Obtaining a pallet

Pallets can be found lying around in many places – they are quite easy to scrounge. Of course you must ask permission first. Make sure the pallet is in good condition and looks like the example in the photo.
 

Using a pallet

You must make sure goods are secured properly. If not the driver has every right to refuse to carry it. Not only will your goods be damaged but a badly packed pallet can also damage other people’s. The standard way is to use shrink wrap – basically strong cling film which can be ordered from us. You can also use rope or straps. You could even screw a wooden crate to the pallet but make sure the screws don’t project. Remember pallets are often loaded in the rain so make sure they are covered.
 

What can I put on a pallet?

It is amazing the sort of stuff we see on pallets – everything from empty coffins(vertical) to kitchen sinks – even a complete bathroom suite with clever packing. Pallets can hold a lot of stuff – one pallet can easily fill the back of a small van or a large people carrier. Pallets are big enough and strong enough to even carry over a ton of bricks or an AGA type cooker.
 

Engines, gearboxes, machinery etc

Please make sure ALL oils and other liquids are drained. If YOUR pallet leaks onto other people’s you will be liable for the damage caused. This is vitally important!
 

Lorry Access

It is important to make sure that the lorry will fit down your road BEFORE you request a collection/delivery. The smallest lorries used are 7.5 tons. They all carry a tail lift so it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a forklift.
 

Tail Lift

This is basically a hydraulic platform that will lift a pallet on a pallet truck from ground level up to the back of the lorry. This is ideal for people who don’t have access to a forklift
 

Pallet truck

All lorries carry a pallet truck for loading. Please remember that when they are carrying a pallet they will ONLY work on smooth and fairly level ground – concrete or tarmac are best.
 

Pallet collections/deliveries

Our drivers are very busy. They can not wait for a pallet to be made ready. Of course a bit of common sense will always apply.
 

Failed or missed collections

The price paid is for one collection/delivery attempt only. Lorries are not cheap to run so if the pallet is not available the charge will still apply.
 

Dimensions

It is important to make sure that the pallet service you request is the one you pay for. If you mistakenly order a standard pallet when it is a large one additional costs and fees will apply.
 

For European deliveries they want to get as much as possible onto the lorries. A half pallet must be stackable. This means another pallet can be placed on top of it. If you are sending a pile of bricks this is fairly easy but many things will cause problems. You could place your goods in a strong wooden crate for example or even make something like a shelf/table to cover your goods and take the weight. If in doubt choose a FULL PALLET instead!!!