Currently, the canned food market size is estimated at $17 billion. Already impressively sized, this market is forecasted to grow over the next ten years due to:
* the increasing popularity of convenient “ready-to-eat” foods
* general expansion trends within the canned goods distribution infrastructure

In order to meet the demands of this market growing, it’s imperative that the industry optimize its supply chain. If you’re a producer or distributor, using the proper equipment throughout your supply chain will help your transportation become more efficient and increase profitability.

Wood pallets, the traditional tool of choice, may seem like a good fit for this industry on the surface, however, the benefits of plastic can pallets offer a much better fit to the applications of the Can Pallet Industry.

What Is A Can Pallet?

Well, you know what a can is:
* a can of green beans
* a can of tomatoes
* creamed corn anyone?
* It’s Saturday somewhere in our galaxy – how about a can of beer?

Can Pallets hold cans, filled and unfilled – which leads to the two major types of Can Pallets.

Two Types Of Can Pallets

There are two types of can pallets – empty and filled.

Below that, there are even more sub categories – food can pallets and beverage can pallets!

Filled Can Pallets

Filled Can Pallets weigh more and have a greater capacity to carry filled cans that are themselves more heavy because (as you may have guessed) they are filled cans!

Filled cans are usually loaded onto 36″ x 36″ and 37″ x 37″ can pallets.

Empty Can Pallets

Empty Beverage Can Pallets are 44″ x 56″ inches, and use tier sheets (layer pads) between each tier or layer and a top frame so that the can pallets can be strapped tightly together.

Using Wood Can Pallets

Wood Pallet Disadvantages in Canned Good Industry

The shipping process in the canned food industry is crucial and complicated. While there can be many reasons to using wood pallets for material handling and freight, this Canned Goods Industry is not suited for them.

Plastic Pallets are a much safer and efficient solution for shipping canned goods.

Here are some of the main disadvantages of using wood pallets.

Wood Pallets Have Uneven Surfaces

The main problem with wood can pallets is the lack of dimensional consistency, most usually seen in uneven deck surfaces.

Can Pallets have to be perfectly flat because a small imperfection on the bottom layer becomes amplified on the top layer, leading to imbalances and accidents.

Wood Pallets Shed Wood Fibers

Wood fibers falling into cans was a major decision to flip the industry to plastic.

Heavier Loads Can Break Wood Pallets

Canned Goods are heavy shipments, so they require pallets that are not going to break under added stress and weight. While wood pallets are known for handling heavier weights, they also breaks much easier than plastic, resulting in lost money and goods, costly downtime, and increased likelihood of worker injury.

Even though plastic is lighter, it has excellent durability and can offer useful lifespan far greater than wood pallets.

Increased Transportation Cost

Wood pallets can actually increase shipping costs.

Shipping canned goods is already expensive enough.  Using heavy pallets to ship those heavy loads adds additional, unneeded cost to your operations, reducing your bottom line profitability.

The durability and lightweight nature of plastic pallets and lightweight can save your company time and money during the stressful shipping process. Reducing costs can allow you to reduce costs and be more competitive in the marketplace.

Product Damage

Wood pallets are more likely to damage your payload.

When pallets break, the product can become compromised, resulting in spills and even spoilage. Wood pallets can develop sharp edges, splinters, and protruding nails that can puncture or tear your product.

On the other hand, plastic pallets do not break as easily and can retain their size and shape despite stressors.

Food Safety and Hygiene

By minimizing damage to the product during transportation, you reduce the chances of contaminating canned food products. With the strict FDA and FSMA requirements for safety and hygiene, you need to be careful about which pallet you choose for this industry.

In order for wood pallets to pass these regulations, they must be fumigated or chemically treated, which can lead to more problems.

You can easily purchase FDA approved plastic pallets, saving you money and making the shipping process easier.

OWS Can Pallets – Perfect For Canned Food

Plastic Pallets are the ideal choice for the canned food industry. Their durability and lightweight nature allow for a very cost efficient and safe supply chain experience.

At Oneway-Solutions we offer high quality can pallets for the canned food industry which are designed to efficiently and safely move cans from the manufacturer to the can filler.

Finding The Best Plastic Can Pallet  can be a hassle –
we can help!

