If you’re looking to buy new wooden pallets for your business, there are a few things that need to be considered. One thing is the toxicity of the wood used in making them. With more and more people becoming concerned with their health these days (and rightly so), it would make sense to know exactly what type of materials you’re going to be working with.

Luckily, there are a few ways you can test for the toxicity of wood before it’s used on your site. One thing that should not be ignored is checking out what kind of certificates and labeling pallets have been received prior to purchase or shipment (if they were shipped). Wood from Europe and Asia has a high chemical content in it, so you have to watch out. The best way to test for that is by using the odor of wood—the more pungent and offensive the smell, then the higher the chance there could be toxins inside.

What are toxins in pallets?

Pallets are built using wood, and sometimes different types of chemicals to preserve the integrity of that wood. Sometimes this means gluing together other pieces in order to make bigger parts for building a pallet. These could mean plywood boards or chips (or even sawdust) glued onto regular planks—it’s not entirely clear what they were made of before being glued together.

How can you test for toxins in wooden pallets?

The best way to do this is by using a handheld metal detector or doing an X-ray scan. The latter method will more than likely be too expensive for most people’s liking but if you have the money and want to go down that route, then more power to you. The handheld metal detector is a much cheaper option and provides just as accurate results. You can find these at most hardware stores or even online via Amazon for $20 upwards (and less if you shop around). Make sure it’s an industrial-grade one though that doesn’t require batteries—you want to make sure it’s getting a strong signal from the metals in the wood.

How can you test for toxins without using metal detectors?

If you have neither access nor funds to purchase either of these items, there is another way that generally works too—but not 100% percent of the time. The best thing about this method is that it doesn’t require any equipment at all. Just a little time and patience to do the research yourself!

The first thing you need to look for is which country your pallets are coming from, as this will give you an idea of what kind of chemicals they used in making them (if any). A simple Google search can reveal all the information you need. The best countries to look for are Canada and New Zealand as these have some of the lowest chemical content in their wood—and, therefore, pallets they produce too.

Next comes checking out which type of glue was used on those parts that were glued together (if any). This is done by looking at the color of the pallet—the whiter they are, the higher chance that formaldehyde was used.

Finally, you need to check where it’s been shipped from and stored. The longer a pallet has been left in one area or country (especially humid ones like Brazil), then there’s more chance for chemical content to build up.

What are the dangers of working with wooden pallets?

The biggest danger is that you will not be aware of what’s exactly in them, or how toxic they could potentially be—especially if just using a handheld metal detector and no other equipment for testing. This means your workers can come into contact with this type of material, and even the products that you’re selling could be affected.

Conclusion

It can be difficult to test for the toxicity of wooden pallets but using these methods will help you do it as best as possible with what’s available to you. Toxins are harmful to everyone, but especially those that are handling the pallets and using them for their products.

Unaka Forest Products delivers pallets that are free from harmful toxins are a made from the highest quality wood. Get in touch with us today to know more!

If you’re looking to buy new wooden pallets for your business, there are a few things that need to be considered. One thing is the toxicity of the wood used in making them. With more and more people becoming concerned with their health these days (and rightly so), it would make sense to know exactly what type of materials you’re going to be working with.

Luckily, there are a few ways you can test for the toxicity of wood before it’s used on your site. One thing that should not be ignored is checking out what kind of certificates and labeling pallets have been received prior to purchase or shipment (if they were shipped). Wood from Europe and Asia has a high chemical content in it, so you have to watch out. The best way to test for that is by using the odor of wood—the more pungent and offensive the smell, then the higher the chance there could be toxins inside.

What are toxins in pallets?

Pallets are built using wood, and sometimes different types of chemicals to preserve the integrity of that wood. Sometimes this means gluing together other pieces in order to make bigger parts for building a pallet. These could mean plywood boards or chips (or even sawdust) glued onto regular planks—it’s not entirely clear what they were made of before being glued together.

How can you test for toxins in wooden pallets?

The best way to do this is by using a handheld metal detector or doing an X-ray scan. The latter method will more than likely be too expensive for most people’s liking but if you have the money and want to go down that route, then more power to you. The handheld metal detector is a much cheaper option and provides just as accurate results. You can find these at most hardware stores or even online via Amazon for $20 upwards (and less if you shop around). Make sure it’s an industrial-grade one though that doesn’t require batteries—you want to make sure it’s getting a strong signal from the metals in the wood.

How can you test for toxins without using metal detectors?

