USA Pallet + Warehousing, Inc
Wooden pallets are a popular storage, stacking, and shipping solution for many enterprises. These pallets are the main tool in various different industries, such as agriculture, retail, manufacturing, and logistics. With a 22% increase from a year ago, demand is still rising.
However, pallets are not all made equally. There are many different types of wooden pallets with clear-cut features and capabilities, and at varying price points. Understanding which is ideal for a particular project might be challenging. Let’s explore the different types of wooden pallets and their intended uses. Continue reading this guide to find out which pallet type is right for your business and which ones are best suited for your industry or specific needs.
Wooden pallets are made from a variety of materials. The most widely used ones are as follows:
As the name implies, hardwood refers to wood from short-term trees that are pretty dense. The most popular types are mahogany, walnut, maple, cherry, and oak. Hardwood pallets have the major benefit of being less prone to degradation and more long-lasting.
Another distinctive feature of hardwoods is that they tend to have complicated and varied texture patterns. Therefore, hardwood is common in wooden furniture manufacturing. The slower growth of the trees from which hardwood is derived is one of its disadvantages. Because of this, it costs more than other types of wood.
Softwood pallets are made from evergreen trees or cone-bearing evergreens. Pine, cedar, spruce, fir, and redwood are common types of trees. Compared to hardwoods, they are often less dense. Softwood pallets are often much lighter than those made of hardwood. This has the potential to greatly decrease gasoline expenses. Additionally, softwood can be rather sturdy even if it is lightweight, and there are multiple uses of wooden pallets.
Additionally, softwood trees grow far more quickly than hardwoods, making them sustainable and widely accessible. It is a major factor in why softwood pallets are often less expensive than hardwood ones. As compared to hardwood, softwood is also much easier to cut and shape. This results in decreased labor expenses, which further reduces the cost of softwood pallets.
Recycled wood pallets use previously used wood and recycle it. This includes wood used in building elements like flooring and paneling, as well as used pallets. They typically contain a variety of woods, although pine and oak are two popular options.
“While new wood pallets are popular, recycled wood pallets hold a sizable market share. Approximately 71% of businesses report purchasing recycled wood pallets.”
Recycled wooden pallets help to improve sustainability in numerous ways. Otherwise, they maintain quality wood from going to disposal, and they restrict the demand for having to source more wood, which saves natural resources. One significant advantage is that using new wood consumes more energy, which recycled wood pallets help to reduce.
In addition to materials, there are other factors to consider when choosing wooden pallets. This includes the design and related pallet applications. Here are the major configurations:
Block pallets use blocks set in a grid in the center of the pallet to support the top deck planks. They are normally positioned in the pallet’s corners and center. Strength and durability are benefits of block pallets. Forklift or pallet jack forks may enter block pallets from any of the four sides. This makes them flexible to handling and loading in nearly any environment, which can significantly increase efficiency. This makes them better suited for international logistics.
Stringer pallets utilize two or more than two pieces of wood or stringers that work parallel to each other along the pallet length. The pallet’s upper deck boards are attached to the stringers using nails. Stringer pallets are more affordable to create than block pallets. This is an excellent option for businesses looking to restrict expenses. Additionally, they are typically lighter than block pallets, which can save money on transportation and fuel.
Deck boards are found on the top and bottom sides of double-face pallets. They are, therefore, reversible, allowing materials to be supported on both sides. Depending on their design, double-face pallets can have either a two-way or four-way entry. Pallets with two faces are very sturdy and durable. Therefore, they can be used for arranging very big loads. They may also be useful in situations where stability is essential.
Pallets with wings have deck boards that expand beyond the pallet blocks’ or stringers’ edges. This gives the pallet more surfaces, or “wings.” The majority of winged pallets allow four-way access. One of the most significant advantages of a winged hardwood pallet is its ability to accommodate weights that exceed normal sizes. Also, it is less likely to move during transportation.
If you want to learn how wooden pallets are useful, don’t miss our blog: What Are Wooden Pallets, and Why Are They So Incredibly Useful?
Let’s make it easy. Consider this:
A softwood pallet shouldn’t be overloaded with machine parts.
If it’s a one-time shipment, choose softwood or old pallets. On the other hand, if the cycles are repeated, go with the stronger one.
Heat-treated wood is what you’ll need. There are no exceptions.
You may require four-way access if you are using a forklift. Alternatively, two-way access functions well if you are loading from one side.
Consider both the upfront and possible damage expenses. It can be advantageous to be more durable at times.
Making the correct pallet choice is just half the battle. Then the other half? Partnering with a trusted wooden pallet supplier like USA Pallet & Warehousing Inc., which actually understands why wooden pallets are important across industries.
You’re looking for someone who:
Now that you have a better understanding of the many types of wooden pallets, choosing the right one should be easier. Never accept anything that is “close enough.” Whether you’re running a warehouse, loading a fleet, or distributing orders from a small shop, the pallet you choose has a direct impact on your profits.
USA Pallet & Warehousing Inc. is a one-stop solution for all your pallet and container needs. They proudly offer a massive selection of new and recycled wooden pallets for shipping, containers, and pallet warehousing. Also, our custom-designed green programs ensure that your unwanted, broken, or unusable pallets or wood waste are responsibly collected and transported away.
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