Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to ship a pallet with your products properly loaded and ready for shipping.

3. Choose the Right Shipping Pallet

• Choose a pallet suitable for a forklift, hand truck, or pallet jack
• Make sure the pallet is strong and free of damage
• Select a pallet that’s at least standard industry size (48” x 40”) box-style

For most freight shipping needs, there are two main pallet types:

Further Tips on How to Secure a Palletized Load

Here are some tips and guidelines for stacking to create a stable, safe and secure load:

Stacking Tips

Column Stacking

In a column stacking pattern, boxes or cartons are stacked in straight columns with no overlapping edges. In most cases, column stacking increases the top-to-bottom compression. For extra load stability, place corrugated pads – load protector pads, between the tiers.

Interlocking stacking

Interlocking stacking is useful if the carton contents are more rigid in nature. Interlocking cartons can also increase stability. With this method, boxes are stacked corner to corner and edge to edge for more strength.

Pallet Loading Tips

Bands

Banding is one of the most common ways of securing the bundled load to the pallet. The key is to keep the banding close to the load. This helps to to control damage, exposure, or breakage.

Small loads that don’t take up the full surface of the pallet should be centered and banded to the closest deck boards of the load’s outer edge to increase stability, not the pallet’s edge.

Load Protectors

Load-protector pads help to prevent damage to the top and bottom layers of your shipment. Protector pads also help to distribute the weight of top-loaded freight.

Load protectors at the bottom help to provide a level surface, plus they offer additional protection from pallet nail heads. Moreover, they also help to keep containers from getting caught up in the pallet board gaps.

Edge Boards

Edge boards, also referred to as angle boards, are an effective way of reducing damage to container edges that make up the load corners. To help unify the load, edge boards should run the full length or depth of the stack and increase vertical stacking strength.

Foam Cushioning

With foam cushioning, density levels can vary. Therefor it’s important make sure the foam you use is dense enough to protect your product. It’s also a good idea to test the cushioning to make sure it will stand up to actual shipping conditions.

Bracing

Rounded items that can roll or shift should be braced on a pallet base that’s forklift-accessible. The greater the shipping weight, the more sturdy the bracing should be.

What to Avoid

Overhangs and Protrusions

Uniformity is key to load safety and stability. Never let the loaded products overhang the vertical limits of the pallet. Not only does this increase the risk of punctures, package tears and product damage, it can also result in a reduction of compression strength by as much as 32 percent.

Pyramid Stacking

Because pyramid stacking doesn’t have a level top load surface, you not only limit the ability to maximize space and save shipping costs through stacking additional pallets, you also run the risk of additional damage through handling.

Common Pallet Shipping Questions

What are the most common pallet sizes? What are standard pallet dimensions?

Due to the scope and breadth of the food industry, the most common pallets used are CBA (Consumer Brands Association) sized pallets with dimensions of 48″ x 40″. In North America, these are considered the standard pallet dimensions.

The next most common pallet sizes are 42″ x 42″ and 48″ x 48″.

How do I pick the right pallet size?

Your required pallet size will depend on what you’re shipping. It will also depend on where you’re shipping it to, and how you plan to load and unload your freight.

A good start is to investigate common shipping procedures and materials used with similar products in your own industry. Because products and package sizes are fairly consistent, this will help you determine the appropriate pallet size.

How Do I choose the right type of pallet for shipping?

Once you have a pallet size in mind, give yourself a budget. As with wooden vs plastic pallets, some pallets are cheaper than others, with wood being the standard option. Depending on quality and material used, some can last longer and others can be easily recycled.

For example, if your products are heavy, you might want to consider a more robust type of pallet.

Additionally, the size and type of pallet you choose should also fit within your industry’s transportation and storage requirements.

