Introduction
A unit load device (ULD) is a pallet or container that is loaded onto an aircraft. ULDS can have various loads placed aboard and secured. Time using air freight pallets has been multiplied so it has become an important role of trading. You have to use special pallets and containers. Most loads need pallets to be loaded and unloaded from the freight vehicles with minimal wait times. However, there are pros and cons to using it. So, having explained the pros and cons, I will reach a sound judgment.
Let’s first explore the advantages of using pallets. The biggest advantage is that with pallets, the cargo can be loaded as one unit, and doing this will take less time to load the aircraft and reduce delays. It will also be able to suffer less damage in transit. The ULDs have to be fit to go in the helicopter therefore the aircraft has some special spaces for it. They can be used on passenger and cargo jets alike. But there are a few ULDs that fit on only certain planes. Before the cargo is ever loaded onto a pallet or container a route and an aircraft type must be determined, however, it should be noted that certain ULDs are made for particular aircraft. As a result, it’s important to figure out the route and kind of airplane that cargo will be loaded onto a pallet before it happens.
Now, we first talk about using pallets for shipping
Understanding the Role of Pallets in Modern Logistics
Moving, storing, and transporting items efficiently is critical to modern logistics, and pallets are a key part of that process. Pallets are also constructed with the intention of being quickly lifted by forklifts, pallet jacks, or other handling tools, which makes loading and unloading less time-consuming and thus saves considerable time during handling. In this way, the efficiency of logistics operations is improved, resulting in lower costs and faster service.
Additionally, pallets help keep the product safe and secure in transport. They prevent the goods from being damaged by providing a stable and reliable platform. This approach not only reduces the loss of value from damaged products but also enhances customer satisfaction by delivering the goods in pristine condition.
Comparing Wood vs. Plastic Pallets: Which is Better for Your Business?
Pros and Cons of Wooden Pallets Vs Plastic Pallets For decades, wooden pallets have been the go-to option because of their long-lasting strength, economic viability, and easy repairability. They do have drawbacks though, including susceptibility to pests, fire risk, and a heavier weight that can add to shipping costs.
Plastic pallets, on the other hand, albeit initially more expensive, provide immense advantages that could make the extra investment more than worth it. These advantages involve pest resistance, moisture, and chemical contamination. Another advantage of plastic pallets is their weight—plastic pallets are lightweight and ideal for air freight due to their cost-effectiveness. In addition, their robustness allows them to be reused several times, resulting in long-term savings. Consequently, the comparison between wood and plastic pallets is based on your business’s individual needs and operational considerations.
Six Reasons to Use a Shipping Pallet:
1. Some carriers won’t ship your freight without a pallet.
Trucks and containers can be quickly inverted to unload via pallets. Pallet-less freight needs to shift while in transit, and generally requires extra protection in the form of cargo straps, or bars.
Some carriers won’t accept palletized goods, and some prefer not to ship on pallets, to save weight and space.
2. With Pallets, it’s easier to move goods
The majority of shipping pallets are lifter and mover by a forklift.
Most palletized products can easily be handled using forklifts and pallet jacks.
3. Pallets open up different storage possibilities.
Thanks to pallets, a lot of innovation has happened in storage, such as forklift operators being able to slide pallets into place on high shelves and warehouses storing goods two, three, or even more shelves high as long as they have a simple slotting-in process. So no pallets means you’re going to burn through a lot of labor hours.
4. Palletizing goods enables effective tracking and counting of inventory.
The vital components inventory transaction process at a warehouse have pallets as units instead of products, making them easier to count and track. Inventory systems like pallet barcode scanners help warehouse staff monitor stock.
5. For some goods, pallets provide important air circulation.
Items like fresh products need more space. The gaps on the bottom of a standard pallet are important for storing these things. If you’re shipping products that require air circulation, pallets can do it.
6. Most types of pallets are reusable.
Following shipping, pallets can be reused multiple times. Unfortunately, many of these pallets end up in landfills. But there are lots of ways to address that. A good way to make your shipping greener is to recycle or reuse your pallets.
Now, let’s go to 6 Reasons for using Plastic Pallets for Air Freight:
To meet the demand for faster shipping, air freight has been ramped up in recent years. Some firms choose to send their cargo over long distances by air freight rather than waiting on large ocean freighters, which can take weeks or longer. Air freight has restrictions on weight and high costs. Which is when plastic pallets come in and need to be used.
1. Complies with Industry Export Regulations
Plastic pallets are ISPM-15 exempt while wooden pallets are not. Using a wooden pallet only requires specific procedures to inspect, stamp, and approve incursions to combat wood-borne insects. But you will be able to process the inspection and landing of your products much faster with plastic pallets.
2. Made for Lightweight Shipping
Not only are there weight restrictions, but you will be charged a fee for each additional pound you add to your packages, so it’s best to keep things light. Plastic pallets don’t have the heavy weight of wood pallets so you don’t get charged extra. These pallets are lighter, making them easier to move and handle.
3. Nestable to Save Space
Plastic pallets are also nestable, so they can snap into each other and stack up. This makes the most out of your storage space. Once you have delivered your products, your company can clear up space by reducing space by horizontally stacking unused plastic pallets. Some airlines might even impose a surcharge if you use non-stackable pallets.
