An Ultimate Guide To Buying Warehouse Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets are the number one choice for many warehouses, manufacturers, and businesses that need to ship products long distances. More and more businesses are using Plastic Pallets for warehouse and exporting. Plastic pallets have revolutionized shipping platforms when it comes to unit load. There are multiple reasons companies are switching from wooden pallets to plastic pallets. Today there is a growing demand for plastic pallets and companies prefer them to generic wooden pallets. This ultimate guide will give you all the information you probably need about plastic pallets, from designs, types, and buying.
What Are Plastic Pallets?
Pallets are a flat, suspension structure that enables for mechanical handling of items using a forklift, front loader, or jack. It is also known as a storage structure that facilitates the handling of products using a forklift or jack. They are more conceded that they are made of wood, although they can also be made of plastic.
Types, Styles, and Shapes of Pallets
There are several various types of plastic pallets, comprising a drum, export, display, spill control, sanitary, BOPP Multi-Layer/Barrier, RFID, antistatic, shipping pallets, and plastic shipping pallets. But above all, you have the choice between three different types of layouts: stackable pallets, stackable pallets, and nestable pallets. Each has its unique advantages for each circumstance. Additionally, both types of pallets will be available in a variety of sizes, and design is up to your choice. We all see paper carry bags available in the market with each and everything we buy. This business has given a big edge to pallet manufacturers.
Stackable Pallets
Stackable pallets are significantly lighter in weight than the other choices, but these are a little expensive. They have a solid base and a top, allowing them to effectively stack them full or empty. This is especially useful for containers loaded using dual-stack methods. Stackable pallets have the support that is lower so that they can be placed on another loaded pallet and offer steadiness during storage and transport.
It is a particularly suitable pallet for international shipments, as its durability and versatility allow it to be used in different ways. The disadvantage of stackable plastic pallets is that they cost high and take up more space than nestable pallets.
More cutting-edge plastic assembly designs can include full bonds that interlock with the bottom rails of other bridges. Regardless of the design techniques used, the result is pallets that are stacked securely, assisting to remove the mess and risks associated with risky stacks of heavy, pointed wooden pallets.
Nestable Pallets
Nestable pallets have the gain of being space savers as the legs interlock and are usually less expensive than stackable pallets. The ability to fit many plastic pallets is a big advantage over traditional wooden pallets. Designed with concave and recessed legs, these bridges fit into each other when empty. This nesting gives exceptional space-saving, which can save a lot of money on return shipping and storage. Placing these pallets after use in a shipment is amazingly easy, as more pallets can be bundled into a truck for return than stackable wooden or plastic pallets.
This nesting capability also makes it easier to store pallets when not in use, making them a great alternative for businesses that frequently move shipments on the same lines and constantly need more pallets. There is a range of other types of pallets, such as full deck pallets and more, each with its benefits.
The Rackable Pallets
It is the most robust form of the plastic pallet on the marketplace. They have a photo frame or sliding bottom that allows them to carry heavyweights. Stackable pallets with slides instead of feet can cover the breadth of shelves and industrial storage racks. Due to their heavier weight, they are much stronger than other versions. This kind of design of pallets allows it to adapt well to the top of a rack. These pallets can also be stacked or supported directly on the ground. Rackable pallets are among the most durable options available, but their strength usually comes at a cost in terms of weight and material.
The Durability Of Plastic Pallets
Plastic is robust, able to endure a variety of shipping, transportation, and storage needs. Due to the laminates, these pallets have a longer service life. Plastic pallets are produced from one hundred percent recyclable materials, making them much more eco-friendly and beneficial in use. The plastic has no chips, protruding nails, or sharp edges, which makes it easier to handle and safer. The production of used pallets is not affected by the supply or scarcity of wood, so your business will always be able to find a supplier for your order.
Plastic Pallet Materials
There are three main materials used in plastic pallets. Although each has its advantages and they are generally necessary for most of the cases.
High-Density Polypropylene (HDPP) Pallets
High-Density Polypropylene (HDPP) is the most widely used resin in plastic pallets for the past few years. It is light in weight, tough, extensively available, and used on everything from milk jugs to plastic furniture and in lots of other products. The slightly less rigid HDPE has incredible impact resistance.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is the most widely used material and the second most popular choice for plastic pallets. It is somewhat stiffer than HDPP, making it tougher but also less sturdy to impact.
Polyolefin (PO)
Polyolefin (PO) is also known as an advanced composite material. PO is known to be a more inexpensive choice than HDPP and harder than HDPE. It is brittle at low temperatures, which is why plastic pallets made from this material are not suitable for use in the cold chain.
Pallets made of PVC
PVC is one of the most widely used thermoplastics worldwide. Although PVC has fewer flaws, it can disintegrate when exposed to acetone. They are unsuitable for use as plastic pallets in the food and delicate sectors when exposed to ordinary materials.
They are available in the following sizes
A normal trailer stocks an 8-foot wide trailer, which is the same width as a sea container. Plastic pallets that are 48 inches in length or width are mostly ideal for increased cargo space. The most commonly used sizes are:
- 48 “x 32”
- 44 x 44
- 48 x 40
- 49 x 45
- 48 “x 48”
Plastic pallets, which almost all offer 4-way fork access, can be quite useful in maximizing trailer and container capacity.