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DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLASTIC PALLETS

POSTED IN: Plastic Pallets 02/12/2021

Wooden pallets used to be the norm in the shipping world. However, many companies are now starting to realize that switching to plastic is better for their bottom lines. Plastic pallets are proving to be more durable and longer lasting than wood pallets. They are also easier to clean and more sanitary. If you are ready to make the switch, you will have a few different options waiting for you. Each one works well in certain areas and industries.

Plastic pallets come in four main types. Each one offers different benefits and will work in different business settings.

FOUR PRIMARY KINDS OF PLASTIC PALLETS

EXPORT PLASTIC PALLETS

Export pallets are made primarily for one-way transport. Customs in many countries will accept your goods if they arrive on these pallets. This style of pallet won’t hold onto fungus or other pests. They also save space and are lightweight. That is great if your cargo is traveling a significant distance.

NESTABLE PLASTIC PALLETS

These pallets are very easy to store and stack on top of each other. This makes them great for storage spaces that aren’t very large. This gives them an advantage over wood pallets based on that alone. The shape of these pallets means they are also safe for use with a pallet jack. If your pallets have to sit out in the open and in view of customers, these just look more appealing.

STACKABLE PLASTIC PALLETS

Stackable pallets are great if you know you need to stack multiple pallets on top of one another. They will also stand up to several levels of pallets on top of one another. They are strong enough to withstand the weight and can handle the height. They are also easy to clean which is a bonus if you work in an industry like food & beverage.

RACKABLE PLASTIC PALLETS

This style of pallet was made for use in an unsupported rack system. They are strong enough to handle heavy loads and can be made with FDA approved materials, if needed. While ideal for clearing up floor space in a warehouse, they also work well for long distance shipping as well.

HOW TO DECIDE WHAT PALLET WORKS BEST FOR YOUR WAREHOUSE?

The best way to get the answer to this question is to know what you need the pallets to do. Do you need to save space on your warehouse floor? Do you need something sturdy for transport? Are you looking to replace your wooden pallet racks with plastic ones? Are your pallets going to be used for storage only?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you will be able to decide what style of plastic pallet is best for your warehouse. If you are looking for shipping pallets, stackable plastic pallets may not be the best choice. If you are trying to save room on your warehouse floor you, likewise, wouldn’t choose pallets that are better suited for shipping efficiency.

BENEFITS OF SWITCHING TO PLASTIC PALLETS

There are several different reasons that a business would want to make the switch to plastic pallets. The first being that plastic can hold up to more than wood. Wood pallets are prone to breaking, which means they won’t last as long as a plastic pallet will. Broken wood is also a danger and poses a poking hazard to anyone who comes in contact with it.

Wooden pallets typically have nails to hold the boards in place, which poses another risk to those who handle them and work around them. Plastic pallets don’t pose those dangers, so they are safer for general use in the workplace and for transport.

Another benefit of switching to plastic from wood is that plastic is far easier to clean. While this may not be as big of a deal based on your industry, for some this is a huge reason to switch. Pallets are used is countless industries. If you are shipping items for clothing retail, you don’t have to worry about your product being damaged from broken boards or nails.

If you work in food services or pharmaceuticals, leaks from products is a real concern. Using plastic pallets means your pallets can be cleaned and put back into use much faster. Wood is notoriously difficult to clean and dirty pallets are out of commission for a lot longer time.

LET DACO HELP YOU MAKE THE SWITCH TO PLASTIC PALLETS

Plastic pallets are better for the bottom line of your business. Our sales teams will work with you to find the best solution for your warehouse. Contact us today to learn more and make sure you follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest news.