If you have neither access nor funds to purchase either of these items, there is another way that generally works too—but not 100% percent of the time. The best thing about this method is that it doesn’t require any equipment at all. Just a little time and patience to do the research yourself!

The first thing you need to look for is which country your pallets are coming from, as this will give you an idea of what kind of chemicals they used in making them (if any). A simple Google search can reveal all the information you need. The best countries to look for are Canada and New Zealand as these have some of the lowest chemical content in their wood—and, therefore, pallets they produce too.

Next comes checking out which type of glue was used on those parts that were glued together (if any). This is done by looking at the color of the pallet—the whiter they are, the higher chance that formaldehyde was used.

Finally, you need to check where it’s been shipped from and stored. The longer a pallet has been left in one area or country (especially humid ones like Brazil), then there’s more chance for chemical content to build up.

What are the dangers of working with wooden pallets?

The biggest danger is that you will not be aware of what’s exactly in them, or how toxic they could potentially be—especially if just using a handheld metal detector and no other equipment for testing. This means your workers can come into contact with this type of material, and even the products that you’re selling could be affected.

Conclusion

It can be difficult to test for the toxicity of wooden pallets but using these methods will help you do it as best as possible with what’s available to you. Toxins are harmful to everyone, but especially those that are handling the pallets and using them for their products.

Unaka Forest Products delivers pallets that are free from harmful toxins are a made from the highest quality wood. Get in touch with us today to know more!

Pallets are now usually treated with heat and/or pressure to improve their durability and prolong their life span. This is especially important when these pallets are being used for packing goods that will be shipped overseas or long distances since treated wood withstands the weather much better than untreated wood does.

However, it is not always a good idea to use only heat-treated wooden pallets as they may emit toxic fumes if burned. It is always a good idea to use heat-treated pallets for building temporary structures like storage sheds as well.

They are also very useful in places where there have been outbreaks of fire, especially when used around the house but it is important that they be stacked away from other combustible materials and waste paper should be stored in sealed plastic bags and not be left lying around.

How to identify a treated or untreated wooden pallet?

When looking at a wooden pallet and checking whether it has been heat-treated or not, the best way to do so is by looking for resin pockets that are visible on both sides of every board. In untreated wood, these will be brownish in color while they will appear green when the wood is treated with pressure.

The presence of resin pockets is also another way to identify a heat-treated wood as all the other boards will have these.

Benefits of using treated wood for your projects

There  are many benefits of using treated wood for your projects and some of them are:

-Treated wood is water-resistant which means it will not rot easily

-It can handle severe weather conditions like rain, humidity, or even snow

-They have a longer lifespan than untreated wooden pallets.

Treated pallets are great for building structures like temporary storage sheds, but they should never be used to store combustible materials or waste paper.

The dangers of untreated wooden pallets

Untreated wooden pallets can cause insect infestations because they are prone to mold and rotting. The best way to make sure that pallets are safe for use is by making sure that the wood has been processed in a plant with an approved HACCP certification.

Why you should always use treated wooden pallets when shipping overseas

Wooden pallets are used worldwide for the purpose of transporting goods and they are usually made out of pine or spruce wood. However, before using them it is important to make sure that they have been heat-treated as this will not only prolong their life span but also protect the packaged items from damage caused by water or insects.

It is also important to check whether the wooden pallets have a stamp or label on them that confirms they are heat-treated.

The side effects of using untreated wooden pallets when shipping overseas

Some countries require wood packaging materials to be treated in order for it to ensure safety and prevent damage during transportation, but not all types of woods can be heat-treated.

Sometimes untreated pallets can carry bacteria, mold, or fungus when shipped overseas that can make people sick so it is important to never use untreated wooden pallets when shipping overseas.

Final Verdict

There are many health and safety benefits of using treated wood for shipping overseas. All types of wooden pallets can be heat-treated, but it is important to make sure that they have been properly processed at a plant with a HACCP certification stamp or label before you use them.

Unaka Forest Products offers top-quality wooden pallets that are free from any toxins and chemicals that may harm you, your family, or the environment.

You can trust Unaka Forest Products to provide only top-quality wooden pallets and other forest products for both domestic and international shipping projects. Get in touch today to know more!

In the pallet industry the term ‘life cycle’ refers to the total amount of time a pallet will last. This could be as little as 6 months if the pallets are not stored properly, or in excess of 12 years if they are handled and stored correctly. As a pallet can cost anything from $8 to $30 per piece, it makes sound economic sense to ensure the pallets last as long as possible.

