Does NMFC matter for shipping plastic pallets?

When shipping plastic pallets, the right NMFC classification makes all the difference. When one a valued customers reached out with quesions about NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) codes, we were happy to help.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of selecting the correct NMFC code for your shipments and shed light on the current status of these codes as of October 2023.

What help did our customer need?

Also: Ways to lower freight costs – saving money on Plastic Pallet shipments?

Specifically, they were puzzled by the absence of NMFC 150390 in their NMFCA account and were contemplating using NMFC 156600 for a plastic pallet order (not to spoil the surprise, but as it turns out, One Way Solutions recommends using a third NMFC 150400 to ship plastic pallets).

Why the Correct NMFC Code Matters

Selecting the right National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) code is vital for securing the best freight rating for your shipments. These codes are used by carriers and freight brokers to classify various commodities based on factors such as density, stowability, and handling requirements. An accurate NMFC code ensures that your shipment is appropriately categorized, which can significantly impact the shipping costs, transit time, and even the carrier’s willingness to handle your cargo.

NMFC 150390: Is it Still Valid for plastic pallets?

NMFC code 150390, previously used for shipping plastic pallets, has undergone a significant change as of October 2023. NMFC code 150390 is no longer active (and therefore no longer applicable for shipping plastic pallets). This development underscores the importance of staying up-to-date with NMFC code changes, as using an outdated code can lead to costly errors and complications in your shipping process.

Introducing NMFC 150400: The New Standard for Plastic Pallets

As of October 2023, plastic pallets now fall under NMFC 150400, which is classified as “Pallets, Platforms, Skids, or Shipping Racks.” This code is density-based, which means that it takes into account the weight and dimensions of the pallets, providing a more accurate reflection of their characteristics. Density-based NMFC codes are ideal because they help ensure fair and consistent pricing based on the actual space and weight your shipment occupies.

The Advantages of Using Density-Based NMFC Codes

There are several advantages to choosing density-based NMFC codes like NMFC 150400 for your plastic pallet shipments:

1. Accurate Pricing: Density-based codes lead to more precise freight rates, helping you avoid overpaying or underestimating shipping costs.
2. Fair Treatment: Carriers can assess the space and weight requirements accurately, leading to fair treatment for your shipments and a reduced risk of disputes.
3. Streamlined Shipping: Using the right NMFC code reduces the chances of delays or issues in transit, ensuring a smoother shipping process overall.
4. Cost Savings: By accurately representing the characteristics of your shipment, you can potentially negotiate better rates with carriers and optimize your shipping budget.

NMFC 150400 vs. NMFC 156600 for Plastic Pallets

While NMFC 150400 is now the recommended classification for plastic pallets, you might wonder about NMFC 156600. NMFC 156600 also covers plastic pallets, but we believe NMFC 150400 is the preferable choice for a few reasons:

1. Specific Description: NMFC 150400 explicitly lists pallets in its description, making it a more accurate and transparent choice for plastic pallet shipments.
2. Industry Standard: NMFC 150400 aligns with industry practices and provides a standardized approach to classifying plastic pallets.
3. Consistency: Choosing the same NMFC code for plastic pallets across your shipments can lead to consistency in rating, reducing the potential for rating disputes and ensuring better control over shipping costs.

In conclusion, selecting the correct NMFC code is essential for achieving the best freight rating and ensuring a smooth shipping process. As of October 2023, plastic pallets are no longer shipped under NMFC 150390; instead, NMFC 150400 is the recommended classification. Density-based NMFC codes like 150400 offer advantages such as accurate pricing, fair treatment, and potential cost savings. When it comes to shipping plastic pallets, choosing the right NMFC code is a vital step in optimizing your logistics and achieving cost-effective and efficient freight transportation. At One Way Solutions, we’re committed to helping our customers make informed shipping decisions, and we’re here to assist you in navigating these changes.

We Hope That Helps!

We hoped you enjoyed learning about choosing NMFC codes for plastic pallets.

We’d love to hear from you – please let us know how you’ve saved money rating freight for plastic pallets.

Need Help finding competitive prices on pallets and plastic pallet shipping?

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

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

We get this question all the time:

Can I store pallets outside?

It’s a great question – and we’ve got the answers to help decide what works best for your warehouse.

Where To Store Those Pallets!

Storing empty pallets inside your warehouse, where space is precious, presents challenges.

Maybe you’re increasing inventory levels for your finished goods to get ready for your (hopefully) busy season?

Maybe you’re just running out of room in general?

If your storage equipment isn’t being used and is taking up limited space, you may be considering storing it outside, subjecting it to the elements.

But is this the right thing to do?