* What’s the greatest challenge you face as a material handling professional in the canned food  industry?
* We’re here to help meet unique challenges in your warehouse!

Share your Comments!

We’d love to hear from you – please let us know what other tricks you’ve used to safely transport other food products from rapidly emergent new product categories.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic Plastic Pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs.

Please contact us to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

What Is A Rackable Pallet?

So glad you asked. When our Pallet Experts refer to a Rackable Pallet, it means the pallet has the ability to bridge the span of a warehouse racking system, while supporting a certain weight.

But what more is there to know about rackable pallets?

Well, rackable pallets are usually used for heavy duty loads because of greater load capacity requirements. The need for greater capacity impacts the design of the pallet. These increased requirements increase the weight of the pallet itself due to the additional structure on the pallet’s underside to hold the excessive pressure.

Mostly found in warehouses and distribution centers, Rackable Plastic Pallets help companies save money by efficiently taking advantage of warehouse space, allowing more goods to be removed from the floor and stored to optimize higher density storage capabilities.

Manufacturing of Rackable Pallets

Rackable Pallets are either injection molded, rotationally molded, or structurally foam molded.

But enough about molds.

These processes enable internal reinforcement to the pallets because let’s be honest, extra weight requires extra support.

(Keep in mind however, that most are made to handle an edge racked load without the necessary reinforcement.)

At the end of the day, the “structure” of pallets is important to factor in with regards to manufacturing because it impacts the requirements (which in turn, impacts the cost).

Structure of Rackable Pallets

There are quite a few different types of Rackable structures, depending on what kind of racking is taking place.

Full Frame Cruciform:

• Allows the pallet to be racked in both dimensions. This design has essentially six runners on the bottom of the pallet giving it more structure and support.

Three Runners:

• Only can be placed in the rack where the runners are perpendicular to the beams.

Here’s a hot tipse: the racking system in use (beam, edge, roller, push-back, flow, cantilever and supported) defines the requirements for the pallet’s base structure.

For example, a full frame cruciform bottom helps forklift operators target the pallet on an edge rack. A three runner may be better suited for a simple beam rack.

Rackable Pallets Carried by OWS

At One Way Solutions, we offer some of the most reliable plastic rackable pallets on the market today. While being extremely durable, they are designed to be safely and securely stored on racks, which allows our customers to efficiently use all possible warehouse space.

One Way also carries fire retardant and FDA approved rackable models for your specific needs.

To see our selection, visit our Rackable Pallets.

Let me know how I can help!

* What’s the greatest challenge you face in your warehouse?
* We’re here to help meet unique challenges in your warehouse!

Share your Comments!

We’d love to hear from you – please let us know what other tricks you’ve used to save on freight – and check our our article on other ways to save money on pallet shipping charges.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic Plastic Pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs.

Please contact us to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

What is RFID Pallet Tracking?

There’s been quite a buzz building about pallet order tracking – and RFID pallet tracking is one of the techniques used to track a pallet’s location.

Read on to learn more!

How Does RFID Tracking Work?

Radio-frequency identification utilizes electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.The tags contain electronically stored information. This technology allows users (customers and vendors) to sort, track, identify any object they choose to tag. It is a very common practice in warehouses for distribution and tracking.

RFID System Overview

RFID systems consist of three components:

1. RFID tag or smart label
2. RFID reader
3. Antenna

RFID Tags

RFID tags contain an integrated circuit and an antenna, which are used to transmit data to the RFID reader (also called an interrogator).

RFID Tags are available in two basic types: Active and Passive.

Active RFID Tags

Active RFID Tags contain a self-powered transmitter (frequently battery powered), allowing the an internal microchip’s circuitry to send a signal to the RFID Tag Reader.

Passive RFID Tags

Passive tags are powered by the RFID Tag Reader. A magnetic field forms around the coiled antenna inside the passive tag in the presence of radio waves transmitted by the reader. The passive tag draws power from the magnetic field, energizing the tag circuits and completing the data transmission back to the tag reader.

RFID & ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Compatibility

ERP software can use RFID tracking to locate products and resources along their journey through supply chain, including both inbound and outbound delivery processes.

Why is this important? The locational visibility helps establish supplier transparency and accountability; furthermore, this also allows customers to track their items during shipment to drive greater customer satisfaction.