Recommended Types of Pallets for LTL Shipping

For typical LTL and FTL shipping purposes, recommended pallets should have the following characteristics:

• Standard wood pallet measuring 40″ x 48″
• Have four-way entry capabilities
• Be relatively new and undamaged
• Sturdy enough to withstand heavy or light loads
• Support the full weight of the packaged products
• Withstand the handling required in the shipping environment
• Have minimal top board spacing to avoid forklift blade impact

Pallet Types to Avoid in LTL & TL Shipping

We don’t recommend these pallets in general:

• Corrugated fiberboard pallets
• Damaged or repaired pallets
• Pallets that are rotten or made of flimsy materials
• Pressed block-style pallets
• Molded pulp pallets
• Be made of materials that are prone to moisture

The reason the above items are not recommended is because these types of pallets and materials tend to lack sturdiness, stiffness, and strength of standard wood pallets.

How much do shipping pallets cost?

Pallet costs will vary depending on what they’re made of, quality of the construction and their size. If you need help determining a pallet that’s a good fit right for your product, business and logistical needs, contact our customer support team.

How can I find or buy shipping pallets?

There are a number of resources you can use to locate and purchase pallets. But keep in mind that if you buy them privately, they may be rejected because they don’t meet the standards of your shipping service.

Your logistics provider will usually have a surplus of suitable, industry approved pallets and help you negotiate effective terms to get your products shipped safely.

How much does shipping a pallet of freight cost?

Because there are so many variables, that’s a hard question to answer effectively. It depends on what you’re shipping, where your shipment is coming from and it’s going to, how much it weighs, and so much more.

To get an accurate idea of the cost for your particular needs call Brimich at 1-855-752-5783 to get a quote today.

How many containers or cartons fit on a pallet?

The number of containers or cartons that can fit on a pallet depends on what the type of product you’re shipping, its overall weight, the size of the pallet, and its stacking configuration.

With a few of these details in mind, you can use this pallet loading calculator to help you see how many items of the same size and weight you’ll be able to put on a single pallet. Keep in mind the calculator only supports containers that are of the same size and dimensions. If you have multiple sized containers, you might want to consider contacting a reliable logistics company to get a quote.

What is the weight of an empty pallet?

The average wooden pallet measuring 48” x 40” will weigh somewhere between 33 and 48 lbs (or 15 and 22 kg).

Some standard pallets weigh as little as 30 lbs, and others up to 70 lbs depending on the density and weight of the  specific material they’re made from.

How much weight can you put on a pallet?

Weight loads for standard pallets can be between 3,700 and 4,600 lbs, or 1680 and 2087 kg. Other factors include pallet capacity, dimensions, type and the material it’s made of.

How high can you stack a pallet?

Generally speaking, the maximum loaded height for a standard-sized pallet shouldn’t be more than 60” or 1.5 meters. Best practices start with the heaviest containers on the bottom and the lightest on top.

Pallets should also be loaded uniformly with straight vertical edges, in other words without leaning to one side or have protrusions beyond its boundaries. This is not only important for the protection of your products, but the safety of the those who load and unload your cargo.

How many pallets fit on an LTL?

Typically, LTL (less-than-truckload) shipments will fit between 1 and 6 pallets.

How many pallets fit in a 53 foot truck?

Assuming it’s a completely filled 53’ truck, a full truckload (FTL or TL) can hold anywhere from 24 to 30 pallets.

In Summary

Knowing how to ship a pallet properly may not be rocket science, but it makes a huge difference in controlling avoidable losses caused by damages and situations.

The overall key thing to keep in mind is safety; safety for both your products and your business’ reputation, and for those who help you move your goods.

If you need help with anything related to shipping your pallets or other logistical needs, give Brimich a call today!

Unless you’re in the business of shipping air, knowing how to calculate linear feet for shipping to maximize your package space is a must.

Imagine a Jenga stack with pieces missing, then imagine the same stack with all its pieces in tact. With no wasted space, the latter is the equivalent of a fully maximized, cost-effective truckload, whereas the former represents un-utilized space – which can ultimately cost you in inefficient freight charges.