6 months is generally considered to be the minimum recommended life cycle for outside storage conditions (assuming no treatment). This should include inside storage for part of the year. If you store your pallets outside, make sure they are protected from the elements at all times, stored on hard ground (paving slabs/tarmac), and covered with a tarpaulin or similar when not in use.

Store Pallets on Their Side

Always try to Store pallets on their side, stacked in rows of three or four. This will help to prevent warping and splitting. Make sure the pallets are dry at all times, and that they don’t have any wet or damp patches, as this can encourage wood decay.

Why rows of three or four? We’ve found it’s easier to handle and move two stacks of pallets as opposed to one long single stack. If you keep pallets upright, you may find that collisions occur as people walk past the stack. The reason we recommend rows of three or four is simply because it’s much easier to move a stack of 3 x 4 pallets than a single tall one.

Save Them from the Seasons

If you need to store your pallets outside over winter, we would suggest treating them first by impregnating them. You should then store them inside during the warmer months and then bring them back outside over winter. The seasons are the biggest killer of pallets, and to minimize this effect you should also consider hosing down your pallets or sealing them with a moisture barrier spray.

Treat Your Pallets!

One of the easiest ways to help extend the life cycle of your wood pallets is by treating them.  We recommend impregnating (pressure-treating) your pallets with a non-toxic wood preservative. This will help to prevent fungal attacks and prolong the life of your investment.

If you would prefer not to use pressure treatment, then any quality wood preservative should be adequate for most applications. However, please bear in mind that you will need to apply a new coat of wood preservative at least once per year.

Use Your Pallets Wisely & They Will Last!

Once you have your pallets, it’s important that you use them wisely. This means using them in the correct manner for their intended purpose. Pallets are designed to be used by machines and so they do not react well when subjected to abusive handling techniques by manpower alone.

We recommend treating all pallets before use and then always stack them in dry conditions. You should lift from underneath when stacking and avoid dragging the pallets across surfaces as this can cause damage to the wood.

Conclusion

Again, if you take care of your pallets and store them properly then they will last for many years!  This is a great opportunity to reduce your environmental footprint. We estimate that you can save more than 70% on the cost of new pallets by re-using older ones!

For more information about how to store pallets properly, or for any questions regarding our other products and services, please feel free to get in touch with us. Unaka Forest Products are committed to offering you a service that is second to none and we look forward to assisting you with your pallet requirements.

When you are shipping any kind of cargo, from small to large objects, it is important that you choose the right pallet. There are many varieties of pallets available in the market today and each one has its own purpose. This article will help you understand some of the different kinds of pallets and things to consider before choosing a particular type.

Pallets have been around for hundreds of years and they are one of the most important components in any kind of shipping industry, big or small. But what makes these pallets so special and popular? Its versatility, strength, ease to manufacture and low cost is a vital factor. Pallets are extremely versatile as they can be used to carry a variety of cargoes, making shipping economical. There is no need to acquire a new pallet each time you have to ship different kinds of cargo as they can be used to carry all types of products.

Different Shapes of the Pallets

Pallets come in different sizes and shape like standard pallets which are 48 inches by 40 inches or 58 by 48 inches. These are the most commonly used pallets and they can be found in almost any warehouse, shipping yard, or retail store. There are also platform-type carriages that can be placed on top of trucks for hauling goods over long distances.

Pallets come with steel frames to make them more stable and strong. Wood is the main material used to make pallets and some manufacturers use steel trusses to provide strength to the pallet. The wood used is usually made from pine, fir, or redwood as these woods are easily available in almost all parts of the world.

Different Types of Pallets

Pallets can be divided into two types: first-use and returnable. First-use pallets cannot be recycled and the pallets are often used for single use only. These are not safe to re-use since they can be contaminated by diseases or chemicals that may have been on them when shipped the first time.

Returnable pallets, however, can be recycled and reused over and over again. They are specially designed with locking systems that keep them stable during transit. This type of pallet is almost always made from wood and they are more expensive than the first-use variety.

Safety Considerations When Using a Wooden Pallet

Since a lot of pallets have nails sticking out, it is advisable that you wear protective shoes when walking around them to avoid injuries caused by puncture wounds. You can also use pallet mats for easy maneuvering.

You should also be careful of using damaged or broken pallets as they may become hazardous to workers around them and other people who may come in contact with this kind of cargo.

Conclusion

It all depends on your cargo when choosing a particular pallet. Before shipping cargo with wooden pallets, it is advisable that you check whether there are any harmful chemicals or microorganisms in your products that can harm the pallet when shipped together.

