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.

How Are Plastic Pallets Made?

Plastic pallets are manufactured at an injection molding facility. But how do these individual designs come into existence, from planning to production? The path is complex, but entirely necessary to ensure that the product is a success.

Main Stages Of Pallet Production

The process of designing and creating a plastic pallet has three main stages:

* pallet design
* pallet molding
* the final production of the pallet

In order to create the perfect plastic pallet, all of the functional details and design features need to be planned out to satisfy the pallet’s end use and purpose.

For example, what material it will be made from, if it’s going to be light or heavy duty, stackable, rackable, or nestable?

These are just a few of the things that are important to consider when creating each individual pallet.

Though there are many different ways that pallets can be molded, the most common method used in our plastic pallets is, high pressure injection molding.

WATCH VIDEO OF INJECTION MOLDING HERE:

Pallet Design

During the process of designing a plastic pallet, many things come into consideration. Things such as the purpose of the pallet and how it will be transported, stored, what industry will use the pallet.

All these considerations impact and contribute to the design, material, weight, and durability of a pallet. Once the design for the plastic pallet is in place, the mold will be made to make that exact design.

Additional Pallet Design Considerations:

* Open/Closed decks
* Ventilation
* Sanitization
* Runners vs no runners
* Two-Way vs 4-Way entry
* Industry standards
* FDA approved
* Fire retardant


Pallet Injection Molding

High pressure injection molding is the process in which virgin plastic and colorants are mixed and melted together in a barrel or mixing chamber, before being injected into the mold.

The mold is clamped together with mass pressure before being injected. By using high pressure injection molding, pallets injected inside the molds will have a faster production time than any other molding method.

By injecting the melted plastic resins into the molds, the finished pallets will come out with the most detailed and accurate design as possible!


Plastic Pallet Production

When using high pressure injection molding to create large quantities of high quality, plastic pallets, production times become more efficient. By increasing production speed and being able to produce plastic pallets in mass quantities as fast as possible, it reduces the risk of being scarce. Also, with a production process such as this, it is easy to customize and change designs and molds, making it possible to produce pallets for even the most specific needs!

Share your Comments!

Let us know what you think of the plastic pallet production process!

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.

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.

Pallet Top Decks, What Are They?

A top deck is the top surface area of a pallet or skid, the space / platform that inventory or a more general payload will rest upon during storage or transportation. Although, top decks vary on by pallet, common top options can be found on both stringer and block pallets.

Two Pallet Top Deck Types: Open Deck & Closed Deck

The two main types of top decks on a pallet are, open decks and closed decks. An open deck can also be referred to as a ventilated deck, and a closed deck can also be referred to as a solid deck. Knowing the different types of top decks is important when selecting the best pallet option for your application!

Modern Top Decks: Open vs. Closed

Modern day top decks come in two main categories, open and closed. One Way Solutions offers both modern top deck styles in: nestable, rackable, and stackable plastic pallets Both of our open and closed top deck pallets are available in a full range of sizes to best suit your needs!

Open Pallet Top Deck

Open top 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. One of our most popular open deck pallets is our 40 x 48 x 5” Nestable Light Duty Plastic Pallet (#PP-O-40-NL7).

Closed Pallets Top Deck

Closed top 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. One of our most popular closed deck pallets is our 40×48” Solid Deck Rackable Plastic Pallet (#PP-S-40-R3).

An Old School Take on Closed Decks

Our other most popular option for a closed deck plastic pallet would be any of our rackable RC plastic stringer pallets. These pallets are based off old school, classic stringer pallet drawings and designs. One of our best selling examples would be our 44×44” Heavy Duty Solid Deck Rackable Plastic Pallet (#PP-S-4444-RC).

Anti-Slip Options

Offering pallets with different anti-slip options and designs helps ensure that our customers inventory and products remain safe and secure. Some of our anti-slip designs include: * an elevated pallet lip or safety rim around the perimeter of our pallets * rubber surface attachments (known as pallet grommets). These anti-slip options are most commonly found on the smoother surfaces of our closed deck pallets.

Finding Your Perfect Pallet Online

Our plastic pallet experts want your pallet shopping to be as easy as possible! That’s why we offer a special way to filter your searches! When viewing our “Shop Plastic Pallets” or “Pallets by Industry” drop down bars, you have the option to filter your search to really narrow down what you’re looking for! The filter section can be found on the left of our product pages, right under the “Shop by Category” box.

