There are plenty of items that might require pallet-style shipping. Larger items that don't fit well in a crate or box, large shipments that need to be moved easily, and many other things will benefit from pallet shipping. Moving a piece of furniture, like a sofa or recliner? Pallet shipping might be your best bet. How about a washer and dryer set, or a dresser, or a dining room set? Again, pallet shipping might be the way to go. Moving cartons of goods is much simpler once they're packed into pallets for easy transport, and electronics can be shipped easily once they've been loaded into convenient pallets.
Getting your items onto a pallet with the least amount of effort is something that Pack n send does very well--and we can help you through this process.
Selecting Your Pallet
You'll want to choose a pallet that is larger than the goods that are going to be shipped, so that there is no overhang.
Make sure that your pallet is strong enough to hold everything that you need to ship. Remember, all of your goods will be placed on this platform. You don't want them to crush it before they get there!
Choose a pallet with closely spaced boards for maximum strength and durability. Make sure that none of the boards are broken, and that there are no nails poking out. Remember, most pallets are moved by forklift, so you don't want anything sticking out that can get hung or that might tear your shipment or someone else's!
If you're going to be shipping internationally, your pallet will need to be made of heat-treated wood. The wood only needs to be treated once, so once it's been treated, the wood is safe for use. Heat treated wood helps to prevent unwanted pests from nesting in the pallet and inadvertently being taken to other countries, where they could upset the local ecosystem (or, on a more personal level, decide that your goods are food during the long shipping process).
Getting Your Pallet Ready for Shipping
Package items in smaller cartons. Make sure that the cartons are sturdy and that they are sealed with tape or staples to help prevent them from breaking open, spilling, or being crushed.
Don't allow the boxes to extend past the edges of the pallet. Remember, the pallet acts as a stand and helps provide the dimensions for your shipping needs.
Don't leave too much space between items or boxes. If there is a great deal of space, items are more likely to shift during transport. Remember, pallets are often moved by forklifts, so operators may have a difficult time preventing shifting if your items are improperly packaged.
Arrange your items in columns for a smoother trip.
Use straps as necessary to keep your items in place, then wrap your entire pallet in stretch wrap, which is essentially industrial strength plastic wrap. This should offer an extra layer of protection to your items and prevent them from shifting during shipping. Stretch wrap should be wrapped from the bottom up to ensure maximum stability. Items may shift slightly as they are wrapped.
Need to ship a pallet in the Houston area? Then we've got all the tools you need at Pack N Send. Contact us for a quote on your pallet shipping needs, or to ask any questions that you might have. If you have pallet shipping needs, Pack n send is the place for you!
Remember, no matter where your items are going, Pack n send is one of your best resources for pallet shipping.
We pick up & deliver worldwide, as well as in our backyard.