Has the lure of used timber pallets appealed to your business but left a sense of worry in the minds of logistics managers? When helping our customers decide what pallet type they need, a question we often get asked is if secondhand timer solutions are safe for shopping goods.

The reality is that used timber pallets can be chosen for most of the jobs that new timber products are chosen for. In this article, we will share more details on what signs need to be looked for when selecting used pallets intended for shipping goods and highlight how they can be sourced.

Do Used Timber Pallets Make Good Transportation Solutions?

If you have ever wondered why wood pallets can be so expensive, the option of selecting used products is likely to be one for consideration. However, with the safe arrivals of goods being a top concern for logistics and warehouse teams, we understand why some business owners may be wary of reconditioned timber pallets.

The answer to this concern is that, yes, used timber pallets do make safe transportation solutions for precious cargo. However, this is only the case if they have been professionally reconditioned, regularly checked and treated to ensure a robust finish. When selecting a secondhand solution over a new one, there are also other benefits that are unlocked, which include the following:

• Cost savings are available as used timber pallets are priced lower than new ones.
• Environmental benefits are unlocked by the use of reclaimed materials and repaired pallets. Reusing pallets also ensures they don’t end up as waste as the lifespan of the timber is extended.
• Pallets are also incredibly durable when professionally maintained as they are practically in a good condition. This means that used pallets can improve warehouse operations in the same way that new timber products can. They are also perfect to use when shipping heavier items as they can be easily used with a range of warehouse equipment.

What’s Important to Consider When Selecting Used Timber Pallets?

Although used timber pallets are a safe solution for transporting goods and 17% of companies already select them, there are a certain number of considerations which must be accounted for when selecting items to purchase.

The first of these, which won’t come as a surprise, is the overall condition of the pallet. All timber should be free from stains, not have any signs of extensive damage, and have been heat treated, as indicated by the regulation markings. Although second-hand timber pallets are likely to have some signs of wear, issues to look for that could signify an unsafe solution include large cracks or damp, brittle wood. Also important to assess is the condition of the screws or nails used to hold the pallet together. These should be free from signs of rust and be securely in place.

Understanding how a pallet has been previously used is also important. Although this doesn’t matter as much for the weight as reconditioned products will be able to operate as if they were new, issues could arise if hazardous materials were previously shipped. Some residues are hard if not impossible to remove completely so be sure to not just ask about the previous usage but also look for  tell-tale signs of this type of shipping duty. Examples of this include odours or staining to the timber itself.

Another consideration is the recommended load capacity. Although refurbished timber pallets are still perfectly good to use, one adjustment that can be made is choosing a higher tolerance than required. This accounts for any wear and reduction in load bearing way to ensure all shipments are still managed safely. However, tests to assess the suitability of weights for transporting should be included within checks from the seller so always be sure to ask for an update on this.

Insurance and industry regulations must also be considered when looking to ship products. This could include anything from a contractual agreement about shipping conditions to a safety regulation that covers the operating sector. If certain requirements for pallets are outlined, you should always be sure to check that any solutions you use align with these instructions. Another consideration relating to industry standards is that of hygiene or contamination with various substances. This is particularly important for quality-led industries such as the food sector.

In summary, when selecting a used timber pallet for the purpose of transporting goods, it’s essential to check that all of these standards have been met. Not all sellers of used timber pallets go through the process of professional reconditioning so finding the ideal company to select products from is important. This is something we specialise in at A&M Pallets Limited, which can be seen in our wide selection of available pallets.

How Can Used Timber Pallets Be Maintained?

Another method of ensuring that used pallets are fit for purpose is to properly maintain them.

By subjecting them to more regular checks than new pallets, any signs of deterioration can be easily pinpointed before things get worse. These assessments should cover both visual and load-testing inspections to gain a view of every element of the used timber pallet. Any repairs should always be carried out professionally and with reclaimed materials to ensure the structural integrity is restored. Signs that a used timber pallet is either ready for another repair or retirement include warping, loose nails, pest issues, discolouration and splintering from the wood.

Keeping used pallets clean and dry is also important. This ensures that no debris is causing the pallets to deteriorate and also allows any signs of wear and tear to be easily recognised. Used timber pallets should therefore always be stored indoors or underneath a weather resistant covering. They must also be kept elevated from the ground to avoid the chance of damp seeping into the timber. Dampness is known to affect used timber must quicker than newer products as the wood is likely to already be slightly weakened due to previous usage.

Used timber pallets can also be supported to last for longer, ensuring that any loads are evenly distributed across the entire surface. By loading in this way, any pressures are reduced, and safety is improved. Finally, when shipping via used timber pallets, it’s also advisable to rotate when each of them is used. Although used products are intended to operate safely and effectively, by lessening the frequency of usage, each can stay in rotation for even longer.

What Are the Benefits of Selecting Used Timber Pallets for Shipping Goods?

As well as used timber pallets being suitable for a range of shipping needs, there are also other benefits associated with selecting pre-used products.

Safety Enhanced Due to Reconditioning

Used timber pallets which have been professionally restored benefit from improved safety standards. Many used pallets, no matter their previous usage, often retain a high level of durability. The result is that these affordable transportation solutions can still handle significant loads.

Reduced Spend and Improved Profit Margin

Buying used timber pallets is a much more affordable method of sourcing shipping materials than choosing new timber pallets. Companies are also able to spend less on the process of sending out goods, which means that improvements to profit margins are available.

Better Availability

It’s also often the case that used timber pallets can be sourced more easily and quickly than new alternatives. There are also often likely to be local companies, meaning that sourcing these shipping materials can also be a way to support the local economy. With many industries experiencing supply chain issues in recent years, this is a huge benefit as it helps businesses take back control of sourcing essential equipment. Additionally, used timber pallets are also likely to be available in a variety of sizes. This means companies can source the best pallets for the job and save money instead of spending on costly bespoke designs.

Less Worry if Damage Is Incurred From Tricky Deliveries

Although we know that damage to shipping materials is never ideal, for companies that have spent less on sourcing used pallets, the impact of any accidents is less of a financial burden to bear. Should a delivery need to be sent to a location which poses a logistical headache, choosing used pallets reduces the chance of losing money on shipping materials.

Where Can Safe Used Timber Pallets Be Sourced From?

Choosing used timber pallets for the safe shipping of goods is a great way to operate efficiently. It means spending less but still receiving high-quality shipping support to ensure that goods always get to their final location without any issues.

As mentioned, when selecting a used timber pallet, choosing a reputable company is of paramount importance. A reseller should prioritise quality inspections, accurate testing and professional refurbishments. This is a service we are proud to offer at A&M Pallets Limited, and all of our used timber pallets offer a proven way to save companies money. We also offer our own refurbishment service, which allows businesses to have their own used pallets reconditioned via our expert team of carpentry professionals.

Alongside our collection of used shipping materials, we are also proud distributors of plastic pallets plus new timber pallets. If you are unsure of what material is best for your shipping needs, you can check out this article, which covers both timber and plastic pallets in more detail. We also offer support and advice to help with all aspects of pallet management from pool planning to tips for best wrapping timber pallets.

To learn more, feel free to contact our team, which can share more information about the reliability of the timber pallets we use.