Great Question! The answer is not as straightforward as you might think –  but we can break down your decision points to help you find what works best for your situation.

The Greatest Advice For Storing Pallets Outside

First, let me share one of the best pieces of advice when you have no option but to store pallets outside – because sometimes you don’t have a choice!

FIFO – First In, First Out

Use a FIFO (First In First Out) material flow by moving pallets that have been outdoors for the longest period of time indoors and into your indoor production environment.

This way pallets that have been outdoors the longest get a break at the earliest opportunity.

Should You Store Pallets Outside?

Considerations

There are many decision points involved and factor to consider when assessing if storing pallets outdoors is a good solution for your material handling operation.

We’re going to focus on two important factors:

* Pallet Material
* Security

Pallet Material

A pallet’s material may make it more or less suited for outdoor storage. We’ll focus on wood pallets vs plastic pallets.

Storing Wood Pallets Outside

Storing wood pallets outside presents a unique set of challenges, especially in moist and rainy climates. Moisture can cause pallet boards to swell (displacing nails) and rot prematurely.

Rotten pallets can fail unexpectedly and may result in injuries, inventory damage, and operational inefficiency.

Using tarps to protect wood pallets from rain can help. However, care must be taken not to limit airflow that can otherwise trap moisture and prevent it from being carrier away from stored pallets.

If storing wood pallets outside is your only option, make sure to follow these simple tips:

* Elevate Wood Pallets from the ground to reduce moisture from wet surfaces
* Allow Proper Airflow by stacking pallets with sufficient space surrounding them
* Use a tarp to divert rain from contact with the wood pallets (but without limiting airflow)

Storing Plastic Pallets Outside – Works Pretty Well!

Generally speaking, plastic pallets are able to withstand much more exposure to the elements than wood pallets.

Over time, UV Light in sun’s rays can weaken the plastic material, but this is a slow process that can be drastically reduced with tarps and other placement strategies that limit pallet exposure to direct sunlight.

So generally speaking, plastic pallets are particularly well-suited for outdoor storage.

But there’s a catch – make sure the pallets are not made of ACM material. Pallets made from ACM material will lose some integrity when wet.

Make sure to buy pallets made from HDPE, because plastic pallets made from high density polyethylene will not react to exposure to rain, water, and moisture in the air.

How Long can Plastic Pallets survive outdoors?

There is no known study on the impact of storing plastic pallets outside. To maximize the useful life of your pallets, try to limit exposure to extreme temperatures.

Security

Another important factor to consider when storing pallets outdoors is security. Like any asset, pallets can walk away on their own. So if you have to store them outside, it is ideal to do so in a fenced or gated area.

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 To Know Before Ordering Pallets

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

First thing’s first, if you have ANY questions when it comes to ordering plastic pallets, we are here to answer them fast. Never hesitate to reach out and avoid spending time trying to figure out what pallet is best for your needs. That’s what we are here for.

OK, now that you know we are ready to do the heavy lifting for you…we’ll share a few things that might make ordering plastic pallets even easier.

1. Consider the Application

When deciding which type of plastic pallet is best for you, consider the application. Do you want it to be nestable? rackable? stackable? We have plenty of options for all of these.

• Nestable Pallets offer space-saving pallet storage solutions along with durability and safety. The unique design allows you to stack more pallets at a safe height while maintaining structural integrity. By compacting your pallet stacks, you can save valuable floor space and leave more room for business.
• Rackable Pallets are the most durable and reliable pallets you can find. Designed to be safely and securely stored on racks, rackable pallets allow you to maximize available floor space without sacrificing storage space.
• Stackable Pallets gives you the options for even more pallet storage and shipping. Stackable pallets are designed to maintain maximum stability when stacked with or without products on them, especially during shipping.

So when choosing from our many options, first consider the end use – the specific application for the pallet? This will help you decide which type of pallet is best for your order.

2. Think About Pallet Specs

Now you want to consider the specifications of the pallet in need. What products are going to be shipped and how will they fit onto the pallet? What will be the total weight of the product?

Asking these questions will help determine the following specifications:

• Size: we have over 30 different dimensions of pallets, so if you have any questions on this topic…reach out to us and we can help you figure out which one is right.
• Capacity: our pallets have many different weight capacities depending on your load
  • Static/Floor Load Capacity (lbs): range between XXXX and XXXX
  • Dynamic/Fork Load Capacity (lbs): range between XXXX and XXXX
  • Racking/Edge Load Capacity (lbs): range between XXXX and XXXX
• Color: determine whether you want the standard black, or choose from other colors to suit your needs:
  • Blue: These are FDA approved plastic pallets that are safe for the storage of food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Other Colors: red, yellow, green, grey

3. Don’t Forget Other Features 

Beyond the normal specs, you will also want to consider other features that distinguish the different pallets. Here are the most important to think about:

* Stacking: How many laden pallets are in a stack? If you need help with this, check out our calculator that will show you the maximum quantity of laden pallets that you can safely stack.

