How the Right Pallet Can Prevent Product Damage During Transport

April 10, 2025

In logistics and supply chain management, ensuring that products reach their destination in pristine condition is a top priority.


One of the most overlooked aspects of protecting goods during transport is choosing the right pallets. 


Using the correct pallet type for each use case streamlines shipping and storage and is a critical defense against product damage.


Explore how selecting the correct pallets can help businesses reduce product loss, improve efficiency, and save money.


The Role of Pallets in Product Protection

Pallets serve as the foundation for storing, handling, and transporting goods. They stabilize, keep products off the ground, and allow efficient stacking. However, using the wrong type of pallet can lead to a range of issues, including structural failures, load instability, and increased vulnerability to damage during transit.


How Poor Pallet Choice Leads to Product Damage

Selecting low-quality or incorrect pallets can result in several problems during transportation and storage.


  • Crushing and Compression Damage: Weak pallets may collapse under heavy loads, leading to crushed or broken goods.
  • Instability and Tipping: An improperly sized or unstable pallet can cause loads to shift or topple over during transportation.
  • Moisture and Contamination: Pallets not adequately treated or suited for specific environments can expose products to moisture, mold, or contaminants.
  • Forklift Damage: Low-quality pallets are more likely to break when handled by forklifts, potentially damaging the products they carry.


How to Choose the Right Pallets for Safe Transport

Businesses must consider the following factors when selecting pallets to prevent damage and maximize efficiency.


Material Selection: Wood vs. Plastic vs. Metal Pallets

Each type of pallet material offers different benefits depending on the type of goods to be transported.

  • Wooden Pallets:
  • Cost-effective and widely available
  • Ideal for general shipping needs
  • Can be heat-treated to meet export requirements
  • Susceptible to moisture and pest infestations if not properly maintained
  • Plastic Pallets:
  • More durable and resistant to moisture
  • Lightweight and reusable
  • Great for the pharmaceutical and food industries
  • More expensive upfront
  • Metal Pallets:
  • Extremely strong and durable
  • Best for heavy-duty industrial applications
  • Resistant to corrosion and damage
  • High initial cost

Load Capacity and Weight Distribution

Pallets must be strong enough to support the intended weight without warping or breaking. Always check the specific capacities of each pallet type.


  • Static Load Capacity: The weight a pallet can hold while stationary.
  • Dynamic Load Capacity: The weight a pallet can hold while being moved.
  • Racking Load Capacity: The weight a pallet can hold while stored in a warehouse racking system. Choosing a pallet with an inadequate load capacity can cause structural failure and damage during transit.


Proper Pallet Sizing and Configuration

Using pallets that do not match your product dimensions can cause instability.


  • 48" x 40" (Standard in the U.S.)
  • 42" x 42" (Common for retail and distribution centers)
  • Consider custom dimensions for specialized goods


Always ensure your pallets accommodate your product's shape and weight distribution to prevent overhanging edges or uneven weight displacement.


Choosing the Right Pallet Treatment

Certain goods, especially food and pharmaceuticals, require pallets that meet specific safety regulations.


  • Heat-treated pallets (HT) for international shipping to prevent pest infestations.
  • Chemical-treated pallets for additional durability and moisture resistance.
  • Sanitary plastic pallets for industries that require contamination-free transport.


Best Practices for Preventing Product Damage During Transport

In addition to selecting the right pallets, there are some best practices to protect your shipments further.


Use Proper Load Securing Techniques

  • Stretch Wrapping: Secure products tightly to the pallet to prevent movement.
  • Strapping: Use strong straps or bands to hold products in place.
  • Edge Protectors: Prevent box crushing by reinforcing edges with protectors.


Optimize Stacking Methods

  • Heavy Items at the Bottom: Always place heavier items on the lower layers to maintain stability.
  • Interlocking Stacking: Arrange boxes in a brick-like pattern for better weight distribution.
  • Avoid Overhang: Keep products within the pallet's edges to prevent damage from collisions.


