Tag: Chep Pallet

Loscam Pallets for your Business

Loscam Pallets For Sale

A pallet is a portable, rigid platform used in logistics for storing, stacking, and transporting goods. They enhance warehouse efficiency by facilitating easy movement with equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks. Pallets can be reusable or disposable, made of wood, plastics, or metals, and assembled in various ways, including reversible and stackable configurations. Each pallet has features that will best suit your proposed application. Before you buy any high-quality pallets, or hire pallets including CHEP pallets and Loscam pallets, in Australia, you should look at the below overview of ISO standard pallet sizes:

1. 1200mm × 1000mm in North America.

2. 1000mm × 1100mm in Asia.

3. 1165mm × 1165mm in Australia.

4. 800mm × 1200mm in Europe

What are the types of pallets?

Pallets are broadly classified according to the material that was used to make them. While every material has certain advantages, it also has drawbacks. Pallets are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They could be strengthened with horizontal boards known as stringers or have a top and bottom deck. Below is a description of a few of the most widely used pallet types:

1. Injection-moulded pallets

Pallets that have been injection-moulded are flat and come in various colours and sizes. They are typically lighter than wooden pallets and are often nestable. HDPE injection-moulded pallets are long-lasting, recyclable, corrosion-free, and washable, so they are widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industry, where hygiene is of paramount importance.

2. Stringer Pallets

Compared to block pallets, stringer pallets provide more support. Additional reinforcement is provided by two boards that run between the top and bottom decks on the two opposite ends of the pallet, and the other runs through the centre. However, this means that only two open sides can be used to lift stringer pallets. Pallets with a notch cut in the stringer that enables forklifts to pick them up are called four-way stringer pallets. In Australia CHEP pallets and Loscam pallets are most often stringer pallets

3. Double-wing pallets

Double-wing pallets help transport many items simultaneously because the top and bottom decks extend past the stringers to provide extra surface area. These non-standard-sized pallets create transportation issues, so it’s worth consulting your provider before ordering this type of pallet.

4. Roto Moulded Pallets

Rotational moulding is the process used to create roto-moulded pallets. They are affordable, come in various standard sizes, and can increase their load-bearing capacity by adding steel frames. Roto-moulded pallets are employed in sectors where maintaining cleanliness is crucial.

5. Block/Deck Board Pallets

Pallets made of blocks can be lifted in four different directions. Nine and sometimes twelve columns support the upper deck. The lower deck might exist, or it might not. Block pallets can be made of wood, plastic, or metal offering excellent handling efficiency.

6. Double-Face Pallets

Pallets typically only have a top deck. Double-face pallets can be used on either side and have a top and bottom deck. They are robust and suitable for demanding jobs.

7. Solid Deck Pallets

A solid deck pallet consists of a single, continuous sheet that is usually made of plastic, metal, or wood with no gaps between them. This type of pallet helps move smaller items and is simple to clean and transport.

How Do You Choose the Best Pallet for Your Company?

Pallets are essential pieces of equipment for storage and transportation. Your business requirements will determine the kind, size, and loading capacity of the pallet that best meets your needs. Plastic pallets, such as those from CHEP Australia and Loscam Pallets Australia, are highly recyclable and have a longer lifespan than wooden pallets, which are the most widely used type. The most important factors to think about are:

1. Dimensions of packaging:

Pallet size selection is aided by the dimensions of the packaging, which include height and width as well as the quantity of goods to be shipped. 

2. Shipping destination: 

The pallet you select must abide by ISPM 15 regulations if you intend to send your package overseas. In this situation, plastic pallets such as Chep and Loscam Pallets have become a viable choice in Australia but be sure to check the pallet relocation costs.  

3. Budget: 

As reducing transportation and delivery expenses is a common challenge in the packaging industry, pallet budgets become crucial factors to consider. The ongoing hire cost is most often more affordable and cost effective than an initial capital than an initial expenditure outlay might lower ongoing expenses.