When a plastic pallet bearing an RFID tag reaches a particular location, the pallet can be processed using an automated receipt and validation of the advanced ship notice (ASN). This receipt can also mark and notify mistakes in the vendor fulfillment process, eliminating added labor and receiving resources that would normally be expended to correct the mistake.

With outbound deliveries, tagged pallets can be identified, notifying suppliers to contact their customers with the good news. After all, excellent communication is a superior service.

While the tagged item is stored at a plant, RFID tracking can be used to organize and pace maintenance processes, such as work orders. Work order phase and status data can be updated and saved on the tag to aid in throughput monitoring and production management.

RFID & Plastic Pallets

Does Tag Choice Matter?

Best practices reveal that robust RFID tags are the best fit for plastic pallets.

How Many RFID Tags Should I use?

Single tags are sufficient in systems that only use a handheld RFID reader. Plants using a gate system should consider using two tags to play it safe, in case one of the tags signals is blocked during transmission.

Plastic Pallet RFID Integration & Placement

RFID devices should be placed in a location that allows them to be read, but also in a secure spot that protects them from damage that would occur through handling.

Custom RFID – Do You Need It?

Custom RFID Advantages

Custom RFID printing always goes through a quoting and approval process, but a high level overview of our capabilities includes:

• Encoding RFID tags with your data.
• Printing/Encoding Barcodes to label your tags.
• Printing Images on your tags.
• Expedited Fulfillment is available.

What Do You Think?

Please leave your comments below and let us know how RFID pallet tracking has helped you rule your warehouse – or if you need assistance in taking the next step.

Shopping Plastic Pallets?

Contact us for assistance or to shop plastic pallets. Our pallet experts will help you find the perfect plastic pallet for the right price.

PP-O-40-NL3, Whaaaaaat?

That’s funny looking. On first glance, “PP-O-40-NL3” may look like jargon from some new, unfriendly material handling science.

But wait- it’s actually one of our plastic pallet part numbers!

Confusing and random? No!

Once you understand our simple key, our part numbers are useful and make perfect sense.

Cracking The Plastic Pallet Part Number Code

Let’s dissect a part number.

PP-O-40-NL3

PP- This one’s easy, PP simply stands for Plastic Pallet. You might also see, CP (Container Pallet / Bulk Bin), and PW (PressWood pallet).

PP-O- The letter “O” means Open Deck. You may also “S” for Solid Deck (or closed deck). Plastic Pallets have two main deck types, so this part of the part number can help you zero in on your preferred pallet!

PP-O-40- This number indicates a pallet or bin’s dimensions, and starts with the width. In this case, the pallet is 40 inches wide. If the length isn’t listed it’s typically 48 inches.

PP-O-40-N This letter means the pallet is Nestable, one of our 3 main pallet types. “N” for Nestable, “S” for Stackable, “R” for Rackable.

PP-O-40-NL– This letter classifies the a pallet or bin’s weight capacity. “L” for Light Duty, “M” for Medium Duty, “H” for Heavy Duty.

PP-O-40-NL3– The trailing number differentiates similar products by creating a series. Pallets with a smaller series number were added to our product line earlier. Example: NL3 was launched before NL4!

Other Plastic Pallet Part Number Designations

Example: PP-O-40-R2.001.FDA/FR/FA-Blue

.001,.003,.005 These are found at the end of a pallet that has 1, 3, or 5 reinforcing rods.

FDA Typically at the end of a part number, indicates the plastic pallet is FDA approved. This means that the pallet is manufactured using virgin resin and is typically blue

Black,Blue,Red, Green, Etc. When our plastic pallets and bulk bins are available in more than one color, we put the color at the end of the part number.

FR All Fire Retardant pallets are designated with an “FR” in the product number.

FA Pallets molded with Freezer Additive are identified an “FA” in the product number.

All good on Plastic Pallet Part Numbers?

Clear as mud right? While detailed, there is a science to our part numbers- and they do describe and explain the products they represent.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

We don’t require anyone to learn our plastic pallet part numbers if they don’t want to – contact us so we can choose the perfect plastic pallet or container bin for your application.

Plastic Pallet Types – Let Us Explain!

