pallet shipping business tips guidesShipping via pallets can be an affordable, convenient and hassle-free process. However, like any form of shipping, there are ways it can go wrong. Without adequate research and preparation, your business risks losing money, experiencing shipping delays and damaging its reputation.

If you want to reap the benefits of pallet shipping, below you’ll discover three things you need to be aware of.

1. Health And Safety

If you’re planning on shipping pallets yourself, you need to be aware of the health and safety risks involved. They might not seem potentially dangerous, but pallets can be extremely heavy; particularly the wooden ones. This means, they have the potential to break bones if they fall onto one of your workers.

Another potential danger of wooden pallets is the risk of fire. So, if you’re storing them in your warehouse for example, you’ll need to make sure they’re safe from potential fire hazards.

2. Choosing the Right Size and Material Is Crucial

Pallets come in a wide range of sizes and materials. When choosing a size, try to find one which best matches your shipping needs. If you order a larger pallet than you actually need, it’s going to end up costing you more, not just initially, but during shipping too.

In terms of material, wood and plastic are the two most common types of pallets on the market. There are pros and cons to both, but if you’re shipping food for example, plastic pallets would be the better option. Take into account the goods you’ll be selling, along with the pros and cons of each material before choosing which is right for your business.

3. It’s Often Better to Outsource Pallet Delivery

Although you still need to buy and pack your own pallets, outsourcing the actual delivery is a good idea. It can work out much cheaper than shipping the products yourself, plus you’ll have the option to track the shipment whenever you need to. Companies such as TNT, offer affordable and reliable pallet delivery services to UK businesses.

The above are just three things businesses need to be aware of when shipping pallets. Remember, research and preparation are key to ensuring you reap the benefits of pallet delivery. You’ll also need to ensure you have the correct equipment to handle and transport the pallets ready for delivery.