Buying Plastic Pallets? Ask Yourself these 6 Questions

​Are you looking for plastic pallets for sale but don't know where to start?

You're not alone. There are hundreds of plastic pallet designs available. Overwhelming, right? Well, we're just getting started. To add to the confusion, many plastic pallets look nearly identical. Costs can vary considerably too. But, don't give up just yet. Answer a few questions and you'll quickly narrow down your choices. Ready? Get started below.

CPP100/ACM Open Deck 48x40 Plastic Pallet

CPP330/PE Open Deck 48x40 Plastic Pallet

These two plastic pallets may look similar, but they perform differently.

  
6 Questions to Ask Before You Buy Plastic Pallets
To get you going on the right track, a pallet professional will start by asking questions similar to these:
  

1. What are the dimensions of your load?
   The answer to this question helps you determine pallet size.
   Your load should cover as much of the pallet deck as possible without hanging over the edge. Matching the footprint of your load to the pallet size maximizes shipping space and minimizes product damage.
     
2. How are you using the pallet?
   The answer to this question helps you choose a pallet material.
   If your plastic pallets will be used over and over again in-house, look for a durable Polyethylene (PE) material. If the pallet is for a single use or export situation, Advanced Composite Material (ACM) is an inexpensive choice designed for one-way applications.
     
3. What is the weight of your load?
   The answer here helps you pick out a pallet with a proper load capacity.
   There are two primary ratings to consider: dynamic and static. Dynamic load is the maximum weight a pallet can hold in motion (think forklift or conveyor belt.) Static load is the maximum weight a pallet can hold while at rest (imagine a pallet load on the floor and then add the weight of more pallet loads stacked on top).
     
4. What kind of product is in your load?
   Your answer will help figure out top deck styles and options.
   If your product is lightweight, an open deck pallet will likely be a good choice. Closed deck plastic pallets can be easier to clean and are better at containing spills. Great options if you work with food or pharmaceuticals. Putting drums on your pallet? Closed decks with raised lips on all sides help to contain your load.
     
5. How will the pallets be stored?
   This answer helps figure out the base style of your pallet.
   If the plastic pallet will need to go into an "edge" or "drive-thru" racking system (without center support), you need rackable plastic pallets. Double-stacking uneven loads requires a full-perimeter base or 3-runner pallets. If none of these apply, you may be able to use less expensive 9-feet nestable plastic pallets.
     
6. What type of equipment will you use to move the pallet? 
   Your answer helps select the design for entry.
   Most plastic pallets are 4-way entry and work well with forklifts, hand jacks and other material handling equipment. Some pallets, including many reversible plastic pallets, are restricted to 2-way entry (fine for most forklifts, but not for pallet jacks).

Specialty Applications

The six questions above can help you get closer to selecting the right pallet for your application. But, there are still more factors to consider - especially if you have speciality requirements. Food that makes direct contact with the pallet may need FDA plastic pallets. Shipping flowables in bulk bags? Square plastic pallets are safe for block stacking. Other pallet options include freezer safe and fire retardant.

Still don’t know which pallet is best for your application? Leave me your questions in the comments below.

Post by: Mike Cunneen, Director of Sales & Marketing