Pallets are one of the most widely used components by most organisations all over the world when it comes to the transportation of goods. They offer several amazing advantages, which has kept its popularity strong over the years. Traditionally, the choice of material for pallets has always been wood. However, usage of plastic pallets is also on the rise.

The Pros and Cons of Wood Pallets

When it comes to shipping, wood pallets are the most common choice. They are not only suitable for domestic but also for international shipping. Take a look at some of the pros and cons.

The Advantages: Here are some of the advantages of using wood pallets.

• They are more cost-effective option compared to plastic pallets.

• You can easily order custom pallets based on wood.

• Wood pallets are better for the environment as they are natural.

• It is quite easy to recycle wood pallets.

• If damaged, they can be repaired quite easily.

• The maintenance requirements are low.

• Wood pallets are more robust and are capable of holding more weight.

• Wood offers more friction and thereby it reduces sliding and shifting.

The Disadvantages: There are quite a few disadvantages of using wood pallets.

• Wood pallets are prone to splintering upon breaking, which can be a safety hazard.

• The porous surface of the wood makes the pallets prone to issues like fungus and bugs.

• Wood pallets are difficult to clean properly.

How Situations Affect Pallet Choice

The choice between wood and plastic pallets often comes down to the exact situation you find yourself in. Here are a few probable situations that you may find yourself in.

How Much Weight Do the Pallets Need to Handle?

Pallet and wood pallets have different weight ratings. Plastic pallets are generally incapable of handling goods that weigh more than 1500 pounds. To ship heavier items, you have to choose wood pallets which can handle up to 3,000 pounds.

How Are the Pallets Managed?

Wood pallets are preferable in situations where the pallets are not returned or where the return rate is too low. In such situations, you can use a third party to manage the pallets and pass on the costs of the pallets to the customer.

Consider the Environmental Impact

As an organisation in today's world, it is your responsibility to assess the impact made by your processes on the environment. This applies to your usage of pallets as well. If you want to decrease the impact made by your organisation, opt for wooden pallets. These are of natural material and can be easily recycled. Repairing them is easy as well which is not the case with plastic. These pallets are impossible to repair since plastic have a higher shelf life.

Do You Need Custom Designs?

If your organisation requires custom packaging designs, wood should be the preferred material. Wood can be customised more easily than plastic.

It is good to keep the above points in mind when going for pallets. Also do not forget to work with the right manufacturer to make the most out of your investments.