When your orders start getting bigger, heavier, or simply too valuable to risk with regular parcel delivery, it’s time to rethink how you ship. That’s where pallet shipping steps in as the smarter, safer solution.
When your orders start getting bigger, heavier, or simply too valuable to risk with regular parcel delivery, it’s time to rethink how you ship. That’s where pallet shipping steps in as the smarter, safer solution.
Whether you are a manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, or growing eCommerce business moving inventory in bulk, pallet freight offers better protection, improved handling efficiency, and lower per-unit shipping costs.
👉 For businesses looking for a reliable B2B pallet logistics partner, Fship’s Bulkit simplifies bulk freight movement with competitive rates and appointment-based deliveries.
What is Pallet Shipping?
Pallet shipping is the process of transporting goods stacked and secured on a flat wooden, plastic, or metal platform known as a pallet. Instead of shipping multiple individual cartons separately, products are consolidated into a single freight unit.
Once secured, the pallet is handled using forklifts or pallet jacks, which reduces manual handling and minimizes the risk of damage.
Pallet freight is commonly used for:
- Bulk inventory shipments
- Warehouse-to-warehouse transfers
- Heavy machinery or equipment
- Wholesale and B2B deliveries
- Large eCommerce restocking
If your shipment exceeds 70–100 kg or involves multiple cartons, pallet shipping is often more efficient than parcel delivery.
Types of Pallets Used in Freight Shipping
Choosing the right pallet type directly affects shipment safety, compliance, and cost efficiency.
- Wooden Pallets
Wooden pallets are the most commonly used option in pallet freight. They are cost-effective, widely available, and strong enough to handle heavy loads. For international shipping, wooden pallets must meet ISPM-15 treatment standards to prevent pest contamination.
- Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets are durable, moisture-resistant, and reusable. They are ideal for industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals where hygiene is critical. Although more expensive upfront, they offer longer lifespan.
- Metal Pallets
Metal pallets are designed for extremely heavy or industrial loads. They are less common but suitable for machinery and high-value equipment shipments.
How Pallet Shipping Works: Step-by-Step Process
Understanding the pallet shipping process helps businesses avoid costly errors and shipment delays.
- Step 1: Selecting the Right Pallet
The pallet must support the total shipment weight without bending or breaking. Using an undersized or weak pallet increases the risk of collapse during transit.
- Step 2: Proper Stacking and Weight Distribution
Heavier items should always be placed at the bottom. Boxes must be aligned evenly, without overhanging the edges of the pallet. Uneven stacking can cause tipping during loading and unloading.
- Step 3: Securing the Shipment
The entire load should be tightly wrapped using industrial shrink wrap. For fragile goods, corner boards and straps provide additional stability. Proper securing reduces damage risk during truck movement.
- Step 4: Accurate Measurement and Documentation
Measure the pallet’s total weight, height, length, and width after stacking. Incorrect dimensions may lead to freight reclassification fees or additional billing.
- Step 5: Transportation (LTL or FTL)
The pallet is then transported via road, rail, air, or ocean depending on urgency and distance. Most domestic pallet shipments move via truck freight.
LTL vs FTL Pallet Shipping: What’s the Difference?
One of the most important decisions in pallet freight is choosing between LTL (Less Than Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) shipping.
LTL Pallet Shipping
LTL shipping is ideal when you are transporting a small number of pallets (usually 1–10). Your freight shares truck space with other shipments, making it cost-effective. However, there may be multiple handling points.
This option works best for:
- Cost-sensitive shipments
- Flexible delivery timelines
- Small to mid-size bulk orders
FTL Pallet Shipping
FTL shipping gives you exclusive use of the entire truck. This reduces handling, speeds up delivery, and lowers damage risk.
FTL is recommended for:
- Large volume shipments
- Time-sensitive deliveries
- Fragile or high-value goods
What Affects Pallet Shipping Costs?
Pallet shipping cost is influenced by multiple operational factors. Understanding them helps you plan freight budgets accurately.