* Open vs Closed Deck: Modern day top decks come in two main categories, open and closed. We have a full article on the topic, but here’s a brief explanation of both.

* Open Decks: Also known as ventilated decks, have openings in the surface often referred to as the mesh or grid. These openings make the pallets lighter in weight and less expensive to purchase. The larger the mesh/grid openings are, the thinner the plastic pallet appears. Open deck pallets also allow easy draining when wet.
* Closed Decks: Also known as solid top decks, have solid plastic surfaces without grated  openings. Most closed deck plastic pallets have a smooth surface with either an anti-skid surface or a lip around the perimeter. Closed deck pallets offer great hygiene due to protection from spills or splashes, and are easier to clean.

If any of this still leaves question marks in your mind about which pallets to order, remember…that is what we are here to help you with!

Start by reaching out.

* What items are keeping you stuck from ordering?

* What questions are still lingering?

Share your Comments!

We’d love to hear from you – please let us know what questions you have – 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.

Best Pallets For Handling CBD

CBD Food Products Legalization – It’s Coming

In December 2018, Congress legalized hemp-derived CBD.

But the FDA stopped short of allowing CBD to be added to food products and prohibited CBD’s addition to foods – for now.

The dawn of legal CBB food products is not far off. The FDA has scheduled a public hearing regarding how to handle the legalization of adding CBD to food and drinks on May 31st, 2019.

The goal of this hearing on CBD’s appearance in food products is to begin the collection of data that will help determine how the FDA can effectively regulate manufacturing, labeling, and production of CBD edibles and CBD beverages.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known by its abbreviation CBD, is one of roughly 113 cannabinoids found in Cannabis. Unlike THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid that makes users feel “high,” CBD does not produce any psychoactive feelings of being “high” or “stoned.”

What are the Benefits of CBD?

OK, so food brands want to add CBD to food products. But why?

Cannabidiol can improve health in many different ways.

CBD is believed to have many beneficial applications to improve human health and wellness:
* Seizure Prevention: CBD is believed to reduce the incidence and intensity of seizures, making it a promising alternative for Epileptics and others suffering from seizures.
* Inflammation Reduction: CBD is believed to be an anti-inflammatory alternative and is known to reduce swelling.
* Pain Management: Cannabidiol is also used as an alternative pain management treatment – even for relieving migraine headaches!
* Mental Wellness: CBD is taken as an anti-depressant and is also used as a way to combat anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
* Digestive Wellness: CBD is often taken as an alternative treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Nausea.

“I want a new drug, one that won’t make me sick
One that won’t make me crash my car – Or make me feel three feet thick”
– Huey Lewis & The News

Why should the Material Handling Industry Care About CBD?

Because CBD is used in both food and  pharmaceutical industries and will be consumed by living creatures, its handling will be subject to the exacting guidelines of the FDA.

Improper handling could destroy the CBD and the food products it’s used in – or make them unsafe and unfit for human consumption or personal use.

So it is no surprise that the best pallets for handling CBD medicines and CBD food products will be plastic FDA Pallets.

The Best Pallets for Handling CBD and Cannabis are Plastic FDA Pallets

Plastic pallets that meet FDA guidelines are best for handling CBD.

Strong, well-engineered pallets that are made from sustainable, virgin polyethylene resin are the best option for safe operation for freight handlers and also reduce the possibility of contamination.

Plastic Pallets Are Best For Handling CBD because:
* they will not splinter and create unsafe conditions for material handling professionals and CBD distributors.
* the virgin material used to make the pallets will not taint the purity of the CBD or the food products therein.
* the pallets have smooth, well machined surfaces that are easily cleaned, making them ideal for sustainable, long-term use in closed loop and point to point CBD processing, distribution, and manufacturing.

Our offering is excellent for CBD and Cannabis handlers – so check out our FDA Approved Pallets online!

CBD Handling & FDA Compliance may seem like the wild west –
we can help!

* What’s the greatest challenge you face as a material handling professional in the CBD and Cannabis industries?
* 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.

Effects of Plastic Properties on Pallet Characteristics

Our Pallets are made from different plastics.

There are many types of plastic resins available for making pallets; the product’s intended use helps determine the ideal resin type to use for manufacturing.

