Pallets are portable rigid platforms that are designed to carry heavy loads and be transportable and stackable using machines such as forklift trucks. They come in different materials and in different sizes to suit a range of purposes and are commonly used in heavy goods transportation where items can be easily grouped and accommodated due to their common footprint. Here, we explore the characteristics of Standard and Euro pallets in the UK.

Pallet Materials

Pallets are available in a variety of materials and there are benefits to each of them. Choosing a pallet depends on the items to be transported, budget, health and safety and disposal considerations.

The most common type of pallet is wood. It is the cheapest option and represents an excellent option for most purposes. Wooden pallets are not suitable for transporting food, drinks or chemicals, but for all other items, they are ideal. Some wooden pallets can be recycled although those that have been treated cannot be burned.

Plastic pallets are gathering popularity as they are suitable for use for all purposes and industries, being durable, washable and recyclable. Plastic pallets are often recycled into new plastic pallets, giving them an almost endless life cycle.

Metal pallets are very expensive but capable of moving extremely heavy loads. They can withstand extreme temperature conditions and variations, can be cleaned and are unlikely to ever need replacing. They are most commonly seen in the aerospace industry.

Advancements in paper technology have led to the advent of corrugated paper pallets. They are not yet as popular as other pallet types but can accommodate similar loads to wooden pallets with the advantage that they are cleaner and recyclable. They do not splinter and are reasonably lightweight.

Pallet Sizes

There is no standard pallet size which is applicable worldwide and even closer to home, UK Standard pallets do not have the same measurements as European Standard pallets. Depending on where you wish to store or transport your heavy items to and from, it is important to ensure that you clarify the pallet size being discussed as getting this wrong could cost more, inject delays into the supply chain or even result in your load being rejected.

The most common pallet sizes used in the UK are the UK Standard pallet which measures 1200x1000mm and the Euro pallet which measures 1200x800mm. The Euro pallet measurement is recognised as the norm across Europe and is one of the six pallet types that are recognised by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

Choosing between UK standard and Euro pallets in the UK

Choosing which pallet to use will first depend on the size and weight of the item or items which are to be stored or transported on the pallet. Your item must fit comfortably within the dimensions of the pallet in order for storage space to be maximised in the warehouse or on the lorry that will transport it. Some transport companies will specify the type of pallet that they will transport and if your item is too large to fit comfortably on it, they may ask that you spread your item across two pallets however this will cost twice as much, so it is always worth trying to find a transporter that can accommodate the size of pallet that best suits your load.

Some pallets have a maximum load capacity and as Euro pallets are thinner than UK standard pallets, you should always confirm that they will be capable of carrying the weight of your load if one is specified by your chosen warehouse, storage facility or transporter.

If your item is to remain in the UK or travel within Europe, your choices are the Euro pallet or the UK standard pallet. Both pallets are available in all of the materials listed above and which you choose will depend on your budget and plans for reuse, resale or recycling.

Summary

Other than dimensions, there is little difference between UK standard pallets and Euro pallets. Euro pallets in the UK are often cheaper to buy than standard pallets, and if the item or items that you wish to store or transport will fit on them, can represent excellent value for money as well as providing peace of mind that they will be accepted anywhere within the UK and Europe.

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