Does Your Plastic Pallet Container Really Need a Lid?

If you're shopping for plastic pallet containers, you may be wondering if you really need a lid. I get asked that question all the time. Especially if we're talking about stacking the containers. 

The answer is (as you probably guessed) that it depends.

Lids are molded with an inset to allow stacking. Optional hinges and locks aid in loss prevention.

Stack with or without a Lid
Plastic pallet containers are designed to stack safely. The bottom is inset to nest about a half inch into the container below it. This nesting feature allows you to move stacked containers without concern of a container slipping off the stack. Pallet containers can stack with or without lids.

Reasons for a Lid
If your product needs to stay protected from damage or environmental elements like dust, a lid is in order. You may also want to use lids to prevent theft when shipping pallet containers. Many customers band the lid and container together. Others add modifications including hinges and padlocks for beefing up their loss prevention efforts. Lids also make the container resistant to weather damage. While not all containers are waterproof, your contents should be safe during transit if moved in inclement weather.

Choose a lid if you need:

• product protection
• security

Reasons for No Lid
Some plastic bulk containers are designed with a drop gate for easy access to contents. Unfortunately, when you put a lid on your container, you can no longer open the drop gate. The lid waterfalls over the outside edge of the container by about two inches. If the container will be in transit, however, the waterfall (or overhang) is an advantage because it provides security. You don’t have to worry about someone accessing your contents while the container is moving.

Further, agricultural users concerned about moisture and mold will benefit from using pallet containers with vented walls and no lid. A vented container allows moisture to escape, reducing environmental conditions conducive to mold and decay. This helps to keep the produce fresher longer. I explain this in more detail in my previous post about using plastic containers for NC sweet potatoes.

Skip the lid if you need:

• easy access to contents
• better air flow

Customizing Lids
Companies that use a lot of pallet containers have the option to emboss lids with their name or company logo. This helps to claim ownership and prevent loss of the lid itself. To qualify, you must be a heavy container user. The minimum order for containers with customized lids is two truckloads (about 200-500 containers depending on size).

Do you use plastic pallet containers with or without lids? Tells us below or ask me if a lid is right for your application.

Post by: Penny Peirce, Business Development