And, let’s be real. The bean counters are always on you to find the best price, amirite? We can do you one better. We’ll match you with the best value pallet. What’s that? That’s experience talking. I’ll explain.
This post is part 10 of a 10-post series on Plastic Pallets 101. (Part 9 highlights the advantages of using plastic pallet experts like the ones at Nelson Company.)
How to Save on Plastic Pallets
Anyone can sell you a pallet at the best price. Experienced pallet experts know how to save you money. It’s a crucial difference and a skill that comes with experience.
What exactly is experience? Albert Einstein probably said it best with these two quotes, “information is not knowledge” and “the only source of knowledge is experience.” Quick point of trivia… Einstein was born 145 years ago in 1879. Our company founder was born just four years later. So yeah, we’re building on 100 years of material handling knowhow.
To save on plastic pallets, you need a solution that will stand up to the rigors of your load and handling environment. Always be ready to answer, “where’s the pallet going and how?” Remember, a cheap pallet very quickly becomes an expensive mistake when it fails.
Applying 100+ Years of Experience to Pallets
If you’ve been keeping up with our blog, you know that wooden pallets first gained traction during World War II (about 85 years ago). Before that, product was moved by hand in barrels, sacks, crates and boxes (like the wooden tinplate boxes that established Nelson Company headquarters in Baltimore.)
While plastic pallets did not practically hit their stride until the late 1990s, earliest designs are believed to have gotten underway near the end of WWII. Our experience in unit load design and wooden pallets easily extended into plastics. After successfully placing plastic pallets in circulation for several years, we officially launched a plastic pallets division in the early 2000s. That’s nearly a quarter of our century-long history dedicated to plastic pallets.
Are you ready to put experience to the test?
Tell us about your unit load and challenges. Let’s connect below. One of our experienced pallet pros will show you how to get the greatest value by choosing the right plastic pallet.
It works, but as the cycle repeats (and repeats, and repeats) you keep wondering if you’re leaking profits.
We have all heard the definition of insanity, “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” This is Bill Murray’s character, Phil in the 1993 movie Groundhog Day. It takes Phil most of the movie to understand this.
Get Better Results
Companies spend a lot of money attempting to achieve different results. They implement new processes and hire consultants. Plenty of questions are asked, but then things stall.
You may have tried the “5S Organization” process for systematically eliminating waste and improving flow. Or maybe you considered the “5 Why’s” strategy for problem solving and decision making. These are great tools, but are you asking the right questions to break the endless Groundhog Day loop?
Ask the Right Questions for Getting a Better Pallet
- Shipping Cycle
Is my shipment a one-way trip or will the pallet get reused at the destination or returned? This can truly add value to the delivery and lower your cost per shipment. But, what will it cost? Don’t guess, run the numbers! - Weight
How much weight is being applied to the pallet? Is it evenly distributed, and how will it be handled? Am I choosing a material that can safely get my shipment to the destination without excess material? Perform a load analysis to determine the right thickness and type of material. - Durability
Will a forklift be pushing it across the floor, will it be stored in a rack, or just loaded and shipped with minimal handling to the destination? Know how your product is being handled during the shipping process. - Design
Don’t default to buying standard pallets that may be WAY overbuilt for most of your shipments and under spec’d for the remaining shipments. Engineer the pallet for the load to achieve the best cost/shipment ratio. - Cost
Besides the initial pallet cost, can I save enough weight and money in my shipping cost to pick a different pallet? A different pallet material and/or size may change the density of the total shipment and lower costs. Comparing materials in these scenarios is worth looking at to ensure you gain efficiency.
Break the Repeating Loop of Groundhog Day
Change is what allows Phil to finally escape the seemingly endless repetition of Groundhog Day. Change is hard. We get that. But sticking with that old pallet or packaging design may be costing more than you know.
Talk with a pallet expert today. We know a thing or two about finding ways to reduce your total cost of ownership (in places you may not have known to look). If you’re ready to escape Groundhog Day with better pallets, let’s connect.
Nobody likes that. Chances are pretty high that our experts have been in your shoes before. That means we’re in a good spot to optimize your system in ways you haven’t considered.