- Shipment Weight and Density
Heavier shipments naturally cost more to transport. However, density also plays a major role in determining freight class. High-density shipments may qualify for lower classification rates.
- Shipping Distance
Longer routes increase fuel consumption and transit time. Inter-state or cross-country freight costs more than local or regional delivery.
- Freight Classification
Freight class is determined by density, handling difficulty, liability risk, and storage requirements. Incorrect classification can result in reweighing charges and billing adjustments.
- Mode of Transport
Air freight pallet shipping is the fastest but most expensive option. Road freight remains the most economical for domestic shipping.
- Accessorial Charges
Additional services such as liftgate delivery, residential drop-off, inside delivery, appointment scheduling, or limited access locations can increase the total cost.
Read more: How to Pack Products for Shipping
Benefits of Pallet Shipping for Businesses
Reduced Risk of Damage
Because goods are consolidated into a single secured unit, there is less movement during transit. Reduced manual handling lowers the risk of breakage.
Improved Loading Efficiency
Forklifts and pallet jacks allow quick loading and unloading. This speeds up warehouse operations and reduces labor dependency.
Lower Per-Unit Shipping Cost
When shipping in bulk, pallet freight often reduces the cost per item compared to sending multiple parcel shipments separately.
Better Warehouse Organization
Palletized goods are easier to stack and store, improving space utilization in distribution centers.
Scalable Logistics Solution
As your business grows and shipment volume increases, pallet shipping supports bulk movement without operational complexity.
Common Pallet Shipping Challenges
Damage During Transit: Improper stacking or weak wrapping can cause shifting. Always secure loads tightly and avoid overhang.
Incorrect Dimensions: Failing to measure accurately can lead to additional freight billing. Always measure after securing the pallet.
Delivery Access Issues: Residential deliveries or locations without loading docks may require liftgate services. Confirm delivery conditions in advance.
International Compliance: Wooden pallets used in cross-border shipping must comply with ISPM-15 regulations to avoid customs rejection.
Best Practices for Safe and Cost-Effective Pallet Freight
- Always distribute weight evenly across the pallet surface.
- Avoid stacking cartons beyond pallet edges.
- Use high-quality shrink wrap from bottom to top.
- Label pallets clearly on multiple sides.
- Confirm freight classification before booking.
- Compare LTL and FTL rates for cost optimization.
Who Should Use Pallet Shipping?
Pallet shipping is ideal for:
- Manufacturers moving bulk production
- Wholesalers shipping to retailers
- eCommerce brands restocking warehouses
- Industrial equipment suppliers
- FMCG and consumer goods distributors
If your shipment involves multiple cartons or weighs more than 100 kg, pallet freight is usually the more practical solution.
Why Choose Fship Bulkit for Pallet Shipping?
As shipment sizes grow, managing bulk freight manually becomes complex. Rate negotiations, transporter coordination, delivery scheduling, and damage risks can increase operational stress.
Fship Bulkit is dedicated B2B bulk shipping solution designed specifically for pallet freight, heavy shipments, and warehouse-to-warehouse movement.
With Fship Bulkit, businesses get:
- Access to multiple verified freight partners through a single platform
- Competitive B2B freight pricing for pallet shipping
- Appointment-based and door-to-door delivery options
- Better tracking visibility for bulk shipments
- Reduced operational hassle compared to dealing with local transporters individually
Whether you are shipping 2 pallets or full truckloads, Fship Bulkit helps businesses move bulk inventory safely, efficiently, and at optimized costs.
FAQs
Ans. Costs vary based on weight, distance, freight class, and service type. LTL shipping is typically more affordable for smaller loads.
Ans. Yes, but additional residential and liftgate fees may apply.
Ans. Most standard wooden pallets can handle between 1,000 –1,500 kg depending on load distribution.
Ans. For heavy and bulk shipments, pallet freight significantly reduces handling and damage risk.