Packing a freight truck is an art and science. If you understand how to calculate the linear feet of the cargo, you’ll achieve maximum efficiency, and help ensure your shipment is delivered on time.

Additionally, carrier companies rely heavily on accurate freight measurements – miscalculations can be disastrous. And it happens often, resulting in large fines which could have been avoided using some simple calculations.

Therefor it’s important to understand the different methods of loading shipments, and how the linear foot fits into the process of freight shipping.  

What is a Linear Foot?

There are a few ways to measure a linear foot, but in simple terms, a linear foot is 12 inches – the length of a standard ruler.

The word “linear” means straight.

For those in the United States or Canada, certain measurements are referred to using the Imperial system. For instance if someone asks you your height, your reply would typically be in linear feet and inches.

For practical purposes, a common tool for measuring linear feet for shipping would be a tape measure.

How does linear feet differ from other measurements?

With freight shipping, another common term applied has to do with volume – the measurement of three-dimensional space often noted as “cubic feet.” With these 3D measurements, carriers are better able to package the goods they need to ship.

Linear feet may be a simpler equation, but it’s most important for you as a shipper.

Why Are Linear Feet Important for Shipping?

When you need to supply the number of linear feet your cargo will take up, you’re being asked to measure how long in terms of square feet, the total length of your shipment uses. In other words, its footprint.

There’s only so much space in a truck trailer. If you accurately know how many linear feet your cargo occupies, your quote will be that much more specific which helps you plan the rest of your budget.

Based on your measurements supplied as the shipper, there are two common quote methods:

• Cost Estimation. Carriers give you the most accurate quote that they can. In order to do that they must know how much space you’re taking up on the truck. Therefor, providing an accurate measurement in linear feet allows them to make that estimation.  
• Per-Foot Adjustment Rate. Many companies will offer a per-foot adjustment rate, which means if you exceed or take up less space than originally accounted for, you’ll either be charged or deducted a certain amount.

The actual cost values for these quotes will depend on the carrier company, and how much flexibility you want in your own shipping process.

How to calculate linear feet

Calculating linear feet is really quite easy:

1. Divide the total number of pallets by 2.
2. Take this number and multiply it by the pallet length in inches.
3. Divide this number by 12, and you’ll have the shipment’s linear feet!

The Linear Foot Rule

The linear foot rule is a standardized way to charge shippers for the goods they transport. Applied to LTL (less-than truckload) shipments, it’s an affordable option that allows your freight to share the same truck space with other shipments.

The linear foot rule states that shipments occupying 10 linear feet or more of trailer space are charged for 1,000lb per foot. This rule usually applies when there are at least five pallets single-stacked or 10 pallets double-stacked.

In other words, if your palletized freight is not stackable, it has a larger footprint and therefor costs more to ship.

The Cube Rule

The cube rule applies to freight that’s light and low density, but takes up a lot of space. In terms of packaging items like paper towels can take up a lot of physical space but don’t weigh very much.

Cubic feet differ from linear feet in that it’s a three-dimensional measurement. Using a formula which includes three dimensions, plus a weight factor, allows the carrier to assign a freight class that matches the goods to be shipped.  

Shipping options

While there are several variations on both of the shipping options mentioned, there are essentially two main methods that the entire carrier industry utilizes – LTL and TL, or less-than-truckload and full truckload.

Understanding the differences between the two can save you a lot of money. Knowing how to leverage your linear foot measurements can help you take advantage of the space available within the truck.    

Avoiding Extra Fees By Using the Linear Foot Rule

When shippers fill out the paperwork for the carrier, they typically have to state how many linear feet the shipment will take up.

Simply put, understanding how to properly measure and document this dimension will help prevent you from paying unnecessary fees.

Take Accurate Measurements

Human error is, unfortunately, far too common. For instance, the shipper takes inaccurate measurements simply because they don’t know exactly what they’re supposed to be measuring.