The Two Popular Most Plastic Pallet Resins

Two plastic resins are the most common materials used to mold the majority of the pallets:

– High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
– Polypropylene (PP)

We’ll look at how the choice of these materials impacts four key properties.

Four Plastics Properties:

* Flex Modulus Of Elasticity
* Melt Flow Index
* Specific Gravity
* Izod Impact

Flex Modulus Of Elasticity

The Flex Modulus measures the strength of an adhesive and the stiffness during the initial steps  of stress analysis during a bending process. ASTM D790 is the standard test method for the Flex Modulus.

How to Test Flex Modulus

There are two ways to test Flex Modulus, but the main way is the three point bending test. In this method, two supports hold a sample of the plastic, while force is applied on a single point to induce deformation.

This property is important when deciding what kind of plastic pallet to use for your product. The higher the flex modulus, the stiffer the pallet. The lower the flex modulus, the more flexible it will be.

Melt Flow Index (MFI)

Melt Flow Index is a measurement of how quickly melted plastic flows through an injection molding screw into a mold that forms the plastic pallet. This test determines the viscosity of each material.

The higher the MFI value, the lower the viscosity.

So what’s better – a high or low Melt Flow Index?

Actually, ideal MFI values depend entirely on their application and are dependent on:
– the mold machine and molding screw
– mold design
– the final product

How to Test The Melt Flow Index

To test the MFI, the injection screw barrel is first preheated to the desired temperature. The operator then loads the sample material into the barrel.

Force is then applied to a piston tool to push the material through the heated barrel.

When the flow conditions are right, a timed sample is taken (usually at a ten minute interval).

Once the sample cools, it is weighed to determine the material’s MFI. So, the amount of the sample that flows in the ten minute window is considered the the MFI value.

Specific Gravity

The Specific Gravity of individual materials is measured by the density of the plastic compared to the density of water. Specific Gravity is very important metric in the plastic industry because plastic is sold at a cost per weight basis. This property impacts the price of each plastic significantly. Additionally, Specific Gravity measurements are used in production control.

How to Test Specific Gravity

Two sample weights are taken, the first weight is before water immersion and the second weight is taken during distilled water immersion.

Izod Impact

The Izod Impact is a gauge of the impact resistance and hardness of the material. This tests the hardness, strength and toughness of the plastic. The impact toughness will generally decrease the colder the temperature is.

How to Test Izod Impact

Using an Izod Impact tester, a pivoting arm is released from a specific height to swing down,  hitting and breaking the sample material. Afterwards, the energy that is absorbed by the sample is calculated from the height the arms swings to subsequent to hitting the sample.

Plastic Additives

Another property that can impact the characteristics of a plastic pallet is the inclusion of plastic additives. Different additives are used for different purposes; we’ll cover the common additives used in the pallet making process.

Plastic Colorant Additives

Colorant is the most common plastic pallet material additive. There are many reasons to add color to plastics, usually for specific products, material handling organization and sorting, or safety reasons. Besides the appearance, adding color does not change any physical characteristics of the plastics.

Plastics Strengthening Additives

Plastics used in many different industries are strengthened with additives.

Additives such as impact modifiers and reinforcements improve the strength and ability of the plastic to absorb impact without breaking and other stressors, even in the harshest environments.

Plastic Safety Additives

Especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries, additives make sure plastics are safe and suitable for handling products controlled by the FDA. Additives make sure the chemicals/medicines being transported do not react with the plastic in the plastic pallets. Additionally, the additives keep food and beverage containers safe for use during transporting and storing.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) & Polypropylene (PP)

Now we’ll discuss the individual polymers, their specific properties, and how those properties affect plastic pallet characteristics starting.

HDPE

HDPE is an extremely durable petroleum based resin. HDPE’s corrosion and solvent resistance make it very easy to clean. HDPE is used in creating plastic bottles and containers.

It’s also used in many household applications like bottles for milk, juice, and cosmetics. Compared to other materials, HDPE is very cost effective for how durable it is, making it a great choice for plastic pallets.

What makes HDPE the most widely used material is its low price while still being a strong material.

HDPE Properties

* Flexural modulus of elasticity: 200,000
* Melting Temperature: 266 degrees Fahrenheit
* Specific Gravity: 0.96
* Izod Impact: 1.9

PP

Compared to HDPE, PP pallets are much more rigid, making them able to carry heavier loads. PP also maintains its rigidity in higher temperature environments and has good chemical resistance.

This particular resin is found in rigid and flexible packaging as well as large molded parts for automotive products. It’s more expensive than HDPE, but is often a better choice for certain products such as food packaging.