Train Staff on Proper Pallet Handling

  • Teach warehouse and transport workers how to handle pallets properly using forklifts.
  • Regularly inspect pallets for damage before loading shipments.
  • Implement a pallet maintenance and repair program to extend the lifespan of your pallets.



Consider Using Pallet Covers and Slip Sheets

Pallet covers protect goods from dirt, dust, and moisture during transit, while slip sheets help reduce friction between stacked pallets, minimizing damage risks.

Work With Global ICB For Your Pallet Needs

Choosing the right pallets for your business is essential in protecting products during transportation. 


Whether you're dealing with fragile goods, perishable items, or industrial materials, investing in quality pallets and following best practices can make all the difference in your storage and transportation.


At Global ICB, we have over 35 years of experience selling, servicing, and recycling pallets of all materials, grades, and conditions. With competitive pricing, custom designs, and nationwide delivery, we can ensure that your pallet needs are met, optimized, and exceeded.


Contact us today for all your pallet needs!

March 13, 2025
In today's business world, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it's a necessity. Companies across industries prioritize environmentally friendly practices to meet corporate sustainability goals, reduce waste, and enhance their brand image. Pallet recycling is one often overlooked yet highly effective way to boost sustainability efforts. By adopting pallet recycling practices, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while improving operational efficiency and cost savings. The Role of Wooden Pallets in Logistics and Sustainability Wooden pallets are the backbone of global supply chains and are used extensively in warehousing, shipping, and logistics. However, with millions of pallets in circulation, the environmental impact of pallet disposal can be significant. Businesses discard large volumes of damaged or used pallets every year, contributing to deforestation and landfill waste. Pallet recycling is a sustainable solution that allows businesses to minimize waste, conserve resources, and promote a circular economy. Companies can extend their lifespans by repairing, reusing, or repurposing wooden pallets, significantly reducing the need for new raw materials. How Pallet Recycling Supports Corporate Sustainability Goals Reducing Waste and Landfill Impact Many companies aim to achieve zero-waste goals or significantly reduce landfill contributions. Recycling wooden pallets helps businesses avoid unnecessary waste by ensuring that pallets are repaired, refurbished, or broken down into reusable materials instead of being discarded in landfills. This approach aligns with corporate waste-reduction initiatives and helps businesses lower disposal costs. Lowering Carbon Footprint Manufacturing new pallets requires fresh lumber, contributing to deforestation and increasing carbon emissions associated with logging and transportation. Recycling pallets helps reduce the demand for virgin wood, ultimately lowering greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating pallet recycling into their sustainability plans, businesses can actively work towards reducing their carbon footprint and environmental impact. Promoting a Circular Economy A circular economy keeps resources in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value before recycling or repurposing them. Pallet recycling embodies this concept by transforming old or damaged pallets into refurbished, reusable products. Companies that embrace pallet recycling contribute to a more sustainable supply chain by extending the lifecycle of materials rather than relying on continuous production and disposal cycles. Cost Savings and Resource Efficiency Sustainability efforts are often associated with additional costs, but pallet recycling offers environmental and financial benefits. Instead of purchasing brand-new pallets, businesses can refurbish and reuse existing ones, significantly lowering procurement expenses. Additionally, selling unwanted pallets to recycling companies can generate extra revenue while reducing disposal fees. Enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Brand Reputation Consumers and stakeholders increasingly favor businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Implementing a pallet recycling program helps companies achieve sustainability goals and enhances their corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile. By showcasing eco-friendly practices, businesses can attract environmentally conscious customers, strengthen partnerships, and differentiate themselves from competitors.
February 12, 2025
By understanding the actual cost of pallet disposal and exploring strategies to reduce these expenses, companies can save money, improve sustainability, and increase operational efficiency.
January 15, 2025
Choosing the right pallet is crucial for optimizing supply chain operations, ensuring the safety of goods, and effectively managing costs.