So you’re interested in the different plastic pallet typess? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll provide our plastic pallet expertise to help you understand the differences between the three main types of pallets.

Type 1: Nestable Plastic Pallets

Design Features

Nestable Plastic Pallet decks are commonly supported by 9 legs and lack runners. Nestable pallet legs are tapered, allowing the legs to nest into one another when stacked. Nestable pallet decks are solid or grated (see also: open, perforated) and are usually designed with nesting registration holes that match the footprint of the pallet legs.

Application

These pallet design features allow empty pallets to stack inside one another, normally achieving a 3-1 ratio, a distinct space saving advantage over a stackable pallet. Some nestable pallets can achieve up a 75% volume reduction during storage and transportation! This space economy reduces the per pallet freight costs & storage space required of empty pallets.

Warning: Nestable Pallets are not designed for double stacking! Stacking nestable pallets on top of sensitive, uneven loads can result is product damage and unsafe working conditions. 

Fast Facts:

• 9 Legs (usually)
• No Runners

Recommended For:

• Loads below 3306 lbs
• Saving shipping costs and storage space

Not Recommended For:

• Heavier pallet loads, double stacking
• Roller tracks / Conveyors

Type 2: Stackable Plastic Pallets

Design Features

Stackable Plastic Pallets are designed to stack on top of each other and do not nest inside one another when empty; perfect for stack loading, static storage, and conveyance in manufacturing, warehousing, and processing environments.

Application

Stackable plastic pallet bases are usually provided with 3, 5 or 6 runners. Pallets with bottom runners travel more safely and consistently through a chain or roller conveyor system. Pallet runners also provide additional support and stability for double stacking loaded pallets. Runners work to more evenly distribute the pallet load for more even stacking, reducing the incidence of product damage.

Fast Facts:

• 3,5, or 6 runners
• A 6 runner base is also known as a cruciform base

Recommended For:

• Chain or roller conveyors
• Double stacking loaded pallets

Not Recommended For:

• When empty, efficient storage and space optimized shipping

Type 3: Rackable Plastic Pallets

Design Features & Application

Rackable Plastic Pallets have bases with runners, a cruciform or 6 runner pallet is most common. Rackable pallets are designed to be placed in perimeter racking where pallets are supported on fours sides, but are not supported in the center.

Does Stackable Mean Rackable?

“All certified mail is registered- but registered mail is not necessarily certified”
– Newman (Jerry Seinfeld’s arch enemy)

Huh? Similarly, Rackable pallets are almost always stackable – but stackable pallets are not necessarily rackable!

Load Testing – The Unsung Key To Material Handling Excellence

Of course every “Rackable” plastic pallet has a racking load capacity, but the suitability of the pallet’s capacity should always be tested for this very important reason:

Pallet capacity changes based on the unique properties of each load-
even with loads of identical weight!

Reinforced Plastic Pallets

Some rackable pallets are designed with additional support to boost their load capacity. This is achieved in two ways:

1. Reinforcing rods: Some rackable plastic pallets are reinforced with fiberglass or steel rods that pin the pallet deck to the pallet posts, making them stronger in the rack.
2. Added plastic: Other rackable pallets are designed with a greater mass of plastic, allowing them to rack without reinforcement rods.

How can we help?

Was that helpful? If you have any questions about plastic pallets or need help finding the best pallet at the most competitive price, please contact our friendly Plastic Pallet Experts.

Tell us what you think!

Care to share? We’d love to hear from you – please leave a comment below.

Want to continue learning more about plastic pallets? Here’s an article we wrote on how to determine pallet capacity!

How Do I Determine A Plastic Pallet’s Weight Capacity?

Is your pallet strong enough for the job? In this post, you’ll find pallet capacity explained in plain terms to remove the mystery and uncertainty of finding pallet best suited for your application.

Plastic pallet designs have many variations. The somewhat straightforward wood pallet design, simplified using PDS Pallet Design System software, offers much less design variation / innovation.

Ultimately, the decision making process is similar; always select your pallet design based on the requirements of your specific application.

When choosing a plastic pallet for your application, the manufacturer’s specifications must meet or surpass the cargo weight that is placed on the pallet.