4. Product type: 

The items you’ll be shipping or transporting should be your top priority. You can choose the type of pallet to use (wooden, plastic, or metal) based on the weight and nature of the goods. Loscam Plastic Pallets, for instance, are perfect for food and drink products and there are options such as crates and beverage trays offered by CHEP and Loscam Pallets too.

5. Use frequency: 

You might want to think about using a used or reconditioned pallet if you need one for a single shipment. Selecting materials with high readability becomes crucial if you plan to use the pallet frequently.

6. Conditions of transportation: 

Temperature, storage, and transit all play a major role in selecting the pallet material. Pallets made of wood or paper, for instance, may be damp.

Summing Up

In the end, it is suggested that when choosing the best pallet for your business, consider factors like product type, frequency of use, budget, shipping destination, packaging dimensions, and transportation conditions. Each type of pallet, including wood, plastic, or metal, has unique benefits and uses, making it crucial to carefully weigh these factors before buying them or hiring them from any firm such as CHEP Australia or Loscam Australia.

Understanding the Pallet Control System: Enhancing Efficiency and Safety in Logistics

Pallets are the backbone of logistics, supporting goods during transportation across various industries. A pallet management control system combines processes, technologies, and methodologies to increase efficiency and enhance safety. This blog explores the fundamentals of pallet management systems and how accurately managing pallets can boost operational efficiency.

What Are Pallets and Pallet Management Systems?

Pallets are flat transport structures used in the transportation of goods across industries such as manufacturing, retail, logistics, agriculture, and construction. They come in various sizes, shapes, and materials. As valuable assets, pallets need to be tracked and managed efficiently. This need has led to the development of pallet management systems.

Pallet management systems oversee the lifecycle of pallets within a supply chain, including tracking their location, usage, and maintenance. These systems help minimise loss, reduce costs, and streamline inventory management. Pallet management services, provided by system providers, include the maintenance and operation of pallet inventories, optimising the supply chain for cost-effective and uninterrupted operations.

Key Components of Pallet Management Control

Effective pallet management controls are essential for increasing supply chain efficiency and gaining greater visibility over asset management. The key components include:

Tracking Technology: This can range from physical pallet dockets, barcodes and RFID tags to advanced GPS systems, helping monitor and manage pallet movement and storage in real-time.

Inventory Management Software: Integrates with tracking technology to provide insights into pallet usage and inventory levels, aiding in forecasting needs and making informed decisions.

Pallet Pooling Services: Based on the principles of the circular economy, this concept involves sharing or reusing pallets instead of owning them. Third-party logistics providers manage a pool of pallets, leasing them to businesses within a network.

Maintenance Protocols: Regular inspection, cleaning, and maintenance ensure pallets remain efficient and in good condition.

User Training: Training employees on the use of pallet control systems can significantly reduce errors and losses, enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.

Benefits of Pallet Management Systems for Supply Chain Efficiency

Pallet management systems offer several benefits for achieving higher levels of supply chain efficiency:

Better Resource Allocation: Improved availability of pallets and reduced downtime in their usage lifecycle. Insights from pallet control services help allocate resources more efficiently and support advanced decision-making.

Improved Inventory Control: Technologies like barcodes and RFID enable real-time tracking of pallet movement, providing valuable data for better forecasting and inventory planning. Accurate tracking ensures optimal inventory levels, reducing stockouts or overstock situations.

Cost Reduction: Reliable tracking systems reduce the number of lost or stolen pallets, lowering replacement costs. Effective pallet management minimizes the need for additional purchases and optimizes storage space, reducing warehouse rental costs.

Conclusion

Effective pallet management is crucial for better supply chain operations. Beyond tracking pallets, these systems offer benefits in resource allocation, inventory control, and cost reduction. Investing in a robust pallet management control system can significantly enhance operational efficiency and protect your business’s bottom line.

