How To Ship Pallets With BluePath Logistics
Shipping pallets efficiently ensures the safety of your goods and streamlines the delivery process. Proper preparation is essential to minimize damage, reduce costs, and maximize reliability.
Below is a guide to help you ship pallets like a pro with BluePath Logistics.
What Are Pallets?
Pallets are flat structures designed to support goods for safe and efficient transport. Instead of shipping multiple boxes individually, placing them on a pallet simplifies handling and reduces transit times. Pallets are a standard solution in warehouses for stacking, storing, and shipping bulk goods due to their uniform design.
Types of Pallets
- Wood Pallets: The most commonly used and cost-effective option, suitable for general goods.
- Plastic Pallets: A durable alternative, ideal for fragile or moisture-sensitive shipments.
Steps to Prepare a Pallet for Shipping
- Stack Boxes Correctly
Arrange your boxes in a sturdy pattern, such as a bricklayer style, to ensure stability. For uniform strength, make the top level as flat as possible to allow for stacking during transport.
- Ensure Structural Integrity
Build a strong, compact structure that supports stacking. Avoid overhangs, as these increase the risk of damage and may incur additional surcharges for non-stackable pallets.
- Secure Items on the Pallet
Align boxes neatly to prevent them from hanging over the edge. This reduces damage risk and improves stability during shipping.
- Wrap the Pallet
Use stretch wrap to tightly secure the entire pallet. For added safety, apply straps or bands to reinforce the load.
- Label the Pallet Clearly
Attach labels on the sides of the pallet for easy visibility, especially if pallets are stacked. Include all necessary shipping information, and avoid placing labels on seams or uneven surfaces.
How to Ship Individual Boxes with BluePath Logistics
Proper packaging is critical to ensure your items are delivered intact and on time. Avoid common mistakes with these expert tips for shipping individual boxes:
Choosing the Right Box
- Quality Matters: Use sturdy, high-quality boxes to minimize the risk of damage. Avoid wet, weak, or previously compromised boxes.
- Proper Sizing: Select a box slightly larger than the item to allow for protective materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or wadded paper. Avoid leaving empty spaces that may cause the contents to shift during transit.
- Avoid Overpacking: Overloading a box weakens its structural integrity, making it more prone to damage.
Sealing the Box
- Use the H-taping method to secure all seams and edges for extra durability. This ensures your box stays closed during transportation.
Labeling for Accuracy
- Ensure labels are legible and positioned on flat surfaces. Place a backup label inside the box for additional safety.
- Remove old labels from recycled boxes to avoid confusion during shipping.
Making Boxes Stackable
- Ensure the top and bottom surfaces of the box are flat to enable secure stacking. Follow directional arrows if provided to avoid improper orientation during handling.
Heavy Shipments? Use a Pallet
For larger or heavier shipments, pallets provide better protection and streamline the shipping process.
PACKAGING OPTION TABLE
Important Note:
Shipping requirements and documentation may vary depending on the carrier. While this guide provides general recommendations, always confirm specific requirements with your logistics provider or carrier to avoid delays or surcharges.
By following these guidelines, BluePath Logistics ensures that your goods arrive safely, securely, and on time, every time.
| SAMPLE PACKAGE SIZE | SMALL | MEDIUM | LARGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package dimensions | 14 x 9 x 5 | 15 x 10 x 7 | 12 x 7 x 6 |
| Weight | 35 kg | 45kg | 65kg |
| Capacity | approx 24 x 10oz units of content | approx 24 x 16oz units of content | approx 24x240ml units of content |