Properties of Polypropylene

* Flexural modulus of elasticity: 225,000
* Melting Temperature:  320 degrees Fahrenheit
* Specific Gravity: 0.91
* Izod Impact: 1.2

Combining HDPE & PP

Combining HDPE & PP allows molders to combine advantages of both polymers while keeping costs at a minimum.

Specifically:
* manufacturing pallets from recycled materials
* keeping the pallets durable and rigged
* Reducing material costs

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

LDPE is a resin made from low-density oil and has very low tensile strength compared to HDPE and PP. It also has the ability to withstand temperatures of 80 degrees celsius and is known to be nearly unbreakable.

LDPE Properties

• Flexural modulus of elasticity: 200,000
• Melting Temperature: 266 degrees Fahrenheit
• Specific Gravity: 0.92
• Izod Impact: no break

Material Issues?

Each material has different properties which lead to different characteristics. The characteristics of the plastics determine which pallet is right for certain products. There is no right or wrong pallet, that’s why will choose the materials for you to provide pallets that are best for your needs and surpass your standards.

Share your Comments!

What type of plastic pallets best suits your needs?

What are your opinions on the different pallet materials currently on the market?

We’d love to hear from you – please share thoughts in the comments below.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs. Please contact us to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

USA Made Pallets – Proudly Supplied by One Way Solutions

Nearly all pallets and products offered One Way Solutions are USA made. We ship worldwide from over 15 distribution locations across the USA. We also ship to major USA ports of embarkation.

Our website makes shopping our products as easy as possible, which is why we use a special identifying icon to assure our customers that our products are made in the USA!

Shop With Confidence

USA Made Pallets

To reassure our customers looking for USA made pallets, and allow them to shop with ease and confidence, our Plastic Pallet Experts use our website to call out our USA made pallets with a special icon.

Here is the icon – an image of our great American flag that reads, “MADE IN USA” underneath:

Online Pallet Category Pages

When shopping and browsing our products by category under the “Shop Plastic Pallets” or “Pallets by Industry” drop down bar on our homepage, you’ll see our Made In USA icon will be located in the upper right hand corner of each product’s listing, like this:

Pallet Product Pages

Once a specific product is selected, the Made In USA icon will also appear on the product page under the name of the product. This makes our USA made products easy to identify!

Plastic Protected by the USA

When our international pallet customers are ordering our products (from outside of the United States), they won’t have to worry about extended delivery periods, getting cross docked, or any potential delays.

All our pallets are export compliant. Since our pallets are mostly made of plastics and engineered materials, there is no reason to fret about an ISPM-15 stamps or certifications because these designations are only required for shipping wood products internationally!

You also won’t need to worry about unsafe dyes, materials, or hazards, because our products are made from virgin resin and recycled plastics. These materials are won’t collect moisture, bacteria, or mold, an ideal property for products shipped worldwide.

Our United States Pallet Distribution

We ship worldwide from distribution centers across the United States! In-stock pallets will ship next day, and arrive in 2-5 business days depending on your location. Not only that, we can also ship ocean containers to any major port globally!

Here is a list of some of the states that are home to our pallet distribution centers:

* California
* Indiana
* Iowa
* Michigan
* Missouri
* North Carolina
* Ohio
* Pennsylvania
* Texas
* Utah
* Wisconsin

Industries that we Cater to Worldwide

Plastic pallets are popular in all industries. We supply plastic pallets and containers to a variety of industries, both domestically and worldwide. Some of these industries include:

* Pharmaceutical Pallets
* Food & Agricultural Pallets
* Can Pallets
* Beverage Pallets
* Ocean Freight Pallets
* Automotive Pallets
* Grocery & GMA Pallets
* Drum & Spill Pallets
* Air Freight Pallets
* Retail & Point Of Purchase Pallets
* Dairy Pallets
* Printing Industry Pallets
* Flexible Packing Roll Pallets

USA Plastic Regulations

Making our pallets and containers from quality plastics plastic helps easier and less cumbersome for both One Way Solutions and our customers.

Nonetheless, there are some rules to follow when producing plastic pallets in the United States. Some of the pallets we provide are compliant with special regulations mandated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). These FDA Pallets allow our customers to safely and legally transport and store food and pharmaceutical products.

Using plastic also protects us and our customers from having to worry about certain regulations. One example of the protection that using plastic pallets provides, is the automatic exemption Export Pallet Regulations enforced by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for wooden pallets. As stated before, by using plastic, we also don’t have to worry about getting a certified ISPM-15 stamp or paperwork. Excellent!

Share your Comments!

Are you a customer ordering from outside of the USA? If so, tell us where from and share your experience!