Want to learn about Pallet Stringers?

There’s more to a pallet than a top deck – go here check out our article on Pallet Stringer Boards.

Share your Comments!

We’d love to hear from you – please share thoughts about our open and closed top deck pallet options 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.

Buying Pallets With Surplus Year End Budget

The End Is Near – Are You Prepared?

*With 2019 quickly coming to a close, it’s important for all businesses to make sure they have taken advantage of their allotted spending for the year. That especially holds true for the plastic pallet industry.

*Using all of your plastic pallet budget by the end of the year enables optimal spending, while also allowing your business to prosper.

*At One Way we have pallet experts ready to assist you in making the most out of your plastic pallet budget by year’s end.

Why is this important? Because!

* Here at One Way Solutions, we offer top of the line pallets for all industries and purposes. Making the most of your plastic pallet budget with our products allows you to save money and stay stress free of shipping hassles. All of our products are fully export compliant and not subject to the ISPM-15 regulations, alleviating you of the anxiety of dealing with delays and other burdens.

*Utilizing your entire plastic pallet budget with One Way before the new year also leads to reducing your taxable income!

We Optimize Plastic Pallet Budgets

* One Way Solutions offers the best prices with reliable service. Your plastic pallet budget will be used efficiently especially around this time of the ending fiscal year. Make sure to take advantage of these prices as you can stock up on plastic pallets before the end of the year!

*We can also help you find the best shipping rates with our real time freight rating and optimizers. We will always find the best shipping rates because we have an extraordinary and caring team. Our sales team loves to help customers out specifically when it comes to saving client’s hard earned cash!

*Lastly, make sure to take advantage of our service to maximize your plastic pallet budget!

Top 4 Best Selling Pallets: For a Reason!

PP-O-40-NL7

This nestable light duty pallet is a fan favorite. We like to call it the muscle-car of all rackable pallets out there. It includes three permanent runners, which increases the strength. It can hold a dynamic capacity of 2,800 lbs. This pallet has great strength at the price of a light duty model.

PP-O-40-NM7

The NM7 is a plastic pallet gaining ground in popularity. This is due to the large dynamic capacity of 2,700 lbs. Along with the light duty pricing, similar to the NL7. The NM7 was engineered to endure heavy capacity while cutting down on weight of the pallet itself. Weighing in at 17 lbs. (super light) this pallet can do what many pallets this weight cannot achieve.

PP-O-40-SL7

The SL7 is commonly used for exports and storage while having seemingly endless additional uses. This pallet is very similar to the NL7 yet there is a key difference as his one os stackable. IT still has the same muscle-car pallet feel in regards to pricing and weight capacity capability.

PP-O-40-SM7

Much like the NM7, yet this one has three permanently attached runners to increase the strength and the stackable surface area. These will ship unassembled but assembly is extremely easy.

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!

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.

 

Shipping Pallets By Rail

Why are Intermodal Cars perfect for shipping Plastic Pallets by Rail?

Intermodal cars are long, strong, and down to get the friction on! 

– Sir Ships-A-Lot

Intermodal cars are:

• Long – Approximately 70 feet long, allowing them to easily transport 53′ containers full of plastic pallets. 
• Strong – they can carry gross weights of 220,000 lbs – that’s more pallet weight than we could hope to pack into a container. 

Blocking and Bracing

When loading a full truckload / rail car shipment, it is mandatory that you judge freight stability and take any measures required to prevent unwanted movement during transportation.

The process of shoring up loose pallet loads and empty space is called blocking and bracing.

During the blocking and bracing process, warehouse staff should cautiously load the container, position the pallets, and reinforcing the all packed goods to prevent any shifting, tipping, collapse, and falling does not accidentally occur during transport and delivery.

We Hope That Helps!

We hoped you enjoyed learning about the basics of shipping plastic pallets by rail – a great way to optimize the pallet’s journey from our dock to your dock – saving money by reducing freight to the most efficient method during each segment of transport.

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.