Unaka Forest is a leading pallet producer in Tennessee, using high-quality wood and the latest manufacturing technology to create our products. We’re available for any questions you may have; simply contact us to learn more about our services.

In general, pallets make up more than half of the total cost of shipping goods. This is why they are one of the most highly competitive logistics services in the world. Since the 1970s, plastic pallets have been an increasingly common substitute for wooden ones mainly because wood serves as a breeding ground for mites and bacteria. Today’s dominant pallets are made of plastic to get rid of insects and bacteria.

However, many people still prefer wooden pallets because they are cheaper, more durable, and easier on the environment. So how do wooden pallets compare with plastic ones? This article is going to tell you everything you need to know about wooden pallets vs. plastic ones.

Plastic Pallets Are More Expensive Than Wooden Ones

The price of plastic pallets is much higher than that of wooden ones. The reason behind this is that it takes more energy to manufacture the former ones. As a result, they are more expensive and require you to offer better rates in order to be competitive. That’s why they have become less popular over time as carriers look for other options that are not as costly.

Wooden pallets can be reused up to 10 times

Wooden pallets are much more durable and can be reused up to ten times. The life span of a plastic pallet is 24 months on average, whereas that of a wooden pallet is three to eight years. This discrepancy comes from the fact that wood is less likely to break down if treated correctly. As a rule of thumb, you should replace wood pallets whenever you notice them being damaged or scorched.

Wooden Pallets Have a Lower Carbon Footprint than Plastic Ones

Wooden pallets have a lower carbon footprint than plastic ones. Since they’re reusable, they don’t produce any waste during the shipping process. Moreover, since there is less processing involved in making them, their manufacturing process has a smaller environmental impact as well.

Wood Is Stronger Than Plastic

Wood is stronger than plastic, and wooden pallets hold more weight compared to plastic ones. While a standard wooden pallet can hold up to 1,000 pounds, a plastic pallet can support only 500 pounds. The reason for this disparity is that wood has greater tensile strength than plastic. That’s why it doesn’t break easily as opposed to plastic.

Conclusion

Wooden pallets are better than plastic pallets. They’re more durable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective over time. That’s why you should always opt for them over plastic ones. At Unaka Forest Products, we have the best quality wooden pallets that will get stay by your side for ages.

One of the top concerns for buyers of wooden pallets is always going to be safety. After all, customers are buying these products and shipping goods in them that will end up on store shelves or in people’s homes, so it is important they can trust their supplier to deliver safe pallets. If your business ships pallets often, here are five tips to help keep your wooden pallets safe.

Keep It Clean

While it may not always be possible or practical to disinfect a pallet, there are other things you can do to ensure cleanliness. For example, make sure employees wash their hands before they handle the pallets and make sure they know how important it is that they don’t have any open cavities or sores when they handle them. If you live in a humid climate, make sure pallets are kept somewhere dry and well ventilated so mold and mildew can’t grow on them.

Inspect for Damage

When pallets arrive at your business, inspect each one to be sure they’re in good condition. Look for things like missing or splintered slats, a broken top board, or nails that aren’t driven in straight. All of these could present safety problems.

Spray With Disinfectant

Once you confirm a pallet is free from damage and clean, spray it with a disinfectant such as Lysol or Pine Sol. It’s a good idea to do this every time you handle the pallet.

Label

Label your pallets, especially if they’re going to be stored for a long period of time; so even if the top board is damaged or missing, there will be no confusion as to what product was shipped in that particular pallet.

Mark IDs

When your pallets are loaded into crates to ship, print the company name and ID on both ends of the crate so if there’s ever an issue with a delivery or a shipment, you’ll know where the problem occurred. This makes it much easier when you’re trying to figure out what went wrong with a shipment.

You can never be too sure about the safety of your pallets, here are some other things that you should always keep in mind:

• Don’t stack pallets on top of each other
• Always…ALWAYS keep your pallets in a dry place – avoid storing them outside or near water sources
• If you are going to store your pallets, use a tarp to protect them from the elements
• If you’re using recycled wood for building projects, try to minimize how much glue and nails you use so that they can be reused later on
• Make sure any metal fasteners are covered with a protective coating like paint or varnish before stacking the boards together

Conclusion

As you can see there are several things that need to be done in order to ensure wood pallets are safe from damage. From sorting the boards when they come out of storage, to stacking and securing them properly, it takes time and effort but it will all be worth it in the end. The more diligence you show in these areas the happier you’ll be with the results.