This post is part 9 of a 10-post series on Plastic Pallets 101. (Part 8 focuses on how plastic pallets save money.)
Here’s Why you Need a Plastic Pallets Expert
Plain and simple, an expert can help you select the best pallet for the job. Plastic pallets from Nelson Company offer these 5 advantages:
- Expert Advice
Our expert advice helps customers like you avoid costly mistakes. Our work begins before your product is even placed on the pallet starting with this one question: “where’s the pallet going and how?” - 10 Shipping Points
Freight and logistics is a volatile industry. Rates continually fluctuate due to demand, fuel costs and more. Strategic shipping points save money. We have 10 of them – in and near major US cities. - In Stock
This is where we shine. By keeping the best selling plastic pallets in stock at our own warehouses, we’re better positioned to get you the pallets you need by the truckload or LTL. Maintaining our own stock has allowed us to “save the day” for many of our customers. - New or Used
We’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for new or previously-owned plastic pallets. In addition to our stock of new pallets, Nelson Company maintains one of the largest selections of used plastic pallets in the industry. We also buy used plastic pallets. - Return Program
Safeguard your pallet investment with our Return Program. Get help with logistics planning, loading, sorting, tracking and more. Take control and embrace the circular economy by reducing waste and getting more use out of your pallets.
Get More Expert Advice
A plastic pallet expert can solve your unique challenges. Be sure to catch our quick video on plastic pallets 101. In just 10 short minutes, we introduce you to even more basics about choosing plastic pallets.
If you have questions, let’s connect. Simply fill in your details below for expert plastic pallet advice.
If you’re like most folks, you answered price. If you give me just a few minutes of your time, I’ll show four different ways to save money when you buy plastic pallets.
This post is part 8 of a 10-post series on Plastic Pallets 101. (Part 7 is all about the benefits of plastic pallets.)
Price vs Savings
We’re a different kind of plastic pallet supplier. While other companies focus on selling plastic pallets at the lowest price, we set ourselves apart by matching our customers with pallets that deliver the greatest value. That’s an important distinction. Let me show you…
4 Ways to Save with Plastic Pallets
- Reduce Costs
The headcount on 1 truckload of nestable plastic pallets equals 3 truckloads of traditional pallets. That adds up to huge savings in transportation costs, especially with volatile fuel and trucking costs. - Reuse Repeatedly
It pays to run the numbers. If you’re still buying pallets on a cost-per-pallet basis, it may be time for a shift in thinking. Cost-per-use can often be measured in fractions of a penny over the useful lifespan of a durable plastic pallet. - Recycle (2 Ways)
First, sell back pallets in usable condition for another user to take a turn (or buy used plastic pallets yourself). Then, when the pallet reaches end-of-life, get paid for recycling scrap. - Return Program
When it makes sense, getting your pallets back with a reverse distribution return program can save hundreds of thousands of dollars – sometimes millions. It’s business as usual for you. We manage the rest.
Price Alone does not Determine Pallet Cost
No one likes paying too much. Using the wrong pallet may be costing more than you realize. Always make sure the pallet you choose can withstand the rigors of your shipping or warehouse environment.
If you’re ready to discover the best way your company can save on plastic pallets, let’s connect.
Let that sink in for a minute. Your morning coffee. That phone in your pocket. Those new tires on your car. Even the pulleys and electronics that took you safely up to the seventh floor in the office elevator. All of it. There’s a chance I’m not telling you anything new. But, have you ever asked why one company chooses wooden pallets and why another chooses plastic pallets?
This post is part 7 of a 10-post series on Plastic Pallets 101. (Part 6 examines plastic pallet destinations and handling.)
A Pallet is not a Pallet
Most pallets are made from wood. Wooden pallets dominate the market for good reason. Sometimes, though, it makes sense to explore other pallet material options like metal, corrugated, wood composites and the topic of this post, plastic.
What makes plastic pallets special? Drumroll please…
Top 6 Benefits of Plastic Pallets
- Strong
Use plastic pallets over and over again to support heavy loads on the floor or in the rack. - ISPM-15 Exempt
Free from export requirements, plastic pallets sail thru customs with guaranteed acceptance. - Lightweight
With many options less than 30 lbs, easily lift plastic pallets by hand plus save on freight. - Clean
Use a blower to remove dust or get seriously clean by power washing away contaminants. - Water Resistant
Protect loads and avoid damaging organic growth like mold and mildew. - Consistent
Since plastic pallets are manufactured from molds, you can count on uniformity in length and width.
