Plastic Shipping Pallets
Plastic shipping pallets are a cost effective solution for the storage and transportation of goods and cargo. They are light weight, yet very durable, with the average pallet being able to withstand weight capacities ranging from 1500 pounds (dynamic/moving) to 3500 pounds (static/stationary). And unlike other types of shipping pallets, such as ones made out of wood, metal, or foam, they resist corrosion, rust, warping, splintering, disintegration, water damage, fire, insects, bacteria, and fungi. Since they are produced via an injection molding or thermoforming process, they have a solid construction and ergonomic design. All these characteristics make them safer to work with as they are void of the safety hazards that other shipping pallets present, such as protruding nails or screws, splintering, and breaking while on a pitchfork or being carried by hand. That is why several businesses involved in various industries, especially in the logistics, automotive, and food industries view plastic shipping pallets as the standard.
As you shop for plastic shipping pallets, you will notice that there are several sizes available between the various suppliers. The size that you should get is dependent on the unique needs of your overall logistics plan. However, if you are unsure of what size to get, you should know that the accepted standard size across the globe is 48 x 40 inches (1000 x 1200 millimeters). This is to ensure that errors in the transportation and exchange of product between the various businesses in the world are reduced to a minimum. One other important thing that you should know is that if your logistics operations are primarily conducted in Europe, consider buying the standard European size, which is 31.5″ x 47.25″ (800 x 1200 millimeters). Another common sized used globally is the half sized pallet, which has dimensions of 23.62″ x 31.50″ (600 x 800 millimeters). Although the half sized pallet is officially a European standard, many businesses around the world will use this size for the transportation and storage of smaller loads. If you find yourself shipping and storing particularly larger loads and want to use the least number of pallets possible, the double pallet, which has dimensions of 47.24″ x 63″ (1200 x 1600 millimeters), is a commonly accepted pallet format.
Before you finalize your purchase for plastic shipping pallets, make sure that you are buying units made out of high density polyethylene, recycling number 2. Plastic shipping pallets made out of this material are light weight yet virtually indestructible. They can withstand a wide range of temperatures, ranging from negative forty degrees Fahrenheit to two hundred degrees Fahrenheit. These properties will ensure that your precious cargo and inventory are firmly supported. HDPE plastic shipping pallets are non toxic and will not contaminate your cargo.
It is important to consider the unique circumstances surrounding your overall storage and transportation scheme. Doing this will help you determine whether or not you will need shipping pallets designed for special situations. For example, are you transporting and storing sensitive electrical components? Then it is best that you purchase conductive plastic shipping pallets, which are not electrically charged and eliminate the potentially damaging effects of static discharges. If you are often storing and transporting extremely heavy loads, consider purchasing heavy duty plastic shipping pallets instead. These models are reinforced with steel and especially designed to withstand about twice as much weight as the standard pallet. On average, these they can hold anywhere between 4000 pounds (dynamic/moving) and 8000 pounds (static/stationary). A few suppliers, such as ULINE, will sell models that have a static capacity as high as thirty thousand pounds. If you often store and transport liquids and chemicals, consider buying spill control and containment plastic shipping pallets. Leaks and spills often happen when storing and transporting these types of substances. This often presents serious health hazards such as slipping and toxicity. Furthermore, diminished profits can result from damaged or contaminated goods, clean up costs, worker’s compensation, and un-recouped product. Spill control and containment plastic shipping pallets have a built in holding area positioned below removable grates, where you would position your drums. In the case that your drums leak or spill, the product will be recouped by the pallet, which ultimately leads to less health hazards and company losses.
The advertised prices on plastic shipping pallets will vary greatly between the various suppliers. The price you pay depends on many factors, such as the type of pallet, the size, and the number of units that you are buying. However, you can expect standard 48″ x 40″ economy plastic shipping pallets to sell anywhere between twenty five dollars to thirty five dollars on average. Heavy duty or reinforced shipping pallets will sell for about twice as much, with prices ranging between sixty five dollars and seventy five dollars on average. The price range of spill control and containment plastic shipping pallets will vary widely as there are several models available. However, the typical price for a standard fifty five gallon sump (spill holding capacity) two drum plastic pallet is about two hundred dollars. Larger models will cost more, typically two hundred dollars for every two additional drums that the pallet can handle. For example, if you are purchasing a spill control and containment unit that has a ten drum capacity, it will cost you around one thousand dollars. Some models will come with a hard top to provide maximum containment. The typical starting price for these models is about one thousand dollars. Starter models will hold only two drums. You can expect to pay an additional two hundred dollars to three hundred dollars for every two additional drums that the unit can hold.
Please keep in mind that many merchants will require you to purchase a minimum of five units per order. Furthermore, merchants will often give you a discount if you order in bulk, which typically means purchasing twenty or more units on one order.
As the world’s economies become ever more integrated, companies across the globe face ever increasing competition. Moreover, in an attempt to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources, governments are increasingly rewarding companies whose operations coincide with sustainability efforts. Conversely, companies that refuse to implement sustainability efforts are running the risk of being handed down hefty penalties. To keep your company ahead of the competition, you must be progressive and eliminate as many inefficiencies in your operations as you possibly can. The sad truth is that too many companies are still using wood shipping pallets, which presents a huge inefficiency in their operations. By converting over to a reusable plastic shipping pallets program, you will maximize your productivity, drastically reduce long term costs, and be respected for your sustainability efforts. So make the switch now!
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