LTL Pallet Shipping Services

If you’re preparing to move large and heavy freight, or you’re just curious how it works, then you should know about pallet shipping and all its functions.

This is the go-to method for moving large freight, especially with the less-than-truckload (LTL) services. However, getting such a pallet shipment right involves much more than stacking boxes on a wooden pallet – it takes careful consideration, proper loading, and cost understanding.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, including shipping a pallet, pallet shipping prices, preparing a pallet for shipping, and more…

Choosing the Right Pallet Type for Your Shipment

Let’s first say the most important thing  –not all pallets are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to delays, damage, or extra charges.

The shipping pallet size you use should match your freight’s weight, handling requirements, and destination. So, here are the most common types of pallets and how each one is typically used:

Stringer Pallets

The stringer pallets are designed with two or more parallel lines of wood, called stringers, that provide the needed support. These types of pallets are the most common type in North America and work well for lighter freight.

Also, they don't require four-way forklift access!

Block Pallets

If you’re looking for a pallet that is designed to carry heavy freight and works for long-distance hauls, then block pallets are for you. They are just perfect for warehouses that use forklifts or pallet jacks, since they can be picked up from any direction.

GMA Pallets

The Grocery Manufacturers Association, or “GMA” pallets strictly follow a standardized size of 48" x 40", so they can be accepted in many industries. They are most common in LTL services, due to their consistent dimensions.

Double Face Pallet

The Double Face pallets are great for weight distribution because of their top and bottom deck boards (enhancements), which makes them supreme for heavy loads. They are useful for freight with uneven load distribution and irregular bases.

Double Wing Pallet

The Double Wing pallets are popular for freight that comes with bulky and overhanging parts due to their extended boards (beyond the stringers). They offer a super large surface area, and are rarely used for regular shipments, rather only when necessary.

Solid Deck Pallet

The solid deck pallets, as self-explanatory as they are, offer a smooth and flat area with no gaps, making them suitable for freight with items that can fall out. This makes them a good choice for smaller boxes or goods without rigid bottoms that need extra support.

Standard Pallet

A standard pallet typically refers to the 48" x 40" size with a basic top-deck structure and limited bottom support. It’s a general-purpose option often used for dry goods, cartons, or boxed items.

Pallet Shipping - How to Load Your Pallet

Well, loading your pallet the right way is crucial to avoid issues during the shipment. The idea is very straightforward: you simply need to put your heaviest freight at the bottom and the lighter items on the top to prevent your fragile goods from being squished.

This creates a solid foundation, allowing you to stack everything symmetrically, to prevent the weight from shifting the entire pallet during transportation.

Also, make sure to leave a small gap (around 1 to 4 inches) between the edges of the pallet and your items to avoid overhang, which can increase the risk of breakage or fees. For any boxes or packages, stack them tightly in a brick or column pattern. This tight packing reduces movement and keeps the pallet compact. If you’re shipping multiple items, group them by size and weight.

How to Secure Your Load

There are several critical steps you should follow the secure your pallet!

#1 Inspect the Pallet

You need to make sure that the pallet is stable by attempting to push one side and checking if it wiggles. If yes, then you need to reconsider the way the pallet is loaded and distribute the load.

Also, check the pallet for broken boards or loose nails!

#2 Wrap with Stretch

So, the next step is to wrap the freight using a strength foil to prevent anything from falling out, upon pallet delivery or loading. This will hold everything on top tightly together.

Start at the base of the pallet and wrap upward in overlapping layers!

#4 Use Straps/Bands

If you’re moving heavier or bulky items, we recommend applying some plastic or metal straps around the pallet to add extra strength and prevent any movement during bumpy transportation.

Also, don’t forget to check for overhand!

#5 Label It Properly

The final step is to attach clear shipping labels on the sides where they’re easily visible without removing wrap or straps. Ensure that everything is labeled correctly and do the final inspection!

If everything looks good, you can ship the pallet without a worry!

Pallet Shipping Cost - How Much to Ship a Pallet

So, estimating the freight cost per pallet is challenging to predict with accuracy due to the many factors that are involved. The cost of shipping depends on several factors such as the freight’s weight, the distance it needs to travel, and the type of service used.

On average, pallet shipping costs can range from about $0.50 to $1.50 per mile for one hundred pounds, but this varies depending on fuel prices, demand, and carrier rates.

To help you get a proper estimation, check the table below:

Tips to Reduce Pallet Shipping Costs

If freight shipping pallet services seem too expensive at first glance, there are many ways and techniques you can apply to reduce the costs as much as possible:

• Choose the Right Pallet Size and Type: Oversized pallets or those not suited to your cargo can quickly increase costs.
• Combine Multiple Shipments Onto One: Filling your pallet efficiently reduces the chance of partial loads, which often cost more per pound or volume.
• Use Only Durable and Reusable Pallets: A sturdy pallet lowers the risk of your freight shifting or breaking, which can result in reshipping fees.
• Always Compare Pallet Shipping Quotes: By using a free pallet shipping cost calculator tool, you can find many pallet shipping quotes and compare pallet shipping companies.
• Consider Flat Rate Pallet Shipping: In case your shipments are consistent, the flat rate pallet shipping offers predictable cost-effective LTL pallet shipping costs.

That’s it. Now you know how to ship a pallet, so if you follow the correct instructions for choosing a pallet, preparing it, and lowering the cost, there isn’t much that can go wrong. Best of luck!