Pallet Stringers

Stringer Pallets are one of the original models of wooden pallets. A stringer pallet is a pallet with a unique design that adds boards, known as the stringers, to create a more stable base for heavy unit loads. When looking at a plastic pallet stringer, the stringers can be identified on each side of the pallet, as well as, down the middle of the pallet. However, pallet stringers no longer have to be built in or permanently attached to a pallet. Detachable plastic pallet stringers make it possible to customize basic pallets to make them as versatile as possible. Most commonly pallet stringers are able to be picked up by either a forklift or pallet jack forks, through a two way entry. Stringer pallets or pallet stringers can be made from wood or plastic, and be notched to create partial four way entries if needed.  

Stringer Pallets vs. Block Pallets

The original model of a stringer pallet differs from that of a traditional block pallet. A stringer pallet is only accessible to be picked up from a two way entry unless specifically notched to have a partial four way entry. A block pallet is almost always accessible from a four way entry. This is because block pallets have hand jack openings. Along with the openings, a block pallet has about 4-12 blocks supporting a unit load, these are located between the top of the pallet and the bottom deck boards. Block pallets can also be made from wood or plastic. A stringer pallet allows a full coverage base where a block pallet has three different base options. A block pallets base can be perimeter based, uni-directional based, or have an overlapping base.

The Design of a Stringer Pallet

A stringer pallet, is a pallet that has boards known as the stringers, on each side, and down the middle of a pallet, sandwiched between the top and bottom boards. The stringers run lengthwise on the pallets and grant the pallets more support for the unit load. This design allows a two way entry and ability for the pallet’s deckboards to be chambered for a pallet jackets wheels to enter.

Modern Plastic Pallets & Pallet Stringers

Some of our plastic pallets have detachable pallet stringers that snap on and off to create a more versatile pallet. Allowing our stringers to snap on and off of our pallets, allows a pallet to be stackable or rackable depending on how they’re applied. A great example of a rackable/stackable plastic stringer pallet is our 45 x 48 Heavy Duty Solid-Deck Rackable Plastic Pallet (# PP-S-4548-RC).

Which is better?

When deciding what type of pallet to invest in, both block and stringer pallets are good options. Each, whether plastic or wood, can be modified, notched, and configured in the molding process to create the perfect pallet for its intended use or easy mobility. Block pallets typically cost more than stringer pallets due to production and material costs.

3 Questions to ask when selecting the perfect pallet!

• How will the pallets be stored?
• How will the pallets be handled and transported?
• What is the cost?

Want to learn about Pallet Top Decks?

There’s more to a pallet than a stringer – go here check out our article on Pallet Top Decks.

Share your Comments!

What is your preferred pallet type, stringers or block? What benefits or advantages do you feel they hold for you? Do you like the concept of a detachable plastic pallet stringer? 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.

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?
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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.

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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.

Should I Be Buying Direct from a Pallet Manufacturer?

Or Should I Be Buying Direct from a Pallet Distributor?

A Pallet Manufacturer makes the pallet.

A Pallet Distributor buys the pallet from the manufacturer and resells it.

Buying from a pallet manufacturer (buying direct) could allow you to bypass purchasing from a distributor’s website or retail store.

But is it a good idea to buy from a Pallet Manufacturer?

Perhaps your motivation is the belief that eliminating the pallet distributor will allow you to get better pricing? After all, it’s one less layer and you’re that much closer to actual product.

In reality, buying from a distributor offers numerous advantages that manufacturers are unable to offer.

Fiction: It’s better to buy from a pallet manufacturer because you’ll get a better price.

Fact: Buying pallets from a distributor is a much better way to go.

One Way Solutions, Proudly Distributing Pallets

We often take calls from people asking if manufacture our plastic pallets or just distribute them. When we respond that we’re a distributor; we’re asked to provide the manufacturer’s phone number.

We are happy to provide this information; we are confident they will be calling us back!

Is it because we offer lower pallet pricing – or is there another reason?

Why should you buy pallets from a distributor?

A plastic pallet distributor like One Way Solutions has the selection of a retailer, the product quality of a manufacturer, and unmatched personal customer service.

Expertise & Experience

We also have the pallet experience many other distributors and manufacturers lack.

One Way Solutions has been in business since 1987; and unlike more general packaging supply companies, we have been focused on just one product: plastic pallets.

Wider Selection Of Pallets

As a plastic pallet distributor, we’re able to extend a huge offering of various different types of pallets, with different plastic resins for all different industries.

