Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Wooden Pallets for Transport

Wooden pallets ensure your goods are transported safely and efficiently. While wooden pallets are simple structures, time and time again we see businesses fall into avoidable traps resulting in damaged products, unnecessary risk and increased cost to the business. 

As some of Australia’s most trusted wooden pallet manufacturers, we know our way around a shipment. Here’s how to avoid the most common (and expensive) mistakes you’ll encounter when preparing to transport goods.

Mistake #1: Choosing The Wrong Type Of Wooden Pallet

When choosing which pallet to use, there are several considerations to be mindful of. Some of these include:

• Weight rating:  Check the load capacity. If your cargo weighs 800 kg, it’s not worth the risk by using a 500 kg rated pallet.
• Size matching:  Your cargo should sit within the pallet edges with no overhang.
• Construction type:  Heavy machinery, for example, requires the use of completely different pallets to boxed goods. If in doubt, ask your supplier.
• Quality grade:  Prioritise new pallets for client-facing operations and use recycled ones for internal use (within reason).

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For recommendations specific to your use case, consult your ABC Crates representative. 

Mistake #2: Ignoring ISPM 15 Compliance For Export

Forgetting about ISPM 15 regulations when shipping internationally can lead to unexpected delays and risk costly rejections.

What Is ISPM 15 And Why Does It Matter?

ISPM 15 is a mandatory international standard that focuses on treating wood packaging materials to halt the spread of timber pests and diseases. It requires that any wooden packaging is made from timber that has been debarked, before being heat treated or fumigated.

While opt-in is voluntary, the vast majority of Australia’s trading partners conform to ISPM 15 including the US, China and the European Union.

If your wooden pallets fail to comply with these guidelines, you risk your shipments being rejected at customs outright. This can be both time-consuming and expensive.

How To Ensure Your Pallets Meet Export Regulations

ISPM 15 guidelines primarily concern packaging treatment during the manufacturing stage. We always recommend partnering with certified pallet manufacturers who adhere to ISPM 15 guidelines. Look for the IPPC stamp on pallets because this ensures they’ve been treated to the required standard. 

Mistake #3: Overloading Or Unevenly Distributing Weight

Safe transport is dependent on proper loading techniques.

The Risks Of Overloading Wooden Pallets

When wooden pallets are overloaded, the probability of breakage rises exponentially. Ruined pallets risk damaging goods and pose significant safety hazards during loading and unloading.They also cannot be reused. Additionally, forklifts and other handling equipment may fail to function if overloaded.

Best Practices For Load Balancing To Prevent Damage

Always distribute weight evenly on the pallet’s surface. Start by placing heavier items on the bottom layer and positioning lighter goods towards the top. To secure the load effectively, don’t neglect strapping and wrapping. Always inspect any straps before sending full pallets to be transported.

Mistake #4: Using Low-quality Or Damaged Pallets

Pallets don’t last forever. Always inspect pallets for the following before using:

• Cracked boards
• Loose nails
• Visible water damage
• Splinters
• Missing boards

Workplace injury or damaged stock is never worth the risk.

Mistake #5: Failing To Secure Goods Properly On The Pallet

By failing to secure your cargo appropriately, you gamble with the possibility of damaging goods and significant financial losses.

The Basics

Use..

• Stretch wrap:  Start from the bottom, overlap by 50% and move in an upward direction.
• Strapping:  2 bands minimum, more for heavy loads.
• Corner protectors:  As cheap insurance, these are always worth using.
• Box stacking:  Interlock boxes like you would with toy building blocks.

Always place heavier items at the bottom of the stack. Leave no gaps between boxes and never stack higher than the pallet is wide. If in doubt, test by pushing the stack gently – if it moves, start again and rewrap the whole pallet.

Mistake #6: Neglecting Proper Storage and Handling

Storing and handling pallets poorly shortens their lifespan and negatively affects their performance.

Keep it simple:

• Always store pallets indoors or under cover when not in use
• Keep them off the ground (use rack systems)
• First in, first out – rotate your stock
• Clean up spills immediately

Wooden pallets are tools, not outdoor furniture. Treat them accordingly.

Mistake #7: Using The Wrong Size Or Type Of Pallet For The Shipment

Failing to choose the correct size or pallet type will jeopardise your shipment before it begins.

Standard Pallet Sizes and When to Use Custom Wooden Pallets

Standard pallet sizes are appropriate for most shipments. However, in the case of particularly unique or oversized items, custom pallets may better accommodate your needs. Discuss your requirements with your ABC Crates representative if you feel you may need a custom wooden box.

Why Oversized or Undersized Pallets Can Cause Issues

Using pallets that are either too large or too small can jeopardise stability during transport. Size mismatches in transit or during storage might also lead to wasted space or challenges with operating handling equipment.

Mistake #8: Not Considering Sustainability and Recycling

Let’s talk sustainability without the buzzwords:

Smart Recycling

• Have you invested in high-quality pallets? Reuse them for internal ops
• Broken pallets? Most pallet suppliers will buy them back
• Completely ruined pallets can become decent firewood or mulch.

Quick Money-saving Tips

• Ask your supplier about their buyback program
• Start tracking how many pallets you bin each month
• Consider heat-treated instead of chemically treated pallets
• Build relationships with local recyclers (they’ll often collect for free).

Wooden Pallet Manufacturers You Can Trust

It’s easy to become overwhelmed while weighing up export regulations, size and weight requirements and proper storage. However, by partnering with a wooden pallet supplier with a proven track record, you get to lean on the experts and focus on the parts of your business that really matter.

Don’t settle for any old pallets that are for sale in Perth – your cargo and your clients deserve the best. By working with ABC Crates, you get peace of mind that your pallets are reliable and compliant. We also offer discounts for bulk orders. Get in touch with our team today.