Wooden pallets are an essential component of efficient shipping and logistics. There are over 1.8 billion pallets in service in the United States each day (Source: National Wooden Pallet & Container Association – Click here for more Pallet Facts from the NWPCA). That means that at any point in time, there are millions of individuals handling pallets as goods are moved through supply chains. Having proper knowledge regarding the handling of wooden pallets is essential for productivity and cost-effectiveness.
Our ultimate guide to pallet handling covers the top items everyone involved in this process should know.
Efficient Pallet Handling for Maximum Productivity
Wooden pallets are a tool that enables maximum productivity. However, just like any tool, it’s effectiveness is ultimately dependent on the knowledge and expertise of the individual that wields it.
Below are items that will help boost your efficiency and productivity when handling pallets:
- Avoid Drag Marks: Dragging wooden pallets across concrete floors can cause damage, create safety hazards, and impede other activities. Use appropriate equipment like pallet jacks or forklifts to move them smoothly.
- Stacking Considerations: When stacking wooden pallets, ensure they are stable and properly supported to prevent collapse.
- Plan Your Movements: Before moving a pallet, plan your route to avoid collisions and ensure smooth and efficient movement.
- Use Appropriate Equipment: Utilize the right equipment for the job. This may include pallet jacks, forklifts, or conveyors.
- Organize Your Workspace: A well-organized workspace minimizes the distance traveled and reduces the risk of accidents.
- Communicate Effectively: Clear communication between team members is crucial, especially in busy environments.
Pallet Maintenance: Extending the Life of Your Asset
Wooden pallets are a valuable asset. As the leaders in Comprehensive Pallet Life-Cycle Management, we know everything there is to know about efficiently extending the life of a wooden pallet. Our timely pickups, repairs, and remanufacturing processes are a key component of achieving the maximum life for your valuable assets. Because of these capabilities, we have the ability to provide our customers with high-quality recycled pallets instead of new. Click here to learn more about our recycled pallet offerings.
So pallet companies such as Kamps play a vital role in extending the life of a pallet, the other key contributor is proper pallet maintenance when the pallets are in your possession.
Below are items that are commonly recognized to extend the life of your pallet:
- Inspect Pallets Regularly: Regularly inspect pallets for signs of wear and tear, such as broken boards. Pallets that are suspected of having lost their structural integrity should be set aside and returned to a local or national pallet company to be repaired or recycled.
- Avoid Overloading Pallets: Overloading pallets can weaken them and increase the risk of collapse. This includes placing weight that is above the advised weight limit of each pallet and/or distributing the weight improperly. Your employees should be trained on how much each pallet can hold and the best way to load products onto your pallets.
- Proper Storage: Store pallets properly to prevent damage from moisture, pests, and other environmental factors.
- Heat Treatment and Fumigation: If necessary, ensure wooden pallets have undergone appropriate heat treatment or fumigation to comply with international regulations and prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
- Minimize Pallet Damage: Rough handling can lead to broken boards, splintering, and other damage that can shorten a pallet’s lifespan. One of the most common ways damage to a pallet can occur is through damage caused by forklifts and pallet jacks when attempting to pick up a pallet. Some of the common ways this occurs is by hitting or cracking the pallet with the forks upon entry or attempting to save time by inserting forks only part of the way into the pallet. Communicate to your pallet handling team that while speed is important, taking care while handling the pallet plays a role in extending the life of your asset.
Click the image below to download our Pallet Handling Guide One Pager to share with your team
Additional Pallet Handling Resources
For additional pallet and general material handling resources, we recommend the following organizations:
- Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC): Click here for WERC Website
- Material Handling Industry (MHI): Click here for MHI Website
- National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA): Click here for NWPCA website
Disclaimer: Kamps recognizes these organizations as credible sources in the pallet and material handling space. Kamps does not endorse any specific content released by these organizations or any specific views or opinions expressed by these organizations.
If you have specific questions regarding pallet handling, or would like a quote, click here to reach out to our sales consultants.