We’d love to hear from you – please share thoughts in the comments below.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs. Please contact us to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

Custom Plastic Pallets for Critical Applications

Being in business means doing things YOUR way. 

You call the shots. You own your processes, operations, and equipment.

By now, you’ve likely “cracked the code” one might say; because you’ve figured out how to do things better, smarter, and faster.

And when it comes to running a warehouse, getting products and materials to the right place & out the door is the name of your game!  After all, maximum material handling efficiency is an ongoing goal.

In order optimize and increase the speed to get your product to the right place, maybe onto a  truck and out for delivery, you may develop mission critical needs that don’t work “with off the rack” traditional pallets designed to suit general applications – you need a custom plastic pallet.

And the plastic pallet experts at One Way Solutions are here to help.

Why Partner With One Way for Your Custom Plastic Pallet?

The answer is simple; it’s a no-brainer.

One Way offers *free* pallet design services. We’ll sketch up the perfect pallet for your operations and you’re under no obligation to order.

Custom Plastic Pallet Drawing

We’ll provide a drawing like this one, that details the pallet structure with dimensions and weights.

You’ll be able to envision exactly how this custom plastic pallet will suit your critical applications.

Based on your feedback, we’ll tweak the specifications to make it fit just right, and send you a revised drawing.

Custom Plastic Pallets That Don’t Break The Bank

Here’s another cool think about working with us on your custom plastic pallet.

We don’t require any mold or tooling investment. That’s money back in your pocket!

Whoa! Since no custom injection mold is required, our custom pallets are available in a comparatively short and industry-shattering 10 day lead time.

We’ll provide you a personalized quote for your custom plastic pallet at no charge.

Our goal is make the entire process quick, painless, and pleasant for everyone – because we are plastic pallet experts that are willing to go to the mat for our customers so you’ll honor us with your business on future pallet supply projects.

What Does a Custom Plastic Pallet Look Like?

Let’s paint a picture of your perfect pallet, constructed from carefully chosen components that match your critical application.

Imagine piecing together a plastic block style pallet with your unique components using a custom made combination of the following component options:

• Pallet stringer boards, up to 1″ x 4″ inches and 96″ inches in length
• Pallet bottom boards, up to 1″ x 4″ inches and 96″ inches in length
• Pallet Decks use 1/2″ sheeting (in practice them may be closer to 5/8″) and can be as large as 48″ x 56″ for a single piece smooth deck – 44″ x 56″ for ribbed decks.

Pallet Decks – Smooth or Ribbed

Smooth Decks – 48″ x 56″ Max

• Smooth top decks are standard

The underside of the smooth pallet deck and pallet runners has a hidden waffle/grid bottom to provide additional stability and facilitate more efficient molding.

Ribbed Decks – 44″ x 56″ Max

Ribbed Decks can also be provided on request, but please note the “low” part of the ribs are around 3/8” thick.  There’s also a pattern on the non-ribbed side, different than the waffle grid on the smooth decks, but it does have structural support. Ribbed deck has a max size of 44″ x 56″.

Here are examples of our stock plastic block pallets to demonstrate how pallet components can be configured for your unique needs: https://oneway-solutions.com/shop-plastic-pallets/custom-plastic-pallets.

Can I place a sample custom pallet order for testing?

Yes, absolutely! We accept smaller quantity custom pallet orders without a setup fee – so you only pay for pallets and shipping.

Let me know how we can help!

Interested In Custom Plastic Pallets?

Are you facing a continuous challenge in your warehouse?

Can a custom pallet could work for you? We make it easy to find out.

We’re here to help meet unique challenges in your warehouse so you can handle your operations more efficiently.

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you create the right plastic Custom Plastic Pallet and send you a quote.

Please contact us for a free quote and drawing for your perfect custom plastic pallet.

Share your Comments!

We’d love to hear from you – please let us know how custom built pallets have helped you overcome operational challenges in your warehouse.

Pallets Without PBDEs

We’ve received many inquiries from material handling professionals in the Food, Drug, and Pharmaceutical businesses who would like to know if we carry pallets without PBDEs and Deca-BDEs.

Do Our Pallets Contain PBDEs or Deca-BDEs? No Way!

None of the products sold by One Way Solutions LLC, including plastic pallets and plastic containers, contain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs ) or deca-brominated diphenyl ethers (Deca-BDEs).

This also includes decabromodiphenyl oxide (DBDPO); this is also banned from our products and is NOT used in the pallets we offer.

Need a copy of our PBDE-free statement certifying that we only sell containers and pallets without PBDEs?

Download it here: PBDEs+DecaPBDEs-Blanket-Statement

What are PBDEs and Deca-BDEs?

