Pallet Stability

Pallet Stacking

The first step to achieving good pallet stabilisation is by stacking products efficiently.

When stacking a pallet, it is important to utilise as much of the pallet footprint as possible.  Products should be placed as close to the pallet edge, whilst still remaining within the pallet footprint and not overhanging the edge.  Consider the weight and dimensions of the stacked product and try to evenly distribute through the layer, avoiding gaps between products where possible.

Note: Try to avoid stacking products in a column or tower configuration as goods stacked this way are most likely to topple.  Where possible, stack products in an interlocked "brick" pattern, alternating carton orientation from the previous layer.

Additional Pallet Stability 

In some cases pallets become unstable due to the lack of static friction between layers.  The lack of friction causes layers to "slip" or shift during transport as they cannot withstand the g forces.

Implementing additional pallet stability materials such as layer pads, anti-slip sheets and corners may reduce slip and create more stability throughout the pallet. These stability products are recommended to be tested on transport simulation equipment to ensure there use is necessary and that they provide sufficient support for pallet load containment.  

 

Cardboard Layer Pads

Prepares the pallet for stacking

Cardboard layer pads provide a stable flat surface for stacking goods.  They also act as a protective barrier.

Considerations:

Placement - layer pads must fit within the footprint of the pallet and not over hang the pallets edge.

Material - layer pads must be made from cardboard and be ≥ 2 mm in thickness. 

Anti-Slip Sheets

Reduces slip between layers 

Anti-slip sheets are placed between stacked layers and provide a rough surface to reduce layers from sliding.  

Considerations:

Placement - Anti-slip sheets must fit within the footprint of the pallet and not over hang the pallets edge.

Material - anti-slip sheets must be made from cardboard and should be 100% recyclable. 

Cardboard Corners

Supports & protects products

Cardboard corners provide additional stabilisation and protect the edges of cartons from crushing.

Considerations:

Placement - pallet corners must not exceed the height of stacked goods or extended onto the pallet.

Material - pallet corners must be made from cardboard for easy recycling at end of use.

 Pallet Load Containment 

Stacked products must be unitised to the pallet by restraint methods such as pallet wrapping or strapping.  A stacked pallet no matter how stable, poses no pallet load containment without proper restraint and should never be stored or transported without being unitised to the pallet.  

In some cases loads may still be unstable despite efforts to maximise stability, this could be dependant on the stacked product and its specifications.  The restraint requirements for unstable loads will most likely be more complex in which multiple methods of restraint may be required.

Please refer to the Pallet Wrapping section on how to unitise with stretch film to achieve pallet load containment.

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