Bonus Benefit
Plastic pallets are engineered for long life. Reusability is a benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked. When shopping for plastic pallets, ask your pallet pro to help calculate your cost-per-use. You may be surprised by the sizable savings of choosing plastic.
Want to learn more about how plastic pallets can benefit your company? Let’s connect. Drop me your details below to sample a plastic pallet today.
How are you ever going to narrow down your choices? Well, any good pallet pro will ask this important question, “where’s the pallet going and how?” It’s a great question for eliminating plastic pallets that won’t work. Just know there will probably be more to answer.
This post is part 6 of a 10-post series on Plastic Pallets 101. (Part 5 outlines common plastic pallet sizes.)
Plastic Pallet Destinations
The destination for your plastic pallet will often fall into one of two camps:
1. You Won’t Get the Pallet Back
- An export pallet or one that’s going one-way needs to be tough enough to safely do the job. Durable plastic lets you “send it and forget it.”
- Although any material can work, look for ACM or PO. This material has a lower lifespan, but also a lower price point.
- If the pallet is jetting off on a plane for export, lightweight plastic will help to keep your airfreight costs lower.
- Across town or across the globe, you’ll save with open-deck, nestable plastic pallets. This dynamic design duo uses less material for a lighter load and lower price compared to heavier pallets. Ship one-way using new or used plastic pallets.
The CP-4840-N-330 Plastic Pallet is a lightweight nestable pallet with an open top deck perfect for shipping one-way.
2. You Keep the Pallet In-House or Recover
- A captive or multi-trip pallet is heavy-duty enough to survive years of rough handling in your warehouse or bouncing between multiple stops in your system.
- Look for pallets made from HDPE or HDPP. Both offer long life. PE is most common and is the workhorse of warehouses. Choose the more rigid PP material if you’re placing these in an unsupported rack.
- Designed for reuse, a captive or multi-trip pallet may be priced higher, but over the life of the pallet, cost-per-use can often be measured in fractions of a penny. Buy new plastic pallets for your warehouse or choose multi-trip in used condition.
The CP-4840-FP-E6OD Plastic Pallet is ideal for closed loops in the Electronics, Food, Retail, Medical and Pharmaceutical industries.
Plastic Pallet Handling
Beyond destination requirements, consider your operating conditions:
1. What Equipment are you Using?
- Forklifts and pallet jacks may not be compatible with every pallet design. Know the capabilities of the equipment you’re using to move pallets.
- Ask about a pallet’s height profile and side openings to fit your specific equipment including conveyors, racking systems or automated palletizers.
2. What are you Loading on the Pallet?
- Know the load the pallet will be supporting. Securing 55-gallon drums on a pallet will have different requirements than boxes or bulk bags.
- Plastic pallets offer a multitude of Swiss Army-like add-ons including grommets, non-slip surfaces, stretch wrap hooks, safety rims and more for safer handling.
Don’t Forget to Test your Plastic Pallet
You think you’ve found a pallet that best fits your destination and handling situation. That’s great. You’re almost at the finish line. But, before you place that order, you may want to give that pallet a good test run. Why? Every load and system is different. And while everything may seem to line up perfectly on paper, something unexpected may be discovered during your real-world application.
Are you looking to buy plastic pallets? Let’s connect below. One of our pallet pros will help you get answers to the important questions.
I detailed uses for the 48×40 along with nearly 40 other pallet dimensions in my previous post, Industry Standard Pallet Sizes: A Complete List. As a follow-up, I am specifically shining a light on plastic pallets and six (6) sizes commonly sold in the US.
This post is part 5 of a 10-post series on Plastic Pallets 101. (Part 4 explains capacity ratings.)
Plastic Pallet Buyer’s Guide
Every unit load and application is unique, but standards for plastic pallet sizes still exist. Many industries have set specific dimensions to safely store and transport products unique to their production and manufacturing environment. Below is a starter guide of common sizes by industry or use.
