

In the EU, government legislation based on the Waste Framework Directive requires the reuse of packaging items in preference to recycling and disposal. Lightweight pallets are designed for a single use.

Heavy-duty pallets are a form of reusable packaging and are designed to be used multiple times. A pallet management company can help supply, clean, repair, and reuse pallets. Some pallet suppliers supply users with reusable pallets, sometimes with integral tracking devices. For example, organizations already handling large pallets often see no reason to pay the higher handling cost of using smaller pallets that can fit through doors.Ī truckload of used wooden pallets in Californiaĭue to cost and a need to focus on core business, pallet pooling becomes more and more common. A single standard is difficult because of the wide variety of needs a standard pallet would have to satisfy: passing doorways, fitting in standard containers, and bringing low labor costs. The lack of a single international standard for pallets causes substantial continuing expense in international trade. For instance, the distributors of costume jewelry normally use pallets in their warehouses and car manufacturers use pallets to move components and spare parts. The exceptions are establishments that move small items such as jewelry or large items such as cars. Organizations using standard pallets for loading and unloading can have much lower costs for handling and storage, with faster material movement than businesses that do not. For this reason, some modern pallet standards are designed to pass through standard doorways, for example the europallet (800 mm × 1,200 mm) and the U.S. Ability to pass through standard doors and buildings make handling more convenient. The greatest investment needed for economical pallet use is in the construction of commercial or industrial buildings. Movement is easy on a wide, strong, flat floor: concrete is excellent. Loads with pallets under them can be hauled by forklift trucks of different sizes, or even by hand-pumped and hand-drawn pallet jacks. Pallets make it easier to move heavy stacks. In 2020 about half a billion pallets are made each year and about two billion pallets are in use across the United States alone. Many pallets can handle a load of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). ( September 2021) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)Ĭontainerization for transport has spurred the use of pallets because shipping containers have the smooth, level surfaces needed for easy pallet movement. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources.