If your freight is going to be placed on a pallet, it’s essential that you include the pallet size size in your final estimation.

As a shipper, it’s also critical that you provide accurate measurements, or face adjustment delays and additional fees. Not to mention the upset it causes to the normal flow in the supply chain.

Clarify Your Specific Freight Needs

Because of the vast difference in package and product sizes, there has to be flexibility in the loading process – therefor not all freight is loaded in the same way.

When you’re filling out the paperwork beforehand, make sure you specify that your freight requires special treatment if necessary.

Know the Dimensions of the Trailer

Not all trailers are the same size. What fits easily in one might not come close to fitting in another.

Before you attempt to load your freight at a terminal, make sure you’ve checked the trailer dimensions and confirmed your shipment will fit.

Loading Techniques

If you’re the one loading your shipment on a trailer, there are a few things to do to make sure the trailer is ready to carry your shipment safely.

• Be honest with yourself about your ability to load the shipment. Shippers tend to take on too much weight, improperly use tools, or end up seriously hurting themselves. Good advice would be to leave such tasks to the professionals.
• Double-check the area is clean and dry. If you’re shipping sensitive dry goods, moisture can ruin your products and result in a wasted shipment.

Straight loading

Straight loading is the simplest and quickest way to load pallets – lifting and sliding them directly into the trailer. But it may not be the most effective use of space.

Most pallets are 48×40 inches.

Given these dimensions, loading pallets straight into the trailer results in empty space. Empty space also makes it possible for pallets shift during transport creating a hazard.

However, straight loading can still have gaps. Therfore many companies have decided to maximize space whenever possible by pinwheeling (see below) for more efficient straight loading.  

Side loading

Side loading, as the name suggests, loads the pallets into the truck sideways. Using this method, you end up consuming all the room between the inner walls of the truck, but you still run the risk of having the pallets slide around.

Pallets don’t interlock, and as a result, can potentially create a hazard during transportation.  

Pinwheeling

Pinwheeling is the most effective method for loading palletized freight into a truck.

It’s achieved by altering the direction of every pallet in turn so that they fit snugly against one another – therefore maximizing trailer space. When you pinwheel, the interlocking pattern creates additional stability.

Final Thoughts

With a comprehensive understanding of how to calculate linear feet fo shipping and its place in the supply chain, you should be able to save yourself aggravation, time, and money on your shipments.

The concept of linear feet may be simple, but its application in shipping is extensive and will prove enormously helpful next time you plan a shipment.

Best Practices To Avoid Damaged Freight

Nothing is worse than having your goods damaged in transit. Let’s be sure your own packaging system isn’t to blame right from the start.

There’s no doubt about the amount of frustration everyone in the supply chain experiences when a shipment arrives damaged at its final destination.

Whether it’s the end-user, or the retailer who was hoping to sell a now unsalable product to a valued customer, freight damage is not only a pain for you, but can cause significant losses to your company.

The real cost of damaged freight is in lost profits, increased insurance rates and eroded relationships with customers can be avoided.

To ensure you provide the best possible protection for your goods at the start of their journey, let’s look at the best practices on how to avoid damaged freight.

1. Start With Appropriate Packaging

In order to insulate yourself from the being the source of inevitable shipping claims, correct packaging is your first critical step.

It may be the smallest cost in your supply chain, but it can have a major impact. Shortcutting on packaging can have a trickle-down effect on your more expensive costs like shipping, warehousing, and loss prevention.

Choose the right packaging material and correct size, large enough to hold the contents, and with additional necessary impact protection. Packaging that’s uniform and consistent throughout your business also makes it easy to load and stack on pallets.

Never use compromised packaging with dents, holes, tears, or water damage. A damaged container almost always means damaged contents. And stay within the maximum weight per package. You can usually find recommended weight information printed on the box maker’s certificate.

It’s also important to coordinate your packages with the correct pallet size. Adhering to matching dimensions for stacking and movement will reduce damage the boxes.

