Pallets FAQ

What is the expense associated with reusable plastic pallets?

This is a huge question and to answer it with any level of accuracy, our team members must first be sure of the intended purpose for the pallets being considered for purchase. The purpose in providing us this information is that pallets are typically grouped into two categories:

  • Reusable plastic pallets.
  • Export and shipping pallets.

Prices will vary between the two categories based on:

  • Materials used in the production.
  • Process employed in pallet manufacturing.
  • Strength required for repeated use of the pallet.

strong>Are there standard plastic pallet dimensions?

Pallet sizes still do vary quite a bit between different countries worldwide, although forward progression has been made in the process of standardization and reusability. Of the pallet sizes available, the International Organization for Standardization has accepted six pallet dimensions which are now used widely across the globe.

What is a plastic skid?

A plastic skid is an expression used for a single deck plastic pallet, which means that it comes with an upper deck, but it is without a bottom deck. Skid examples include nestable plastic pallets, which have a top deck for setting the goods onto and an underside that has been molded so that it can be easily stacked for storage after its use.

What is a nestable plastic pallet?

Similar to a stack of paper cups, this style pallet has been built to save space when not loaded with inventory or materials for production. Nestable plastic pallets include a top deck for loading and an underside that has been molded so that it can be stacked after its use. By minimizing the size of plastic pallet stacks, it is possible to save valuable warehouse space and leave additional room for doing business.

It is vital to keep in mind that if you are using nestable plastic pallets from more than one provider, it is likely they will not nest correctly. It will pay to discuss this issue with a representative from Reusable Transport Packaging.

What is a stackable pallet?

A stackable plastic pallet has a bottom support to allow it to be able to be placed on top of another fully loaded pallet and provide stability in the midst of storage and transport. Stackable plastic pallets can have runners fitted on the bottom, perimeter frames, picture frame bottoms and a variety of additional configurations.

What is a rackable pallet from Reusable Transport Packaging?

A rackable plastic pallet is a pallet that has been engineered to be able to carry a specific amount of weight in an open span racking storage system. Rackable pallets can also be used in an edge rack where the rackable plastic pallet finds itself supported by both side edges.

What kind of pallet is an export pallet?

Nearly any plastic pallet can act as an export pallet, but most manufacturing companies will choose the least costly pallet that will safely deliver their shipment from point A to point B. When considering an export pallet, it is a good idea to think of the cost of the product that is loaded on a pallet. A $25,000 shipment of finished product sent on a $12.00 pallet is not a good way to save your company a little cash.

If plastic pallets are more expensive than wood pallets, why would you want to use plastic over wood when it is time to export? Plastic pallets do not require heat treating, time limiting stamping and the need to fill out extra customer paperwork verifying that the wood pallets conform to overseas shipping rules and regulations. Once you look at the time lost by employees, the true cost of wood pallets can be comparable to those of plastic pallets.

The choice is yours regarding which plastic pallet to purchase. Our team will guide you based on the information that you provide. Due to the nearly endless variety of uses for these pallets, you need to look carefully at the fitness and application for each intended use. This needs to include:

  • Load factors.
  • Compatibility with your equipment.

To place an order for reusable plastic pallets, or get additional information regarding reusable plastic shipping solutions, please contact us at 727.319.2300 or sales@reusabletranspack.com.