Choosing a pallet for international shipping requires more than selecting a size that fits your product.
Export pallets need to work with the product, handling equipment, storage system, transportation process, and applicable wood packaging requirements.
For businesses shipping products internationally, pallet selection should be considered early in the shipping process.
1. Determine the Product Requirements
Start with the product being shipped.
Consider:
- Product dimensions
- Product weight
- Load distribution
- Product shape
- Packaging configuration
- Number of products per pallet
The pallet should provide an appropriate foundation for the product and support the way the load will be handled during transportation.
2. Choose the Appropriate Pallet Size
The pallet dimensions should be compatible with the product and transportation system.
A pallet that is too small may create product overhang or instability. A pallet that is unnecessarily large can consume additional warehouse and transportation space.
For unusual product dimensions, a custom pallet may provide a better solution.
3. Consider Forklift and Pallet-Jack Access
International shipments can be handled multiple times during transportation.
Your pallet may be moved through:
- Manufacturing facilities
- Warehouses
- Loading docks
- Distribution centers
- Ports
- Transportation terminals
Consider whether two-way or four-way entry is appropriate for the equipment and facilities involved.
4. Understand ISPM-15 Requirements
One of the most important considerations for wooden pallets used in international trade is ISPM-15.
ISPM-15 addresses wood packaging material used in international shipping and is intended to reduce the risk of pests being transported through untreated wood packaging.
Depending on the shipment and destination, wood pallets may need to meet applicable treatment and marking requirements.
5. Consider Heat Treatment
Heat-treated wood pallets can be used when applicable international shipping requirements call for treated wood packaging.
Before ordering pallets, confirm the requirements associated with your destination country and shipment.
Viking Pallet provides ISPM-15 heat-treated wood pallet solutions for customers whose international shipping applications require compliant wood packaging.
6. Consider the Transportation Process
International shipments may travel through several stages before reaching the final customer.
Think about:
- Truck transportation
- Warehousing
- Container loading
- Port handling
- Unloading
- Distribution
- Final delivery
The pallet should be appropriate for the complete transportation and handling process.
7. Consider Container and Trailer Space
Pallet dimensions can influence how efficiently products fit inside shipping containers and trailers.
When selecting a pallet, consider how many pallets can fit into the transportation configuration and how the product will be arranged.
A well-planned pallet design can help businesses use available shipping space more effectively.
8. Consider Product Stability
International shipments can involve long transportation distances and multiple handling points.
The pallet should provide a stable foundation for the packaged product.
Depending on the product, businesses may need to consider:
- Load distribution
- Product placement
- Pallet dimensions
- Deck configuration
- Securing methods
- Overall packaging design
9. Should You Use a Standard or Custom Export Pallet?
A standard pallet may work well when the product and transportation process fit a common pallet configuration.
A custom export pallet may be preferable when:
- The product has unusual dimensions
- The load is unusually heavy
- Container space needs to be optimized
- Specialized handling is required
- The product requires a specific pallet configuration
10. Provide the Right Information to Your Pallet Manufacturer
When ordering pallets for international shipping, provide:
- Product dimensions
- Product weight
- Pallet dimensions
- Shipping destination
- Quantity
- Handling equipment
- Storage requirements
- Container or transportation requirements
- Whether the shipment is subject to ISPM-15 requirements
- Whether pallets will be reused
This information allows the pallet manufacturer to understand the complete application.
Why Work With an Experienced Pallet Manufacturer?
Export shipments can involve strict deadlines and multiple logistical requirements.
Working with an experienced pallet manufacturer can help you address pallet specifications and treatment requirements before your shipment is ready.
Viking Pallet has been manufacturing wood pallets since 1969 and provides standard, custom, and ISPM-15 heat-treated pallet solutions for applicable shipping needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some international shipments using wood packaging are subject to ISPM-15 requirements. The applicable requirements depend on the shipment and destination.
An export pallet is a pallet used to transport products internationally. Depending on the destination and applicable regulations, the pallet may need to meet specific wood packaging treatment requirements.
Provide product dimensions, weight, pallet requirements, shipping destination, quantity, handling equipment, storage requirements, and whether the shipment requires ISPM-15-compliant wood packaging.
ISPM-15 is an international phytosanitary standard addressing wood packaging material used in international trade.
Yes. Custom pallets can be designed around product dimensions, load requirements, handling needs, transportation requirements, and applicable treatment requirements.
There is no universal answer. The appropriate entry configuration depends on the forklifts, pallet jacks, warehouses, transportation process, and other handling requirements.
Need Pallets for International Shipping?
Viking Pallet can help businesses evaluate their wood pallet requirements for domestic and international shipping.
If your shipment requires custom dimensions, specialized construction, or ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets, contact Viking Pallet to discuss your requirements before placing your order.