2. Consider Impact Protection

Every package should include some form of impact protection, especially for packages containing liquids, glass or otherwise fragile materials. Impact protection can mean the difference between a hassle-free shipment and a lengthy claims process.

Envelops lined with bubble wrap can provide extra cushioning for such items but the outside package will likely be soft. Therefor it’s a good idea to provide an extra layer of packaging: a hard, outer package with the smaller, impact-resistant package inside. Again, another consideration is how these packages will be arranged when palletized.

Styrofoam has been a go-to packaging material for years but comes at a risk to the environment. For a greener shipping experience, better choices are cardboard, paper, bubble wrap, biodegradable plastics, and items made from cornstarch.

3. Use Better Quality Adhesives

One of the top reasons for damaged goods is incorrectly sealing packages. Seal with strong tape that is at least two inches in width.

Better products would include pressure-sensitive plastic, water-activated reinforced tape, or water-activated paper tape. These products are strong and durable, plus they’ll hold up against potential spills and water exposure.

Avoid using typical retail products like cellophane tape, masking tape, or string, which break and rip easily.

4. Load the Trailer Efficiently

Loading a trailer properly can be considered an art form – one that has your best interests at stake.

Weight must be evenly distributed on pallets. Always stack one “tower” with the pallets or packages of the same dimensions to maintain uniformity and stability.

To avoid the crush of gravity, every three layers should have a reinforcing sheet of cardboard or similar material to help distribute weight and prevent downward-pull breakage.

Since empty space can lead to shifting and breakage, pallets and packages should be packed as close together as is reasonable.

Use self-protective techniques such as stacking lighter cargo on top of heavier cargo, and putting dry goods on top of liquid contents to prevent additional damage from leakage.

5. Label Everything

Labels are an often-overlooked yet very important part of preventing freight damage. They help shippers make correct pallet-packing decisions during the shipping process.

Without accurate identification, it’s impossible to determine a product’s fragility or durability from simply a seller’s brand or name. A label should indicate the content’s ability to handle added weight.

This may include an indicator that the contents are fragile, heavy or flammable, or declare the amount of weight a box or package can withstand before being crushed.

Labels should be bright, easily identified, and relatively limited to avoid confusion. Unless required by the carrier, multiple labels should not be used.

In the case of mislabeled packages, the incorrect label removed or marked out clearly. The correct label should also be free of stains or other damage.

6. Consider Using a 3PL Partner

If you typically ship LTL freight, packaging is even more important. LTL shipments move from hub to hub, requiring extra handling, loading and unloading more often than just traditional A to B full-truckload transactions.

A good working partnership with an experienced 3PL partner means they will assist in all aspects of making your shipping experience as easy and carefree as possible.

This includes analyzing your current packaging, giving solid advice on how to improve for less damage, and properly utilize space. This helps to make sure your freight is ideal for the carriers ensuring your rates don’t increase due to ‘bad freight.’

7. Create A Freight Plan

For any reoccurring process, having a detailed plan to refer to is always a best practice. It’s no different with your freight packaging.

First, study your current packaging practices to ensure they are at peak efficiency. Keep in mind the use of impact protection as well as consolidation methods.

Next, record your best practices on how your goods get out the door safely and efficiently. Everything from from packaging and loading pallets to loading the trailer.

Once you have these elements recorded, you can build a freight plan that outlines the exact processes, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), to be followed each time. This helps warehouse employees know exactly how things should be done for maximum productivity.

Make sure to include assessing your claims using specific metrics. Over a year, continuous damages can be a huge hit on your bottom line. Find out exactly what could be causing damages then take the necessary steps to address and fix them.

Less Freight Damage Equals More in the Bottom Line

Losses through freight damage are the single highest cost to a transportation department. Focusing on training your employees with a solid freight plan can help you avoid damaged freight at the source and ensure better relationships with your clients.

By using appropriate and thorough shipping processes you can also see a major improvement to your profit margin.