UK pallet delivery: the benefits
More businesses are opting for pallet delivery to increase operational efficiency and protect goods during transportation.
In this blog post, we explore the benefits of UK pallet delivery.
What is pallet delivery?
Pallet delivery is a method of transporting consignments, including heavy and bulky items, from one location to another.
The process begins with the items or containers being placed on a pallet and secured with straps, stretch wrap, or shrink wrap, before being collected by a logistics provider and transported to its chosen destination.
Pallets, as opposed to standard freight delivery roots, tend to provide more protection to consignments by adding extra support and padding. Pallet delivery is typically a more stable mode of transportation because pallets are stronger and can support more weight, reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Pallet load sizes
When it comes to UK pallet delivery services, there are typically four pallet sizes to choose from. The table below shows these:
| Pallet Size | Dimensions |
| Micro | Length: 1200mm
Width: 1000mm Height: 600mm Max Weight: 150kg |
| Quarter | Length: 1200mm
Width: 1000mm Height: 600mm Max Weight: 250kg |
| Half | Length: 1200mm
Width: 1000mm Height: 1000mm Max Weight: 500kg |
| Full | Length: 1200mm
Width: 1200mm Height: 2200mm Max Weight: 1200kg |
When selecting one of the above pallets, it is critical to understand your load size in order to obtain the most cost-effective delivery price.
The benefits of block pallets
Block pallets, also known as ‘four-way pallets’, are the most popular in the UK due to their strength and durability. They are typically made up of nine blocks that form a solid structure, with one in each corner, the centre of each side, and the pallet centre supporting the unit load. Below we have listed some of the advantages that come with using block pallets:
Accessibility: These pallets offer ‘four-way’ accessibility. This allows forklifts or pallet jacks to access and lift them from all four sides, making them extremely manoeuvrable. This feature enables faster loading and unloading, increasing operational efficiency during shipment.
Strength: The durable design of block pallets increases load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for heavy products or items that require additional protection during transportation.
Affordability: They also strike a perfect balance between functionality and affordability. Their usage of wood, which is abundant as a raw material, keeps costs low for businesses looking for an effective solution that remains within their budget.
Standardisation: Their adherence to strict size and weight regulations ensures seamless integration with network hubs and trailers, minimising delays during transfers. This standardisation also simplifies inventory management for businesses participating in the network.
Stackability: The uniform design allows for secure stacking, maximising storage space within warehouses and optimising trailer capacity. This efficient use of space translates to cost savings for both network operators and businesses utilising the network.
Reusability and sustainability: Block pallets are designed for multiple journeys within the network. With proper maintenance, they can be used repeatedly, minimising waste and contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.
Block pallets are the workhorses of the UK pallet network system. Their combination of strength, affordability, and operational efficiency make them the preferred choice for businesses looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution for the transportation of goods.
Pallet distribution networks
A pallet distribution network is a collection of transport and haulage companies that each serve a specific region, typically based on their business postcode.
Each transport company collects consignments from their region and transports them to a distribution hub, where all consignments from all over the UK are consolidated into destination bays and despatched to customers across the country.
Through collaboration, these networks establish a ‘hub and spoke’ system that ensures quick and safe delivery across the country.
We are members of two of the UK’s largest pallet networks, Pall-Ex and Fortec, which specialise in local and national freight delivery and offer a variety of services to support logistics and transportation across the country.
As members of these networks, we can provide a wide range of comprehensive services and freight solutions, such as ‘Next Day’, ‘Economy’ and ‘Timed Delivery’, giving our customers the versatility they require to ensure deliveries are transported in line with business schedules.
Advantages of using pallet delivery
Reliable UK pallet delivery services offer numerous advantages. These include:
- Ease of transportation
One major advantage of using pallets is that they are designed for quick and easy loading. It is easier for shippers to keep track of various items at once by stacking them on pallets in a single, confined space.
- Saves your business money on delivery
This method is appropriate for larger items that would otherwise be difficult to transport in bulk, and it is a faster way to move large quantities of items to the same location.
Pallets enable businesses to send a large number of consignments at once, lowering the risk of product loss. Companies can do this at a significantly lower cost than other methods of transporting large product quantities. Even though sending a pallet is more expensive than sending a single package, they provide a much more cost-effective option when shipping multiple items at once.
- It can be better for the environment
Many businesses are focusing on strategies to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. Pallets are well-known for their high reusability, with millions resold, reused, and repurposed each year.
They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal, all of which can be recycled accordingly. Wooden pallets, in particular, can be easily broken down or shredded for other uses.
Why choose us?
At OSE, we are committed to delivering a market-leading pallet distribution service. We are proud to be members of the pallet networks Pall-Ex and Fortec, which allow us to provide a consistent range of comprehensive, integrated services and freight solutions.
Whether you’re sending products to another business or directly to a consumer, we can be counted on to carry the load. We can handle a wide range of pallet sizes, from micro pallets to pallets as long as 4.1 metres, ensuring that your deliveries reach your customers quickly and reliably.
Get in touch with a member of our team today to learn more about our UK pallet delivery services.