48×40
Standard US
This size is so popular, just over half of all plastic pallets listed on our website (new and used) are 48×40 in size. Loaded onto a standard 53′ dry van trailer, we can fit 30 stacks in a turned pattern.
48×32
Euro Pallet
Technically measuring 1200×800 mm, this size is often a “must have” for shipping into Europe. Many of the plastic Euro pallets we sell are designed to be lightweight to ease the cost of one-way export shipping.
48×45
Automotive
The 48×45 plastic pallet meets standards set for the North American auto industry. The 48×45 footprint is a match with the heavy-duty bulk containers used for holding auto parts.
43×43
Bulk Bags
Designed to fit Super Sacks®, the US 43×43 plastic pallet is a match for the 1100×1100 mm Asian standard for transporting big bags filled with food additives, feed, pharmaceuticals and other hard-to-handle granular materials.
45×45
CP9
The 45×45 plastic pallet is comparable to the chemical industry standard CP9, an 1140×1140 mm pallet for transporting mostly bags, boxes and drums. The dimensions are universally recognized for cubing out shipping containers.
48×48
Drum
Used primarily by the chemical industry, the 48×48 dimensions are ranked as a popular wooden pallet size in the US. Like their wood counterpart, 48×48 plastic pallets are designed to hold four 55-gallon drums without overhang.
More Plastic Pallet Sizes
We’ve only just scratched the surface of available plastic pallet sizes. You’ll find more than 20 sizes of plastic pallets listed on our website including half-Euros, a variety of square options and extra large sizes like the 56×44 plastic beverage pallet. And, please note, use of specific pallet size is not limited to the industry that may have set the standard.
Need help finding a plastic pallet size for your application? Let’s connect down below for assistance from one of our plastic pallet experts.
These ratings let you know how much weight the pallet can handle in motion and at rest. These numbers are important to safety so let’s examine them now.
This post is an overview of load capacity ratings and is part 4 of a 10-post series on Plastic Pallets 101. (Part 3 addresses plastic pallet materials.)
How much Weight can Pallets Safely Hold?
Weight capacities for plastic pallets are typically issued by the manufacturer. Ratings for dynamic, static and racking capacities are set using a combination of mathematical calculations and the results of field and/or lab testing.
Dynamic vs Static vs Racking
Plastic pallets will always be rated for dynamic and static loads. Only pallets specifically designed to be used in an unsupported racking system will include a racking capacity. You can expect capacities to vary based on pallet dimensions, materials and design. And, you should also know that ratings are determined using evenly distributed loads.
Dynamic
- This is how much weight the pallet can support while in motion
- Think forklifts, pallet jacks and conveyors
- This number will always be lower than static capacity
Static
- This is how much weight the pallet can withstand at rest
- When stacking, this the total weight that the bottom pallet can support
- Static is always the highest of the capacity ratings
Racking
- This refers to the weight a pallet can manage in an unsupported rack
- Picture a loaded pallet bridging an open span between beams or other supports
- Racking capacities will often be the lowest rating
Sample Testing
Capabilities of pallets will vary per system or environmental conditions. For example, freezing conditions can make some pallet materials brittle. Even if your application meets specs, it is always advisable to consult with a pallet professional and perform sample testing before putting a pallet in use.
Want to know more about load capacities for plastic pallets? Let’s connect down below. Also, see our quick Plastic Pallets 101 Video. In just 10 short minutes, we introduce you to even more basics about choosing plastic pallets.
You may want to flip that question around and ask, what plastic material does my pallet application need? That’s because plastic pallets can be made from a variety (and blends) of different materials to support specific environments.
This post is part 3 of a 10-post series on Plastic Pallets 101. (Part 2 is all about plastic pallet functions and designs.)
Plastic Pallet Materials
Pallet materials are often divided into two broad categories:
- Recycled
Recycled plastic made from a blend of post-industrial materials will cost less AND can play a big part in your company’s sustainability efforts. - Virgin
Virgin plastics are unblended resins often reserved for specialty applications. Yes, they come with a higher price tag. BUT… factor in longer-term reusability and not only will the CFO be happy, the virgin material qualifies as an environmentally-friendly choice.