Unaka Forest Products are one of the leading suppliers of quality wooden pallets and pallet racking in the USA, get in touch with us today to find out more.

You might be surprised at how many lives a wooden pallet can lead. From the factory to the warehouse, to the truck, and onto your store shelves, here are five things you never knew about a humble piece of wood that’s as inexpensive as it is eco-friendly.

Pallets Are Older Than You Think… By Quite A Few Years.

Originally made from oak, for centuries wood pallets were used to build ships. After decades of seeing service at sea, the wooden pallets would eventually make their way back to land and into use as industrial shipping containers. It wasn’t until 1906 that a Nevada-based company first patented the modern-day version of this cost-effective material.

This early design’s many iterations evolved into the pallets you see today, which are sturdy enough for use with almost any type of load.

“According to the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association, nearly $200 billion worth of products finds their way onto pallets each year.”

Wooden Pallets Aren’t Always Wooden

You probably didn’t know that not all pallets are made out of wood, in fact, the alternative is pretty common as well. The most popular alternatives include plywood and chipboard which can be used to make pallets or even plastic ones! But try to avoid plastic, largely because it’s not worth your time or money.

Some of the most durable wooden pallets are made of oak, a valuable but tough wood that is also resistant to mold, and many other things which can destroy even the strongest pallets.

They’re Extremely Durable

Aside from the usual wear and tear, wooden pallets tend to last in excess of 20 years. When it comes time for replacement, often a new life can be found for the old one with second-hand goods stores, scrap metal companies, or even as kindling! You can even get them custom-made for special projects, as long as you’re willing to pay.

It doesn’t matter if they’ve been exposed to extreme conditions such as desert heat or ocean moisture, wooden pallets are very likely to make it through all of this in one piece. In fact, many shipping companies require that their cargo arrives in wooden pallets.

Pallets Are Versatile

Well, they make great bases for picnic tables but did you know that wooden pallets are used for a lot more than carrying goods? In fact, you can find them in homes, cars, boats, and even art galleries. They have so many uses! It all depends on how you use them.

You can even find wooden pallets in the funniest places like sandboxes and playgrounds, where they make great toys because of their flexibility! They’re usually strong enough to support your children’s weight but flexible enough for your children to play with too.

Bang For Your Buck

A wooden pallet only costs around $8 which makes it one of the cheapest ways to transport goods. And that makes them really easy on your wallet.

It doesn’t matter how many goods you have to move, wooden pallets are the most cost-effective way to transport them without sacrificing safety. Sometimes it’s even cheaper than cardboard boxes!

Conclusion

It’s easy to see why wooden pallets are so popular. Because they’re both strong and cheap, these simple but highly versatile pieces of wood make a great choice for almost any type of business that has goods to move.

They may not be the flashiest thing in the world but wooden pallets are one of those things you really don’t notice until you need them. At Unaka Forest Products, we manufacture the finest wooden pallets in the United States. Contact us today to find out how we can make you some custom wooden pallets and other great building products!

Lumber prices have been on the rise, with no sign of stopping any time soon. A combination of high demand and lowered infrastructural capacity has led to some of the highest lumber pricing in memory.

One unexpected consequence of these higher lumber prices: the humble pallet has become a cost consideration for many customers. As prices have skyrocketed, many companies are searching for ways to save money while still getting the same pallet performance.

Check out our top tips to reduce pallet pricing for small businesses to keep shipping costs low and profits high in this increasingly challenging business landscape. For more information on pallet pricing or to get a quote, call Unaka Forest Products in Jonesborough, TN, today!

Buy Reconditioned Pallets

Many pallet suppliers and transport companies have started reconditioning wooden pallets as a way to save of saving on new timber costs. Reconditioned pallets must still comply with international shipping regulations, making them an excellent choice for most small businesses. If you’re a high-volume pallet purchaser, even small savings on an individual pallet will create large-scale savings when translated into total pallet pricing.

Consider the Combo Pallet

Combo pallets contain a mix of new and used lumber. Although usually cheaper than brand-new pallets, these pallets still offer the same quality and performance. However, since these combo pallets still depend on new lumber, you can expect their prices to rise as long as lumber demand stays high.

Sell Pallets as Scrap Wood

Pallets have a defined lifespan, and there’s only so much you can do to fix damaged pallets. Instead of throwing these pallets away, why not sell them to reconditioning companies or as scrap wood to recoup costs? Individual pallet pricing will stay low, but economies of scale make this a worthwhile option for large-volume buyers.

