How to prepare a pallet for shipping?

Follow these step-by-step packing and loading guidelines for safe pallet transport.

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How to pack a pallet for shipping

Packaging materials

Everything You Need to Know About Packing a Pallet for Shipping

When you need to ship bulky, heavy packages or large quantities of goods, a pallet is the best and most cost-effective option. Packing your pallet correctly for shipping is important to ensure the safe transport of your goods.

Find out more about how to prepare and load pallets properly for shipping.

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HOW TO SHIP

Pallet Shipping Options

Ship heavy, bulky, or multiple items securely with our pallet shipping services. Learn how to choose the right packaging materials and prepare your pallet correctly for transport.

VAN DELIVERY

VAN DELIVERY

A flexible, direct and cost-effective solution for transporting larger loads, furniture, or multiple items door-to-door with dedicated vehicle capacity.

Ideal for relocations, bulky shipments, or urgent deliveries that require extra space and direct transport.

DELIVERY

Dedicated direct transport

LOAD

Up to 1000 kg

FTL TRANSPORT

FTL TRANSPORT

A reliable and cost-effective solution for transporting large shipments door-to-door with a dedicated truck reserved exclusively for your goods.

Ideal for full truckloads, palletised freight, and high-volume shipments requiring direct transport and fewer handling points.

DELIVERY

Dedicated direct transport

LOAD

Up to 24,000 kg

LTL TRANSPORT

LTL TRANSPORT

A flexible and cost-effective solution for transporting palletised and larger shipments without reserving an entire truck.

Ideal for partial loads, multiple pallets and regular freight shipments that can share truck space with other consignments.

DELIVERY

Consolidated road transport

LOAD

Partial truckload

EXPRESS PALLET

EXPRESS PALLET

Flexible pickup scheduling, ground-floor delivery, and full shipment visibility with real-time tracking included.

Ideal for urgent or high-value shipments where timing and precision matter.

DELIVERY

1-3 business days

WEIGHT

Up to 1250 kg

PRIORITY PALLET

PRIORITY PALLET

Ideal for shipments that can't wait for standard freight but don't require express rates. Door-to-door, trackable, and handled by trusted partners.

A dependable alternative to express delivery, where price and punctuality meet.

DELIVERY

2-5 business days

WEIGHT

Up to 1250 kg

STANDARD PALLET

STANDARD PALLET

Standard pallet delivery for a cost-effective solution when fast delivery isn’t the main concern.

Ideal for non urgent shipments without compromising on quality of the service.

DELIVERY

5-10 business days

WEIGHT

Up to 1250 kg

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  • 3

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Packing pallets for shipping

Packing guidelines

How to Pack and Load Pallets for Shipping

When packing a pallet for shipping, make sure the goods are securely loaded to prevent damage and reduce the risk of injury during handling.

Follow these pallet packing guidelines:

  1. Choose the right pallet: Use a sturdy pallet in good condition. Standard wooden or plastic pallets are usually recommended. Avoid damaged, corrugated or unsuitable treated-wood pallets.

  2. Stack in columns: Arrange boxes evenly, place heavier goods at the bottom and distribute weight across the pallet. Keep the total height below 220 cm.

  3. Do not overhang: Keep all goods within the pallet edges. Overhanging increases the risk of damage and may result in the carrier refusing collection.

  4. Keep it flat: Maintain a flat, compact top surface whenever possible. Non-stackable pallets may incur additional carrier charges.

  5. Strap and wrap: Secure the load with stretch film, straps, bubble wrap or other suitable packaging materials. Make sure the goods and pallet are firmly secured.

  6. Label clearly: Remove old labels and attach shipping labels securely to the sides of the boxes. Avoid placing labels only on external wrapping, as it may tear during transport.

Secure boxes onto pallet

LOAD SECURING

How to Secure the Load on the Pallet for Transport

Once the goods are loaded onto the pallet, use the following materials and techniques to secure the load and prevent movement during transport:

Foam cushioning – Choose foam with the appropriate density to protect goods from impacts and pressure.

Blocking – Use materials such as wood to hold items firmly in place and prevent movement on the pallet.

Bracing – Secure items that may shift or roll using straps or ropes fixed around the pallet base.

Layer pads – Place corrugated cardboard or solid board between layers to separate and stabilise stacked boxes.

Edge boards – Protect and reinforce the edges and corners of the load with cardboard edge protectors.

Bands – Use reusable pallet bands to hold the goods firmly together and add stability.

Stretch wrap – Wrap the entire load tightly with several layers of stretch film to keep the goods secure and prevent shifting.

Stackable and non-stackable pallets packing

STACKABLE & NON-STACKABLE PALLETS

How to Pack Stackable vs Non-Stackable Pallets for Shipping

Stackable pallets are designed so that another pallet can be placed safely on top. They are preferred by freight carriers because they help maximise space inside the vehicle and usually keep transport costs lower.

Non-stackable pallets cannot have another pallet placed on top, which limits the available loading space. Because of this, some freight carriers may apply additional charges or refuse the shipment if it has not been declared in advance.

If you need to ship a non-stackable pallet, we recommend contacting our logistics experts for a tailored individual offer. This allows the shipment requirements to be confirmed with the carrier in advance and helps avoid issues during collection.

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