If you are relatively new to the distribution business and ready to ship quantities of goods regularly, you will need to understand the process involved. You will also need to ensure that the goods remain secure while in transit, arriving at their destination in good condition so you can keep all parties happy. In this situation, you will probably need to use pallets, generally acclaimed to be the best solution for most packaging jobs. But why are these products so good, and how should you prepare for the tasks ahead?

Pallets in Use

Pallets are ubiquitous throughout Australia's distribution industry, and a huge number of them are in circulation. They may look fairly rudimentary but are extremely well-designed and will invariably stand up to the job.

Wooden Construction

While some pallets are made from plastic, most are wooden. They are available in a range of styles and sizes, so you need to pick the right one according to the type of load in question.

Pallet Design

The pallet is designed to support any goods stably while being lifted by a front loader or a forklift. They are quite easy to make and can be produced from recycled materials, ending in the recycling process once they reach the end of life. So, they're very cost-effective and fit for purpose.

Plastic Pallets

Some top-of-the-range wooden pallets are actually moulded in a high-pressure press and constructed from wood powder. Consequently, they are a single piece and do not need to be joined together with strong adhesive, staples or nails, as is the case with the traditional pallet. Still, these moulded pallets may not be quite as robust and are best for smaller loads.

How to Prepare for Transit

You're responsible for careful preparation when you ship goods on a pallet. Place all of the products into strong boxes and seal these carefully before stacking them, with the heaviest on the bottom. The entire individual load should then be covered with shrinkwrap, keeping everything in place and ensuring stability. After all, don't forget that when the forklift raises the pallet onto the mast, it will invariably tilt over. So make sure your goods are well packaged in the first place.

Also, try to make sure that your load does not overhang the edge of the pallet. While the forklift truck may still be able to lift it, you could be charged for two loads due to the extra footprint.

Get Further Information

If you have questions about pallet distribution, get in touch with a freight transport company like Ditton Bulk Haulage.