4. Room for Optional Runners
If you require a flat surface, you may also consider adding some plastic runners to your plastic pallets. These slide onto the bottom of your pallets, giving you extra support at no extra cost.
5. Lots of Different Sizes Available
Choosing the right pallet will also ensure that you keep your air freight costs lower. Plastic pallets can be found in any size, so you can find the right pallet for your products.
6. Save Money with Used Plastic Pallets
Unlike wooden pallets, the materials used in plastic pallets are much more resilient, leading to the ability to be reused multiple times and thus save money. Also, when you no longer need them, you can sell them.
On the whole, there are ups and downs to pallets. The wooden pallets do have disadvantages like they are non-file fireproof, non-waterproof, easy to damp, and perishable. Also, wooden pallets require a lot of trees to cut which is also not green and environmentally friendly.
Of course, some businesses will benefit more than others from palletized shipping. Parcel shipping alone is generally a sufficient solution for small B2C businesses. But when it comes to B2B organizations, there are a variety of strong reasons that make palletized shipping the industry standard. Ultimately, it’ll be up to you to choose the best fit.
The second advantage of INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS is that they perform high-speed and accurate work in less time.
Pallets and Safety: Minimizing Risks in the Shipping Process
The shipping process can be more secure with the right pallets in place Pallets lock goods into a hard, flat surface, minimizing the likelihood of cargo moving during transport, and mitigating the possibility of accident or damage during a shipment. In addition, since pallets are made for machine handling, they reduce manual lifting and thus the risk of workplace injuries.
However, not all pallets are considered equal when it comes to safety. Wooden pallets, for instance, can be hazardous for splinters, nails, or broken boards. Compared to this, plastic pallets are a safer bet because their smooth and durable structure does not fling minute particles into the air while the products are being handled. Therefore, the choice of the right type of pallet is one of the key aspects of ensuring safety in your logistics operations.
Cost-Effective Shipping: How Pallets Help Reduce Freight Costs
Also, pallets are one of the big contributors to economical shipping. They make it possible to use cargo space more efficiently while possibly saving costs, as they enable bulk handling. Especially not in air freight where weight and space are costly. Pallets, especially plastic pallets which are much more lightweight, can be key in overall shipment weight reduction and therefore reduced air freight costs.
Additionally, pallets can lead to indirect cost reductions. They improve operational efficiency which directly saves labor costs by minimizing load/unload time. Additionally, reducing the risk of damage to the goods in transit can also lead to savings by avoiding a financial loss when transporting goods that have been damaged. So even though the upfront cost to acquire pallets may be high, the money-saving potential they provide in the long run makes them a viable investment.
Conclusion
To sum it up, wooden pallets, plastic pallets, and metal pallets are a key part of efficient, safe logistics operations. As a leading freight forwarder, Archstar World draws on vast industry knowledge and experience to help businesses choose the best pallet type for shipping in 2024. We are devoted to providing superior service, getting goods delivered quickly and cost-effectively to their destination. Trust Archstar World to do business in the context of changing freight forwarding.
FAQ
What are pallets used for in shipping?
Pallets, used in shipping and logistics operations, group packages together into a load, making it easier to lift, transport, and store goods.
What are the benefits of using pallets in shipping?
Pallets facilitate the loading and unloading of products, minimize damage in transit, help in inventory management, and maximize storage capabilities.
What is the difference between wooden and plastic pallets?
Wooden pallets are conventional, hardy, and low-cost but are prone to pests and fire. Plastic pallets tend to be lighter, weatherproof, pest-resistant, and more durable albeit with a more expensive upfront cost.
Do all air freight carriers allow palletized goods?
While the majority of re-routing is appliances, some carriers discourage items on pallets because the weight and space can be saved.
What’s the difference between nestable and stackable pallets?
Nestable pallets are empty pallets that fit into each other to save storage space. When loaded, stackable pallets are made to be piled on top of one another.
What are some safety considerations when using pallets?
Safety aspects involve checking the state of the pallet, not passing the loading capacity, and getting handles correctly. Unlike wood pallets, plastic pallets are not only smooth but they don’t have nails, splinters, or cracks that may harm people while handling them.
What are the common sizes of pallets used in shipping?
In North America, the standard pallet size is 48 x 40 inches. in Europe, the Euro-pallet size is 1200 × 800 mm. There are, however, plenty of other sizes to suit varying needs.
What materials are used to make pallets?
Pallets are made from many things, including wood, plastic, metal (steel or aluminum), and, sometimes, cardboard or presswood.
Can pallets be custom-made?
Correct palettes can be personalized to match the condition that a thing or freight agent may require. Some examples of technical specifications may include unit measurements, load capacities, or material requirements.
Are there any goods that shouldn’t be shipped on a pallet?
Although the majority of goods can be shipped on a pallet, there are a few things that may not be cartable on a pallet like highly fragile goods or goods needing certain temperature or environmental controls.
How does the use of pallets impact loading and unloading times?
Loading and unloading is facilitated by the use of pallets. Rather than having employees manually move individual boxes, they can move an entire pallet, saving considerable amounts of time.