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Pallets in the UK: How to Choose the Ideal Size & Material for International Shipping?

Pallets are growing in popularity all across the globe for reasons galore. They quicken the shipping process, save space to fit in more parcels and optimises merchandise delivery to diverse locations, typically to international destinations. Probably, these are reasons why trade is somewhat impossible to imagine without palletisation. If you look at the statistics, you will find over 4 billion (according to 2019 data) pallets in the UK and beyond being used up for trade.

Now, everything is still fathomable, but what confuses business owners and shipping companies the most are the sizes and materials. For delivery of courier from Ireland to the UK, what do you think is the ideal dimension and choice of material? Let’s help you decide with some tips.



Determining the Most Suitable Material Choice in Pallets in the UK

There are three distinct material choices available in pallets. Let’s check them out one by one.

1. Plastic Pallets

If your load weighs well below 1500 pounds, plastic pallets shall serve the purpose the international parcel service well. You may have to spend 3 times more than what you do for wooden ones, but at least you shall be assured of the following features: -

  • Bug-free

  • Maintenance-friendly

  • Fastener-free

However, there is one drawback though. You cannot recycle or repair damaged pallets. 

2. Wood Pallets

Unlike plastic pallets, you get two distinct choices in wood -- block and stringer. Though both share the common material - deck boards, the former is intended for heavy loads and the latter for lighter ones. Another point of difference is in access. Block pallets are four-way, whereas stringers are two-way.

No matter what you go for, wooden pallets are repairable and recyclable. They are also the least expensive. However, they are prone to splintering and catches bugs if not maintained frequently.

3. Aluminium Pallets

The superior of the three is aluminium. Pallets built from the material are light in weight, heat- and cold-resistant, and takes little effort to clean. No wonder they are so expensive!

Determining the Ideal Pallet Size for the Best International Courier

It’s easy to find out the same by taking a note of the route your pallet shall be travelling. Information on whether your pallets shall get through a standard-sized entryway when it reaches the destination helps to a great extent.

Likewise, the destination, where the hired transport company shall leave your consignment, counts. If it’s anywhere in the UK, you shall have to get hold of EURO pallets. The same enjoys a dimension of 800x 1200x 120mm. You can even go for the standard pallets that are widely accepted throughout the UK. Those measures 1200x 1000 mm.

The preference of the recipient also carries some weight in decision-making. And last but not least, heat treatment is necessary for some countries with the pallets meeting ISPM 15 condition. Thankfully, there is no such prerequisite in the UK!

Final Thoughts:

We hope the post has cleared all your doubts concerning pallet size and material. Whether you go for groupage in the UK to lower your expense or get your consignment ready for next day delivery, pallets shall come in handy to you. The right choice will not just keep you legally compliant in the destination country but also help you win your recipients' confidence. Have more doubts in mind? You may contact JMC, a specialist in not just same- and next-day delivery but a great UK customs clearance service provider. 

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