Pallets. Yes that’s right Pallets. You see them everywhere, they stimulate a myriad of thoughts like, who makes Pallets? How much are Pallets? Why are there so many discarded Pallets? Just Pallets.

Pallets are a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. These versatile platforms can be found in nearly every industry, from shipping and transportation to warehousing and storage. Pallets are used to move and store a wide variety of products, including food, electronics, clothing, and furniture.

In this article, we will explore everything you ever wanted to know about pallets, including their history, types, materials, sizes, and applications.

History of Pallets

The use of pallets dates back to ancient times when goods were transported on sledges made of logs. However, the modern pallet as we know it today was first patented in 1939 by George Raymond, who founded the Raymond Corporation, a manufacturer of material handling equipment.

During World War II, the use of pallets became widespread as they were used to move supplies and equipment for the military. The post-war economic boom further accelerated the adoption of pallets in various industries, leading to the development of standardized sizes and designs.

Types of Pallets

There are two main types of pallets: stringer and block. Stringer pallets have two or three parallel pieces of lumber, called stringers, that run the length of the pallet and support the load. Block pallets have four or more blocks or posts that support the load.

There are also two-way and four-way pallets. Two-way pallets can be lifted only from two sides, while four-way pallets can be lifted from all four sides. Four-way pallets are more versatile and easier to handle, making them more popular in most industries.

Materials

Pallets can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, metal, and paper. Wood pallets are the most common, accounting for over 90% of all pallets in use. They are relatively cheap, easy to repair, and can be reused multiple times.

Plastic pallets are more durable than wood and have a longer lifespan. They are also resistant to moisture, insects, and bacteria, making them ideal for transporting food and pharmaceutical products. Metal pallets are the most durable and can carry heavy loads, but they are also the most expensive.

Sizes

Pallet sizes vary by region and industry, but the most common sizes are the 48" x 40" and the 42" x 42" pallets. The 48" x 40" pallet is the standard size used in North America, while the 42" x 42" pallet is used in the beverage industry.

Other standard sizes include the 48" x 48", 36" x 36", and 40" x 48" pallets. Custom pallet sizes can also be made to meet specific customer requirements.

Applications

Pallets are used in a wide variety of industries for storing, handling, and transporting goods. They are used in shipping and transportation to move products from one location to another, and in warehousing and storage to stack and store products efficiently.

Pallets are also used in manufacturing and production to move raw materials and finished products. In addition, they are used in retail to display products and to make restocking easier and more efficient.

Who Makes Pallets?

There are many companies in the UK that make Pallets, one of them is https://www.thepalletcompany.co.uk/, we called them to state we are writing a piece on Pallets and we had some questions, first they didn’t believe us, why would one of the country’s iconic and premier online cultural magazines want to write a piece on Pallets?

Then they thought we were competition.

We asked them how much Pallets cost to make and to buy, they asked how many we wanted and where we wanted them delivering to etc.

We said we’d get back to them.

But this reporter did some additional research and found out Pallet costs range from £5 - £25 per Pallet, depending on if they are new or used.

So there you have it.

So Pallet Lovers

Pallets are an essential part of modern commerce and logistics. They have revolutionised the way goods are transported and stored, making it easier, more efficient, and more cost-effective. With their versatility, durability, and wide range of applications, pallets will continue to play a vital role in various industries for years to come.

Now you know the above you can impress your mates or Boo with your definitive knowledge about Pallets when you come across one.

You’re welcome and don’t mention it kid.