there are many reasons why wood pallets
still, dominate the industry. Here are just a couple of that make a robust case:
Environmentally
Friendly – Wood stores carbon and it's renewable, biodegradable,
reusable, and recyclable.
Protection
– Wood pallets are sturdy. Their strong base combined with protective wrapping
means less manual handling and fewer chances for product damage.
Faster
Deliveries – Pallets are often handled and quickly moved with
standard forklifts, making it much faster to deliver one pallet containing 50
boxes than moving 50 boxes by hand.
Cost
Effective – Wood pallets are inexpensive compared to other
alternatives and, while heavier than some options, the safe transport of
products outweigh any added fuel expense.
Safe
for Workers – Unlike heavy boxes, people don't lift
pallets. this suggests less risk of back injuries.
Smarter
Storage – The uniform shape of pallets makes it easy to
stack and store without taking over much space during a warehouse.
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