Why use pallets for container shipments?

What’s a pallet?

A pallet is a base structure for loading products or goods for transportation. Individual items are stacked upon a pallet, a platform most commonly made out of wood, to create a so-called unit load. The pallet provides a stable and load-bearing bottom for each unit, which can then easily be moved and loaded with a pallet jack, forklift, crane or other handling devices.

When you ship containers internationally, you can place a certain amount of pallets (i.e. load units) in a standard container with a length of 20 or 40 feet. However, pallets come in various types and dimensions that influences their possible number per container.

Most types of pallets can carry a load of more than 1,000 kg and are therefore well-suited for handling large amount of goods or products to be shipped. Combining your shipment into unit-loads of pallets allows for **faster and easier movement and loading **.

Transport containers with their rectangular shape and smooth, level surfaces permit quick pallet movement with forklifts of different sizes or many other loading vehicles. Pallet use is widespread and economical as their handling on flat floors is possible with little effort and storage in commercial or industrial buildings is straightforward. A loaded pallet can be broken apart into its individual parts at a distribution center or at its final destination by a single worker** quickly and comfortably .**

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