Best Pallets for Your Business

Chep Pallets

Pallets are flat structures that support mechanical equipment like forklifts and can sometimes be moved by pallet jacks, front-end loaders, and cranes.

Pallets’ primary goal is to facilitate the smooth movement of items and prevent damage. Although their load handling capacity varies, most can withstand a significant size and weight. Therefore, pallets are essential in the logistics industry.

Advantages of Pallets

Pallets are environmentally friendly products that can be reused and disposable without violating environmental preservation principles. Some are made of wood, plastic, and metal.

Pallets are configured differently in design; some are assembled in a reversible format, and the rest are designed in stackable structures. Both structures are advantageous for packing and storing products in high-rise and generic locations.

Why Do They Vary in Configuration?

Each pallet is configured according to its intended use or purpose. Some are designed to carry heavy loads, while others can be used for light tasks. Depending on the nature of your business, it is advisable to research and understand various facets of the product.

Therefore, one must refer to the recommended guidelines before buying or hiring high-quality pallets. That includes CHEP pallets and Loscam pallets Australia. The following are ISO standard size pallet sizes that must be used as a guide;

  • 1200mm x 1000mm (North America)
  • 1000mm x 1100 mm (Aisa)
  • 1165mm x1165mm (Australia)
  • 800mm x 1200mm (Europe)

What Are the Types of Pallets?

Pallets present in various types and forms, each classified based on the material used to manufacture them. Like any other product, every kind of pallet has advantages and disadvantages. Pallets can also be configured in different sizes and shapes to align with work specifications.

One of the categories draws its strength from the horizontal boards called stringers. They also have top and bottom decks that aid in weight bearing. The following is a description of the most widely used pallets;

  1. Injection-moulded pallets

This category of pallets is injection-moulded in structure and comes in different colours and sizes. They weigh less than wooden pallets and are easy to stack on storage fixtures, particularly in warehouses.

HDPE injection-moulded pallets last longer because they can withstand corrosion. They can also be recycled; the material is water resistant, so they can be cleaned using water. This type of pallet is commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industry, considering expectations of high standards of hygiene and sanitation.

  1. Stringer Pallets

Stringer pallets are recognised for providing more substantive support than block pallets. Given their design configuration, they provide additional reinforcement through the two boards between the top and bottom decks.

They also have another support structure that runs through the centre of the structure.

The pallet can only be lifted through the open sections based on the design and configuration. Those with a notch or four-way stringer pallets cut in the stringer, enabling the forklift to pick them easily. According to Australian standards, the CHEP pallets and Loscam pallets are most often classified as stringer pallets.

  1. Double-wing pallets

Double-wing pallets are convenient because they can transport many products. The top and bottom decks extend beyond the stringers to facilitate additional surface area. These nonstandard-sized pallets

sometimes cause transportation challenges, so it is important to verify with the supplier before acquiring the product.

Roto Moulded Pallets

Rotational moulding is the process applied when designing roto-moulded pallets. These pallets are affordable and available in different sizes. They can be modified to increase their load-bearing capacity by adding steel frames. Roto-moulded pallets are used in industries where hygiene is prioritised.

  1. Double-Face Pallets

Double-face pallets are designed with both the top and bottom surfaces. The bottom deck increases strength and helps to distribute the weight evenly across the load. Considering that they have the top and bottom decks, they can be used on either side. Double-face pallets are commonly used in heavy-duty industries.

      2. Solid Deck Pallets

A solid deck pallet consists of a single, continuous sheet of plastic, wood, or metallic material without a gap between them. The design provides a flat surface for the load.

Solid deck pallets prevent items from slipping through the gaps, giving them outright support for the load. They are suitable for moving small items that would otherwise slip through gaps if transported through other versions of pallets.

How Do You Choose the Best Pallet for Your Company?

Pallets are essential for storing and transporting items. The type, size, and loading capacity of the pallets required for your business’s operations will depend on your business’s nature.