How do I choose a Plastic Pallet Material?
Let’s get back to our earlier point of selecting a material based on how you’ll use the plastic pallet:
- Export
Look for ACM or PO. Short for advanced composite material, ACM is 100% recycled. ACM is comprised of certain polyolefins (PO), the most widely used type of plastic. This material has a low price point but also a lower lifespan making them a popular choice for when you don’t expect to get the pallet back. - Warehouse
Ask for HDPE or high density polyethylene. HDPE (sometimes called just PE) is the most common resin in plastic pallets. This material has all the properties most standard applications demand: durability, stiffness and moisture resistance. HDPE is a great choice for the demanding and repeated use found in warehouses. - Unsupported Racking
Your best choice is HDPP (high density polypropylene) which is often simply identified as PP. PP holds up well to heat and harsh chemicals. It has properties similar to PE but PP is more rigid, making it an excellent choice for racking when no center support is available. - FDA or Pharma
Plastic pallets made from recycled materials often satisfy general FDA requirements for food and pharmaceuticals: easy to clean, non-toxic and in good repair. If your product is making direct contact with the pallet, you may need to limit your search to a non-blended HDPE virgin material to meet stricter federal requirements for sanitizing and more. - Freezer
Most plastic materials can survive freezing temps, but deep freeze applications can make some materials brittle. Start your search with unblended HDPE or LDPE or hit us up to ask, when do I need true freezer grade plastic pallets?
Plastic Pallet Materials as a Sustainable Choice
Along with the popular materials noted above, molders are experimenting with all sorts of recycled plastic blends with a goal of keeping physical properties solid while saving cost. Because plastic pallets can be made from recycled material and are eminently recyclable, they can play a big part in your company’s sustainability efforts. And, as a reminder, even virgin materials can meet sustainability goals due to long-term usability.
Have a question about which plastic pallet material you should choose? Let’s connect down below. Also, be sure to catch our quick Plastic Pallets 101 Video. In just 10 short minutes, we introduce you to even more basics about choosing plastic pallets.
Each function typically relies on a specific design style to safely and efficiently get the job done. Use the guide below to dive into an overview of styles and the duties they carry out.
This post is part 2 of a 10-post series on Plastic Pallets 101. (Part 1 introduces plastic pallet anatomy.)
Find your Design
Matching your application with fitting design styles is just one step in selecting the right plastic pallet.
Nestable
- Have hollow feet (usually 9)
- Pallets fit snugly (or nest) one on top of the other
- Offers stack security when not in use
- Lightweight nestables save on space and freight
Stackable
- Designed to stack one load on top of the next
- Loads are often stacked 2-3 high
- Can be both a unit base and a divider for block stacking
- Both 3 and 6-runner bottom styles may be suitable
Rackable
- Think warehouses or Distribution Centers using racking systems
- Use with beam, edge, roller, push-back, flow, cantilever and supported pallet racks
- Stiff enough to bridge a span in an unsupported open rack
- Heavyweight to meet demanding load capacities
- Robust understructures in 3 and 6-runner designs
One-Piece
- Solid body construction with no seams or welds
- Reduces weak points
- Simpler design is easier to keep clean
- Popular with pharmaceutical and direct-contact uses
- Helps avoid pest and water intrusions
Reversible
- Also known as double-sided pallets
- Virtually identical tops and bottoms
- Always right side up (increase productivity)
- Not suitable for pallet jacks
Full Perimeter
- Think picture frame
- Rails or supports on all 4 sides of the base
- May have a 5th support or 6 rails (shown)
- Popular design for repeated use in warehouses or closed loops
Speciality Handling
- Virgin materials meet stringent hygiene guidelines for direct food contact
- Pharmaceutical pallets are suitable for heat sterilization
- Fire retardant materials meet standards for fire safety
- Freezer additives help to make plastic more resilient in colder temps
Learn More about Plastic Pallets
Be sure to catch our quick Plastic Pallets 101 Video. In just 10 short minutes, we introduce you to even more basics about choosing plastic pallets. If you have questions, let’s connect for expert plastic pallet advice.