For anyone looking to transport larger items, either nationally or internationally, sending it on a pallet may be your best option. A pallet is a flat platform usually made from wood, sometimes plastic, that has been designed to allow easy transportation for larger items, giving them stability and a measure of protection whilst in transit.
You can send almost anything via pallet, so long as it isn’t hazardous or weighs more than around 1000kg if it’s going on a tail lift truck (1200kg if no tail lift is needed). That’s around twelve average sized men on one wooden pallet, although you might have trouble fitting them all on!
And it may sound surprising, but there are actually a variety of wooden pallet types to choose from. The service you choose to transport your pallet may have specific requirements in the type their machinery can move, so double check before purchasing. There may also be timber restrictions that affect your pallet if you’re planning on moving your items abroad.
Pallets generally come in one size: 1m x 1.2m, and you can ask for a quarter, half or full sized pallet which refers to the overall height of your item; a quarter pallet would be 0.6m high, a half 1m and a full pallet can be up to 2m tall. Each size is costed differently, allowing you to save money, although quarter and half pallets must be stackable to allow pallet delivery companies to make the most of available space.
Your item will need to be securely attached to the pallet before collection, and it’s your responsibility to ensure the items are attached with straps and shrink wrap plastic film so they can’t move around and are well protected. If you don’t happen to own a forklift, make sure you request a tail lift truck if you have the option. The driver will move your pallet to the truck using a pump truck, essentially a pallet jack that allows the driver to lift and move your pallet easily. Pump trucks need a solid footing under their wheels in order to move; if you have a gravel drive you’ll need to find an alternative way to get your pallet to the truck as the collection driver won’t be able to help you.
The service you choose will impact the cost, with some services better suited for European delivery than a local, just-around-the-corner variety. When looking for costings, always shop around to get the best price and make sure insurance included will actually cover the cost of your palleted items or arrange to buy further cover. Websites like DeliveryQuoteCompare.com can help you get the lowest possible price for the type of service you require, so take full advantage of the discounts the internet can offer you!