Molecular Structure of PBDEs

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and deca-brominated diphenyl ethers (Deca-BDEs) are brominated hydrocarbons with a molecular structure that includes between 2 and 10 bromine atoms.

Wait, why not 1 bromine atom? Because ‘poly’ means many (more than 1).

Deca-BDEs have 10 bromine atoms.

What are PBDE & DecaPBDEs used for?

Clue: You’re getting warmer…

PBDEs are used as Flame Retardants.

Also: What is an FDA pallet?

Are PBDE & DecaPBDEs harmful?

Yes, PBDEs and DecaPBDEs are believed to cause reproductive and neurological risks to living creatures and are known to impact hormonal levels in the thyroid.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are also toxic developing brains in utero.

Although not directly connected, liver cancer has been observed in mice exposed to higher levels of HBDPs.

Lower brominated PBDEs (less than 5 bromine atoms) are especially bad because they more easily bioaccumulate in living organisms.

Yes, PBDEs and DecaPBDEs are harmful and should be carefully avoided; it’s only logical that we refuse to sell pallets containing them.

We Hope That Helps!

We hoped you enjoyed learning about PBDEs and are product that they are completely absent from our plastic pallets and contains..

We’d love to hear from you – please let us know how other EPA & FDA regulations have created challenges to your operations.

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.

Plastic Pallet Materials

Plastic Pallets are made from a variety of different materials. Each have their own benefits and challenges. When selecting the right plastic material for your pallet’s application, there are two main and opposing aspects to consider; impact resistance & rigidity. In general, these aspects are inversely correlated.

In other words:

The more rigid a pallet is, the less impact resistance it possesses.

The less rigidity a pallet has, the more impact resistance it possesses.

Resistance and Rigidity

A pallet that is very rigid will typically have poor impact resistance. Similarly, a plastic pallet with high impact resistance will usually be less rigid.

Popular Plastic Pallet Materials

As is true for many of our blog features, there is no right or wrong pallet, only what is best for your conditions.

With that in mind, here are some of the more popular plastic pallet material types:

High Density Polyethylene Pallets (HDPE Pallets)

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): This is by far the most common material used to mold plastic pallets. Milk jugs are the single largest use of HDPE and is known as a very versatile resin. It is also very inexpensive compared to other plastics, especially recycled resin. It offers plastic pallets a middle of the road compromise between impact resistance and rigidity.

HDPE Pallet Benefits:

• Impact Resistance
• Resistance to Freezing
• Highly resistant to strong acids and bases.

In one sentence: HDPE is the most common, versatile, and cheapest material used amongst the different types

In one sentence: HDPE is the most common, versatile, and cheapest material used amongst the different types of plastics.

Pro Tip: HDPE pallets absorb little to no water, making them easy to clean and store!

Polypropylene Pallets (PP Pallets)

Polypropylene (PP): PP is the second most widely use resin used in plastic pallets. It is much more rigid but lacks the impact resistance of HDPE. It’s also usually more expensive that HDPE.

PP Polypropylene Pallet Benefits:

• Stronger than HDPE
• More Rigid than HDPE
• Excellent crush recovery – more resilient!

In one sentence: PP costs more to produce and is not as commonly used, as much as HDPE.

Pro Tip: Polypropylene it is extremely resistant to chemical solvents, acids, and bases!

Polyolefin Pallets (PO Pallets)

Polyolefin (PO): PO is basically a catch-all for plastic materials that don’t fall into any of the other categories. For our purposes, PO is a proprietary blend of HDPE, PP, and cellulose that is found in many of our plastic pallets. It is sometimes referred to as ACM (Advanced Composite Material). The benefits are very high rigidity and low cost, but is difficult to mold, is very brittle, and cannot get wet. The cellulose expands and leeches the carbon black used to color the pallets. This type of plastic is often used in the production of one time use pallets or export pallets, this means that once they are sent out there will not be an expectation to have them returned.

PP Polyolefin Pallet Benefits:

• Lower cost pallets
• Good option if pallets do not need to be returned or reused (export, one way pallets)

In one sentence: PO is a plastic blend that is common, but cannot get wet and is harder to manufacture.

Pro Tip: Don’t expose polyolefin plastic pallets to water!

Fiberglass Pallets

Fiberglass is a recent entry in plastic pallet materials. There are only a couple manufacturers in the world with this capability and they employ proprietary methods. Typically, the pallets are coated with clear finish to seal in the glass fibers. This adds significant cost but produces a pallet that is extremely rigid and has high impact resistance. In addition, it has excellent fire retardant properties without any added fillers.