This is usually not true for pallet manufacturers.

Pallet manufacturers offer a single line of branded pallets, limiting their offering of pallet models and the ability to provide the pallet best fit to your application. Some manufacturers only produce 1 pallet model!

Think of it like an entire aisle of snack chips! Would you prefer to shop from just one brand, or have multiple brands to choose from? Buying from a pallet distributor gives you the best options to be successful!

Manufacturers don’t have that same ability because they don’t offer the same variety, only their own branded pallets. This can lead to a lot of problems for customers, especially if that manufacturer is sold out of their product and cannot substitute the pallet, causing interruptions in material handling operations.

Manufacturers may appear to offer lower prices due to higher volumes on a smaller number of products; however, One Way Solutions has other economies of scale that allows us to offer extremely competitive pallet prices, because we don’t have the added overhead of a  manufacturing facility to support.

Offering a variety of pallets that ship from multiple factories allows us provide comparable products when manufacturing delays occur (pallet talk mold breakdowns, pallet backorders) that may lead to longer product lead times.

When a pallet supply delay occurs, we often have dozens of options for pallet substitutions that we can ship our customer operations go uninterrupted. That’s our risk management solution to keeping you well supplied.

Unparalleled Customer Service

Finally, buying from OWS provides customers with unmatched customer service that larger pallet manufacturers cannot offer.

Large manufacturers frequently blow off smaller buyers if the order is below a certain quantity. If they receive a quote it will usually take days and will usually not include a freight estimate shipping. If they aren’t ordering multiple truckloads, they will usually be ignored or passed off to a pallet distributor.

Pallet manufacturers rely on a smaller number of large customers for the bulk of their sales; these larger customers are given preferential treatment and faster service over other customers, resulting in longer lead times for smaller customers.

For all these reasons, you should buy from One Way Solutions, a proud plastic pallet distributor!

What qualities does One Way Solutions show?

Buying from a pallet distributor, such as One Way Solutions, carries a personal touch that many manufacturers and even other distributors just do not possess. At One Way, there is always someone waiting to talk to you regarding any needs you may have. If you were to call most other companies, especially manufacturers, you would end up talking and being directed around by a confusing phone robot attendant.

Buying from a pallet distributor provides hundreds of different pallet types ranging from manufacturer, style, and type. You are able to find all of these plastic pallet selections right on this website! If one were to look at our Google reviews, or even customer testimonials, you could see customer service and satisfaction are our #1 priorities.

The Main Advantages Of Ordering from One Way:

Customer Service

One Ways Solutions offers swift customer service regardless of order size. No matter the size of the order, your company places for our high quality pallets, you will be helped by our plastic Pallet Experts quickly and efficiently.

Whether we are sending large pallet bulk orders or just a few pallet samples out to prospective customers, our Pallet Experts will accommodate your every need and answer any question you may have.

Accountability

Here at One Way, we can replace your pallets if out of stock. Along with that, we have extremely competitive prices that gives us an edge in our market and are very willing to negotiate prices. We also have the ability to create custom pallets that are ideal for whatever needs your business has. Our job is to help make your job easier.

High Volume Advantage

We are very willing to negotiate pricing on products, especially when we sell in bulk. Along with that, buying in higher volume allows you to keep shipping costs lower. Plastic pallets are lighter than wood, allowing them to ship more quantity per truck.

We know all pallets, not just a particular line.

We sell pallets for use in over 10 industries while also having many different pallet types.
We are able to use various different types of plastic resins, to satisfy all your needs. All of our plastic pallets are fully export compliant and not subject to ISPM-15 regulations, making it convenient for you. One Way provides high quality pallets that work for many different kinds of applications at a low cost.

Benefits of Buying from One Way Solutions

Plastic pallets range heavily in variety.

Why would you want to limit yourself by buying direct from a manufacturer?

Is it worth chasing a few pennies while sacrificing reliable customer service?

Many of One Way solutions customers have been with us for a long time.

Do you think that if you are buying at a small rate of quantity you will be treated with respect by the manufacturer?

No matter the order size, type of pallet, or any other factor, One Way Solutions will always be able to help you achieve your goals in a professional yet personal manner.

Do you think there are other advantages to buying from a distributor such as One Way Solutions?

Please share your comments, ideas, and experiences.