Pallets are crucial ingredients in the logistics industry and can be found in various materials. Of these, wooden pallets are popular in the logistics arena. They are highly versatile, from being used for shipping goods to creating furniture as a method of recycling. They come in two major types: softwood and hardwood.
The following are the major benefits of wooden pallets:
● Affordability
Even on a tight budget, wood pallets are typically affordable. Because of their low prices, they are accessible to most companies. Wood pallets are also often used by stores to showcase various products.
For displaying products to customers, grocery and other retail stores depend heavily on wooden pallets. They are less costly than steel versions, so are ideal for use in the logistics supply chain.
● Simplicity and low maintenance
Wood pallets are simple to maintain. They cannot be easily damaged, except by exposure to moisture. To ensure their longevity, it is recommended to store them in dry conditions. To avoid exposure to damp, cover pallets with waterproof materials and keep them away from rain.
● Durability and strength
Wood pallets have high tensile strength and are durable. The durability and strength of wood pallets are unmatched. Such pallets are ideal even for shipping heavy, bulky goods. Large consignments can be shipped easily through the use of such pallets. The high load strength of wood makes it very strong. Because of such strength, wooden pallets will not crack or break easily. If your business requires high volumes of shipments going out and coming in, you can depend on the strength and durability of these pallets.
● Wide availability
Wood pallets are easily found in most cities around the world, thus suppliers are abundant. Due to their easy availability and relatively low prices, they make a stress free stock for businesses.
● Easily repairable
Even in the logistics industry, accidents are inevitable and wood pallets can suffer breakage occasionally. These pallets are prone to breakage more than steel versions, but the good news is that they can be repaired easily and quickly. Simple tools and skills are required, keeping costs and turnaround times low. These savings can be passed on to customers.
● Recyclable
Wood pallets can be recycled through a variety of methods. There is no need to melt them with costly chemicals. They can easily be transformed into other items. For example, pallets can be recycled to create beds, tables, fences or flower beds. Any piece that cannot be recycled can be used as firewood. Wood is also biodegradable.
● Superior friction
Wood pallets are renowned for high degrees of friction on all kinds of surfaces. Such friction is vital for the stability of pallets in warehouses and other storage areas. Such remarkable features ensure that pallets do not slip during transport or storage.
● Easy to customise
Because of abundant availability, wood pallet crates can be cut easily to custom sizes and requirements. They can maintain their strength in spite of long lengths of wood being used. Manufacturers are typically ready to cater to the particular needs of business transportation, no matter how unusual.
Hardwood vs Softwood pallets
Hardwoods (teak, oak, mahogany, etc.) are sourced from deciduous trees, which lose their leaves on a yearly basis. Softwoods (pine) come from evergreen trees. A pinewood pallet refers to an item made from wood which has the scientific name Pinaceae. It is a tree of the pinewood family (gymnosperm) that grows ideally in subtropical and temperate climates. The tree features an upright, tall shape and a large, circular trunk. It is easy to cut, grows quickly and is frequently used by pallet manufacturers.
Some of the benefits of pinewood are:
● Low cost
Pine is easy to process and available in plenty, so tends to be cheap and easily accessible.
● Light
Because pine is not as dense as hardwood, such pallets are highly easy to handle.
● Reduction in deforestation
Softwood, like pinewood, grows much faster than hardwood. Hence, pallets made of pine are mostly more sustainable.
● High value
Pinewood has good aesthetic value and high strength. So, it is used widely in many projects like making pallets or furniture.
● Good capacity for weight bearing
Pinewood pallets are created from blocks of natural pine wood. Before use, they are cut, sawn and processed till they gain good bearing capacity and durability. These pallets can bear up to 1000 kg.
In summary, these are the main benefits and top facts about wooden pallets. They offer a wide range of advantages over other materials and are a cost effective and readily available pallet that can be customised to suit the needs of individual products if required.
Marta Jordan is a professional writer & blogger, who writes for a variety of online publications and loves working with words of all shapes and sizes.
