There can be countless benefits of palletized shipping when moving goods domestically. Palletization is securing cargo on a pallet before loading it into a container for transportation. Pallets are flat structures for handling, storing, stacking, and transporting items. While they are commonly wooden, they can also be plastic, metal, and corrugated paper. Numerous methods of conveyance, such as air, ocean, and land, rely on pallets for international and domestic shipments. Transporting cargo by trucks, in particular, usually uses pallets for various trailer types like LCL, FCL, Refrigerated, Flatbed, etc. This article will explain the benefits of palletizing your shipments and the procedure for starting.
What Are the Benefits of Palletized Shipping?
Numerous industries and sectors rely on pallets when shipping due to the advantages that can come from them. One of the main benefits is the amount of extra protection for the cargo. When loading pallets into trucks, Pallets keep the goods off the ground and away from dirt and water. The workers handling the palletized items are also safer since the wrapping prevents them from falling on the worker. Another advantage is the convenience that pallets allow for when transporting a shipment. Since they have a flat uniform shape, they can be stacked on a trailer, meaning a truck can carry more cargo during a journey.
Convenience also allows for more rapid speeds when delivering freight. Loading and unloading can be done quicker with a forklift or pallet jack, allowing for more streamlined transport. This is especially beneficial for perishables that have an expiration date. All of the previously listed advantages allow for more significant cost savings regarding labor, transportation, and damage. For example, cargo damaged on the journey or during handling can result in monetary loss for the carrier and shipper. Likewise, perishable goods that expire due to slow delivery can incur expenses. Another benefit is that pallets are recyclable, meaning they are a sustainable shipping form.
The Palletization Process
Shipping your goods by pallets begins long before a truck moves the shipment. Before starting, it is essential to note that freight with awkward dimensions should not be on a pallet. Examples are incredibly long, thin, or items that cannot fit into rectangular boxes for stacking are examples. Different factors can come into play when choosing a pallet, such as size and type, which depends on the shipment. Plastic pallets are typically used for food products since they are easy to clean and disinfect. When preparing the cargo, you must properly label the packaging and wrap the pallets to prevent delays or issues.
Once the goods are ready, a truck can transport them to the final destination. The carrier will both load it and unload the pallets when it reaches the location. There are other considerations to be aware of when starting, such as the pallet space and weight of the freight. To learn more about palletized shipping and to get started, contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1fsinc.com. Having the help of a 3PL provider like a freight broker is ideal for ensuring the success of the shipment. We have various other solutions for simplifying the domestic transport of your cargo.