Sourcing the right pallets for international shipping can be a headache for procurement managers. While wooden pallets are cheap upfront, they come with hidden costs: pest treatments, splintering, and customs delays.
Plastic pallets are increasingly becoming the go-to choice for global exporters. If you are sourcing plastic pallets from overseas, keep these essential tips in mind:
1. Understand Your Load Requirements
Don’t just ask for “a standard pallet.” You must specify three types of load capacities to your supplier:
- Static Load: How much weight the pallet can hold when sitting flat on the ground.
- Dynamic Load: How much weight it can hold when being moved by a forklift.
- Racking Load: How much weight it can hold when placed on a warehouse storage rack. (This requires steel-reinforced pallets).
2. Embrace ISPM 15 Exemptions
One of the biggest advantages of sourcing plastic pallets is that they are totally exempt from ISPM 15 regulations. They do not require fumigation or heat treatment certificates, guaranteeing a smooth pass through international customs.
3. Consider Nestable Pallets for Air Freight
If you are exporting via air freight or have limited container space, ask your supplier for “nestable” plastic pallets. These feature hollow legs that stack into each other, drastically reducing the volumetric weight and shipping costs of empty pallets.
4. Check for Forklift Compatibility
Ensure the pallets you source offer 4-way entry. This means a forklift or pallet jack can lift the pallet from any of its four sides, which is crucial for fast loading and unloading at busy ports.