Plastic pallets, such as those from CHEP Australia and Loscam Pallets Australia, can be recycled. They also have a longer life span than wooden pallets. Based on these qualities, plastic pallets are the most widely used type of pallet.

What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Pallets?

  1. Dimensions of packaging:

The dimensions of your packaging, such as the height, width, and quality of items, determine the selection of a pallet.

  1. Shipping Destination

Your pallet selection must be consistent with the ISPM 15 regulations, especially for companies intending to transport items offshore or overseas. Given the volume of international trade in Australia, pallets like Chep and

Loscam Pallets have gained popularity. However, verifying the pallet

relocation costs is essential before choosing one that suits your situation.

Budget

Minimising transportation and delivery costs is expected in the packaging industry. Your budget plays a critical role in your choice of pallet. Research has shown that hiring pallets is more cost-effective than acquiring them as part of capital expenditure.

  1. Product Type

Your product is the key factor determining the pallet type to be used. The weight of the commodity, given the variations in their weight-bearing capacity, affects your choice of pallet. Depending on the product that

needs transportation, you can choose between wood, plastic, or metal pallets. For example, Loscam Plastic Pallets are ideal for food and beverages. In fact, options such as crates and beverage trays are available at CHEP and Loscam Pallets.

2. Frequency of use

If your shipping frequency is low, it is advisable to use reconditioned or second hand pallets. However if your frequency of use is high, it is important to choose materials with high readability thresholds.

3. Conditions of transportation

Different conditions determine the choice of a suitable pallet. These include temperature, storage conditions, and duration of transit. Pallets made of wood or paper are affected by moist conditions; hence, they are unsuitable for moist or wet conditions.

Summary

Therefore, it is important to consider the following factors when choosing a pallet type:

  • Product type
  • Frequency of use
  • Budget (Financial Status)
  • Shipping Destination
  • Packaging Dimensions
  • Transportation Conditions

Every type of pallet like wood, plastic or metal presents with unique specific advantages. That makes it imperative to assess the underlying factors buying or hiring pallets from suppliers like CHEP Australia or Loscam Australia for use in your business.

In-house pallet control has a high turnover rate, with staff members often not staying in the role for extended periods of time. This could be due to the unique skillset required for the complex, sometimes cumbersome, and hard going position. This can impact your business negatively in several ways and it is important to consider this fact when choosing how to best manage your pallet account

One factor that’s often overlooked is the impact staff turnover can have on your pallet control processes

Pallet control is a very niche skill that requires specific knowledge. That knowledge only comes with experience. When you have pallet control skill gaps, the risks can be detrimental to your business and it can happen fast, but take months or years to fix. 

The training and experience required to become an exceptional pallet controller is not easily passed on in a quick replacement handover when there is a staff change or due to absence. 

Skill gaps in your pallet control process leads to: 

  • Recoveries not being actioned in a timely manner, incurring extra hire day costs.
  • Queries and claims from your customers remaining unactioned
  • Discrepancies on invoices being left past the date range possible to make corrections
  • Missing pallets not being spotted or recovered
  • Untrained pallet controllers often don’t even know what to look out for 
  • Gaps in software programs to complete the tasks required. 
  • Transfers not being processed with the suppliers. 

If you choose to have an in-house pallet controller it is vital to cross-train multiple employees to the same standard as your dedicated pallet controller. Keep the cross-trained staff up to date with all things in the pallet management space so if the moment strikes, they are able to step in and competently continue to best manage your pallet account. Ensure they have full knowledge of your processes, software and ongoing issues. 

PPM is an outsourced pallet management company, wholly dedicated to pallet management and control. PPM offers their clients a security blanket in the sense you are always covered. We are a whole company dedicated to pallet control with many employees trained to the same standard and replacements are always available and able to look after your pallet accounts to the level you have come to expect. 