Pallet Load Capacity Ratings

Specific load capacity ratings should be defined in your core requirements. Here are the three most important types of pallet load capacity types to know:

1. Dynamic Load Capacity
2. Static Load Capacity
3. Racking Load Capacity

Understanding the 3 types of pallet load ratings is essential to selecting the proper plastic pallet; read on to learn everything you need to know about each one to master plastic pallet selection.

3 Plastic Pallet Load Ratings – Pallet Capacity Explained

Dynamic Load Capacity

Dynamic Load Capacity is the maximum evenly distributed weight a pallet can hold while being raised by a forklift or hand jack. If your workflow causes you to lift pallets (commonly with fork or jack); consider this your maximum weight capacity.

Tip: Remember, “dynamic” denotes activity or motion.

Pro Tip: This excludes conveyors, unless they lift the pallet upwards.

Static Load Capacity

Static Load Capacity is the measure of weight that the pallet can hold when it is at rest or in a fixed position on an even, level surface (also when stacked). Static Loads do not vary since cargo is static, or at rest.

Tip: Remember, a static pallet is a pallet at rest.

Pro Tip: Don’t get cute! Just because you are stacking individual pallet loads doesn’t mean you’re not exceeding capacity. Remember to calculate your total load based on the total weight your pallet is supporting (including other pallets).

Super Pro Tip: Because dynamic loads are subjected to additional forces, the Static Load Rating is always greater than Dynamic Load Rating.

Racking Load Capacity

Racking Load Capacity is the maximum weight a pallet can hold in a racking system (where the center and or/sides of the pallet is unsupported).

Tip: Think of Racking Load Capacity like a bridge’s weight capacity.

Pro Tip: Treat Racking Load ratings as estimates; variations in racking system designs can cause variations in a pallets working Racking Load Capacity.

Don’t Be That Guy

Don’t go over the maximum rating! Exceeding pallet load capacity ratings can cause the pallet to fail and break, potentially creating seriously undesirable consequences:

• Employee Safety Hazards
• Costly Inventory & Equipment Damage
• Lost productivity

Tip: Keep your pallet specification sheets for reference.

Pro Tip: Don’t have your pallet’s specification sheet? Contact our Plastic Pallet Experts for help.

Read The Fine Print

Follow Pallet Loading Best Practices

A plastic pallet manufacturers calculated performance specifications are based on an evenly distributed load that covers the pallet’s entire top deck surface. If you follow weight distribution best practices, you should be able operate within the manufacturer’s load ratings.

Pallet Loading Mistakes Diminish Load Capacities

Some unit loads can cause the working load capacity to fall below the manufacturer’s load capacity.

Here are some loading missteps that can diminish or confuse a pallet’s working weight capacity:

• Point Loading: Placing a concentrated load at specific point or area of a pallet (picture an engine block placed in the middle of a pallet) that does isn’t uniformly distributed across the pallet deck can cause deflection, pushing the internal deck height below the pallet edge height, diminishing unsupported racking capacity.
• Pallet Stacking: Add It Up! When stacking pallets, be sure to consider the additional load caused by higher stack rows; the total load on lower stack layers is cumulative and continues to tally and include weight from upper pallet layers. Add all weight (pallets and all) that sits on top of a pallet when considering maximum load capacities.
• Box Columns: Stacking boxes in uniform single columns on a pallet can also cause deflection and reduced cargo stability. Inappropriate shrink wrapping and strapping can further allow columns to spread out; a syndrome called “cauliflowering” as box columns spread out like a blooming cauliflower. Cauliflowering can cause pallet edges into the air, further decreasing stability.

Pro Tip: Stack boxes using “brick stacking” or “cross stacking” formations so the cargo moves as unit for more secure transport and minimize point loading.

• Uneven Layers: Uneven cargo layers between pallets are a loading challenge. Layers of loose material stored in sacks can shift during palletization, causing uneven layering that results in stressed, twisted, point loaded pallet decks that may lack sufficient support due to the compromised working load capacity.

Hope that helps! For help in figuring out which plastic pallet is the most cost effective solution for your unit load and material handling environment, contact our friendly Plastic Pallet Experts.

Got a suggestion or question? We’d love to hear from you – what challenges or solutions have you encountered during your material handling adventures?