Fiberglass Pallet Benefits:

• Extremely flex resistant
• Extremely Impact-resistant
• Naturally fire-retardant

In one sentence: Fiberglass pallets consist of a glass and plastic mixture, they are very strong, but can be very costly.

Pro Tip: Fiberglass pallets allow lots of stacking capabilities, so tack them up to utilize floor space!

Share your Comments!

What type of plastic pallets best suits your needs?

What are your opinions on the different pallet materials currently on the market?

We’d love to hear from you – please share thoughts in the comments below.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs. Please contact to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

Used Plastic Pallets – Are they right for you?

This article will address the debate of why used pallets are an option, but typically not the best. In the purchasing process of buying plastic pallets, many come to the conflict of deciding between used plastic pallets or new. This is due to the idea that used pallets are cheaper. To many peoples disbelief; if the pallet has intention of being used for its given life span, in the long run a new pallet is cheaper while measuring cost against age. A longer lasting pallet will cover the price over a longer stretch of time.

Pros & Cons

Pros of buying and using a used plastic pallet:

The main factor that draws buyers in to purchase a used plastic pallet is none other than price. Usually the price is lower for certain models if you buy the product used. For example, typically pallets that are 44×56 and rackable 40×48 are cheaper if bought used.

However, not all models are in line with that idea. Our NM7 pallet is priced so aggressively, any savings a customer may encounter from buying a used NM7 will be trivial and is far outweighed by the benefits of buying it new (since it’s basically the same price new or used). Meaning, the value of buying new outweighs buying used significantly on certain pallets. Outside of minimal savings, there are not many pros to purchasing used plastic pallets.

Cons of buying and using a used plastic pallet:

Used plastic pallets have a few risky aspects buyers should pay attention to, these ideas could save the product being shipped and the company image of the product. First on the list is the possibility of untrustable sellers.

At times companies are willing to sell their used pallets to buyers who plan to sell them again. These second hand buyers may offer a good deal but they can sometimes be untrustworthy. It goes without saying that buying from non-qualified sellers can be tempting due to price, do not fall for it.

Another disadvantage of buying used is the uncertainty if condition. Because the pallets have been used, how is someone able to identify the quality of a given pallet without seeing it with their own eyes once they get shipped and have already been paid for? The risk is not worth the reward in this case.

Quality of pallets is a major factor in the shipping and representation of your product. Company image goes right along with the idea of pallet quality. You do not want to be shipping potentially damaged pallets to a customer. A customer always wants to see a pallet that looks reliable, the kind of pallet one can be confident with.

A used pallet with bad quality, due to age and use, arriving at a warehouse can damage the brand and company image in the eyes of the customer. It could possibly even deter future sales with customers!

Regarding the actual used pallet order process, it is hard to get a uniform order all around. First, used pallet orders can come in all different types of colors; making it hard to sort and organize. Also, they can sometimes come in odd numbers due to available quantity. The kind of used pallet you want may not be in stock or there are not enough for you, there is little to no way to ensure availability with used pallets. Those two factors can cause uncertainty in the ordered product, is it really worth the few dollar savings to have an unreliable all around product?

There was one time in the past where a used pallet buyer thought he/she was getting a good deal with purchasing used plastic pallets. Ends up the seller was reselling old USPS pallets. Leading to legal trouble and the seller actually went to jail. This process was very inconvenient for the buyer which could have been troubleshooted by purchasing new, safe plastic pallets.

Used pallet sellers cannot always be trusted as stated before. Some used pallets may look good in pictures or even in person but you can never really tell the true quality of the pallet until it is put to use. What many buyers do not realize is that where the used pallet is stored is a major factor in quality.

Typically used pallets are put outside because of the new being kept inside. This does not only expose the to different weather conditions that could degrade the pallet itself, it also becomes exposed to UV rays. UV rays can harm the durability and structure of a pallet that has been left unprotected outside.

After reading this article you may be thinking there is nothing to prevent or come back from a used pallet order. That is wrong, there are a few things you can look for to make a used pallet order successful. First is to try and use credit card, this will allow for the option of chargeback is the purchase goes south. Along with this idea of payment, if the dealer asks for prepayment you should stop and say to yourself, “can I trust this?”. Used pallets are already a big enough gamble, you need to have the option of a refund or return in the works. Be careful when dealing with used pallets, always have a backup plan.

Takeaway!

Yes, used plastic pallets are an option. Are they the best and most reliable option? Absolutely not.

Share your Comments!

If you have dealt with used pallets, what was your experience like? Please share any comments you think of, we would love to hear from you!

Need assistance on your plastic pallet purchasing?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs. Please contact to find the perfect pallet at the best price.