Selling pallets also helps reduce recycling and removal costs. In most cases, you can negotiate with the reconditioning company to cover removal costs, saving you another expense.

Stockpile Pallets

Companies with the space to store large amounts of pallets should consider stockpiling them during a drop in pallet pricing. Staying informed on pallet pricing means that you can take advantage of any short-term price drops and have a steady supply to keep up with your pallet loads when prices increase later.

Create a Private Pallet Pool

Consider combining resources with other small companies to combat high demand pallet prices. Forming a private pallet pool makes sense for suppliers who only ship within a small radius because recovering pallets for reuse is easy and inexpensive. However, national or international companies may find the shipping costs of getting their pallets back higher than simply buying new pallets.
The high demand for lumber doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. The financial implications of this demand affect many different aspects of your business, including pallet pricing. While you can take steps to reduce their costs, don’t overlook the value of a strong relationship with your pallet supplier.

At Unaka Forest Products, we built a reputation as a premier pallet supplier for businesses nationwide with over 40 years of pallet manufacturing experience. Get in touch today by calling our Jonesborough, TN, team at (423) 753-9576 to find out how we can help keep your pallet costs low and your logistics chain running smoothly and affordably.

Although often overlooked, wooden pallets are a crucial part of every supply chain and can last a long time if cared for properly. Neglected pallets cause escalating costs, delays in shipping, and underperformance in packaging capability. Even if you purchase the most expensive pallets available, they won’t last long if you don’t take steps to maintain them. To help you care for your pallets and resolve your pallet problems, check out these easy-to-implement tips and suggestions.

For help resolving your pallet problems, get in touch with Unaka Forest Products at (423) 753-9576 in Jonesborough, TN.

1.Prevent Mold Growth

Mold growth affects many wooden pallets, especially in humid, warm conditions. Most molds love organic materials, and even the smallest amount of moisture can trigger severe mold concerns.

Improve handling stability by wrapping pallets in stretch wrapping, but be wary of unventilated wrapping — it can cause accumulated moisture and increase mold growth. It’s vital to release the trapped moisture by using tear-resistant stretch film and cutting vents at the pallet openings. This solution retains handling stability while also removing the potential for mold growth on the pallet.

2.Learn about Lumber Grade

Pallet manufacturers often construct pallets from low-grade lumber that has warps, holes, and splits. Although pallets may have aesthetic defects, rest assured that manufacturers must perform safety and performance tests before grading lumber for commercial pallet use. Most imperfections you see, such as splits in the wood, don’t affect the pallet’s usability as long as they are cosmetic and addressed by properly securing the pallet slats.

It’s vital pallet customers understand pallet grading and which lumber defects to fix to know if their pallets are stable or problematic. At Unaka Forest Products, we source lumber and construct pallets on-site to ensure that all of our pallets perform well, regardless of the lumber grade we use.

3. Address Exposed Nail Heads

Nail heads are a major pallet problem. Not only are exposed nail heads a safety risk, but they can also damage the product on the pallet. Unlike some other pallet performance issues, pallet suppliers are responsible for fixing exposed nails. If you notice exposed nails, or “shiners,” on your pallet, make sure to contact your supplier to resolve the issue.

4. Avoid Mishandling Failures

Cross-docking puts a lot of pressure on pallets, as it involves pushing, pulling, and twisting unit loads into position. While pallet manufacturers account for some harsh pallet handling, mishandling will often push pallets past their limits and cause unit load damage or other accidents.

As a premier pallet supplier, we produce pallets that have added components to improve severe handling resistance. However, you should also consider your methods and processes for handling pallets and consider if your material handling system causes undue strain that results in pallet problems.

5. Use the Correct Handling System for Your Pallet Size

Long pallets present a handling issue when they extend past the forklift tines. When the center of gravity sits over the end of the tines, it places severe stress on the pallet, breaking the top deck board or bottom end board.

We always recommend that our customers use a handling system that matches their pallet size. Sturdier deck boards may alleviate the issue, but this handling technique is a safety hazard. Avoid dangerous workplace accidents with a thorough review of the handling system.

Pallet problems can arise from several underlying causes. While it’s easy to blame pallet quality, consider your needs when selecting your pallets. Working with an expert pallet consultant can alleviate most pallet problems and lead to better pallet performance.

If you want the best results from your pallets or advice on resolving your pallet problems, call Unaka Forest Products at (423) 753-9576 in Jonesborough, TN, today!