With 18 years in the pallet business, PPM, offers extensive staff training programs providing an excellent service you can rely on consistently, without the fear of staff turnover negatively impacting your supply chain and bottom-line. 

Loading Dock Safety Tips: Storing, Loading and Moving Pallets

Manually moving your product onto pallets can cause unavoidable stress on the body, if you are not careful this can lead to debilitating injuries to shoulders, knees, and lower backs. These injuries can occur suddenly or gradually over time. When a safe work system is in place the risk of an accident or unnecessary wear and tear can be minimised.
Here is how to stay safe when storing, loading, and moving your pallets in the loading dock.  

Pallets need to be stacked in flat, stable piles.
A pallet lifter is required when unloading or loading pallets above shoulder height.
Empty pallets should always be stacked vertically, pallets on their side are unstable and can cause injury if they tip over.
Stack like with like. The safest way to store pallets of different sizes is to separate them into piles that contain the same pallet’s dimensions and material. For example, stack plastic pallets with plastic pallets; wood pallets with wood pallets, etc.
Ensure stored pallets are maintained and kept in good condition.

Always secure your load before moving it, many loads will need to be shrink-wrapped or banded to the pallet during transportation.  Only those with an operator license and appropriate training should be using the scissor lift, forklift or hand truck to move pallets.  Make sure you plan your route when moving pallets, ensuring there is a safe path of travel, with no obstacles or trip hazards in the way.  When using a forklift ensure pallets are placed squarely onto the forklift platform and avoid making sharp turns.  

A product first needs to be deemed safe to load, this can be by hand, multiple staff or with the assistance of a mechanical aid. If a load is too heavy for you to lift without assistance, do not attempt to lift it. Ask for a coworker to help you lift or use a hand truck or forklift to transport it for you.  When loading by hand, you should prepare appropriate grip and stance, standing close to the product with your feet shoulder-width apart. Then, lower yourself down to the load by bending your knees. Once you have a firm grip on the product, lift with your legs and remember to keep the load close to your body while lifting, preventing unnecessary strain on your back. Ensure you do not twist or jerk suddenly. When loading your pallets the centre of gravity should be in the centre of the pallet, too much product on one side may cause the pallet to tip and fall over.  Never step on a pallet to place a product, instead position it on the pallet and then slide it over to the centre, ensuring the weight is evenly distributed.  For larger loads that require powerful lifting equipment, always check to see that the weight of the load does not exceed the lifting capacity of the equipment.

All pallets should be inspected when they are first delivered to your site. Take the time to look around for loose or broken boards, splinters, cracks or protruding nails.
Keep your warehouse clean. Debris on the floor can cause dangerous accidents.
Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). You should have the correct shoes or boots suited for the environment you are working in. Consider eye protection, earmuffs, or leather work gloves if necessary.

It is not enough to just adhere to these safety tips: you need to ensure that all employees receive adequate training and supervision while operating in the loading dock area. Employees who use the load shifting equipment, such as forklifts and powered pallet jacks, or work in the loading dock area should be trained in the safe operation of the machinery and understand the hazards and risks in manual handling.

It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of each other while on site. These pallet safety tips and best practices can help prevent avoidable injuries.

All pallets should be inspected when they are first delivered to your site. Take the time to look around for loose or broken boards, splinters, cracks or protruding nails.
Keep your warehouse clean. Debris on the floor can cause dangerous accidents.
Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). You should have the correct shoes or boots suited for the environment you are working in. Consider eye protection, earmuffs, or leather work gloves if necessary.

It is not enough to just adhere to these safety tips: you need to ensure that all employees receive adequate training and supervision while operating in the loading dock area. Employees who use the load shifting equipment, such as forklifts and powered pallet jacks, or work in the loading dock area should be trained in the safe operation of the machinery and understand the hazards and risks in manual handling.

It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of each other while on site. These pallet safety tips and best practices can help prevent avoidable injuries.