In cargo transportation around the world, standard euro pallets are actively used, the dimensions of which allow using the maximum amount of usable area. These devices have gained such popularity due to the fact that with their help work in warehouses is greatly facilitated.
The concept of pallets
Pallets (pallets) are special devices used for loading and unloading during transportation. The specifics of their use foresees the movement of the pallet along with the load that is piled on it. Therefore, pallets can be equated to the simplest container. But they differ from the latter in that they do not pack and protect the cargo, but only contribute to its faster movement.
In global logistics, the size of a euro pallet is strictly standardized. This was done in order to more rationally use the usable area in transport. And loading equipment is easier to design if all pallets are the same size.
It is known that in the worldseveral standards are used. But the most popular is the euro pallet 1200x800. It is he who fits perfectly into all types of freight transport.
Eu pallet dimensions
In accordance with the regulatory documents that monitor compliance with standards, the size of an euro pallet should be 1200x800 mm. It is these dimensions that are considered optimal for international cargo transportation.
At the same time, each such pallet is marked with a corresponding stamp, which looks like an oval with the letters EUR inside. Without such a sign, the cargo may not be allowed through at European customs. And it's not just the size. This sign indicates that sanitary and technical standards are also observed.
It is also important to remember that the height of the euro pallet must be exactly 145 mm. It is under this size that all forklifts that are used in European warehouses are designed. If the pallet is lower, it cannot be raised. And a pallet of greater height takes up a lot of space, which means that there is a risk of increasing the total cost of transportation. Therefore, all pallets of this standard must clearly comply with established production standards.
Europallet design
Much in the use of pallets depends on their constructive solution. Since the first prototypes of this device appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century, for a century people have managed to choose the most optimal option. Standard euro pallets, the dimensions of which are fixed at the documentary level, have several designsolutions.
There are two types of pallets according to the way they are loaded: two-grip and four-grip. The former are stronger, but less versatile. To rearrange them, sometimes you have to pretty twist. But the latter are less durable. Therefore, they are more often used as disposables.
The top platform of the pallet consists of five boards of different widths, which alternate in the following order: wide - narrow - wide - narrow - wide. It is this solution that allows obtaining maximum strength with such dimensions.
The longest living pallets, which are based on three longitudinal beams. Three boards are attached to them from below: two wide at the edges and one narrow in the middle. For reusable euro pallets, the thickness of the top boards should be 22 mm.
Grade of reusable pallets
Because pallets are used more than once, they must meet certain requirements to help match the correct load to the intended load. At the same time, the condition of the euro pallets is important, the dimensions of which are ideal for transportation.
The highest grade corresponds to white and clean pallets without stains and darkening. They should not have cracks, chips or breaks. Top-grade pallets are used no more than three times. Then they are transferred to the next grade.
The second grade includes pallets the same as the previous ones, but used much more times. No external or internal damage is allowed here. Also, there are no repaired pallets in the second grade.
Minor chips and cracks up to 30 cm in length - this is a sign of the third grade. Pallets may be slightly dirty and darkened from time to time. It is possible to use pallets after minor repairs.
Hygiene Standards
Most EU countries require that pallets imported into their territory have phytosanitary certificates. These are documents that confirm that the wood used for the production of the pallet has been treated against fungi, microorganisms and insects. Thus, governments are trying to protect the country from entering its territory of dangerous factors that can damage equipment in warehouses.
Fortunately, the euro pallet, which is ideally sized for cargo transportation, has several places where you can put a stamp confirming the presence of such processing. It looks like an abbreviation indicating the type of processing, the serial number of the process and the code of the country where it was carried out. Together with the certificate, such pallets are allowed to enter any country. Without it, the cargo can be returned back, which will entail serious losses.
Capacity
It is structurally confirmed that the size of the euro pallet has a certain load capacity, the excess of which can lead to its damage. The standard maximum weight of a disposable pallet is 600 kg. Reusable pallets can withstand up to 2 tons. At the same time, in accordance with the rules of cargo transportation, any cargo weighing more than 70 kg must be palletized.
The weight itselfeuropallet 1200x800 is equal to 15-20 kg. Some manufacturers say that their pallets weigh 40 kg, but this is the maximum weight allowed for this equipment. Otherwise, it is completely unprofitable to use it, since such pallets significantly increase the total weight of the transported cargo.
Loading in containers and euro trucks
The amount of products that can be transported at one time depends on the method of loading. The more compact the pallets are, the more cargo will fit in a truck or container.
It has long been calculated that a 20-foot container can hold 11 euro pallets in one layer. A photo of this method is available to everyone. Same as the picture of placing 23-24 pallets in a 40ft shipping container.
There is an ideal way to load Euro pallets into a standard international truck. In this way, it turns out to fit 30 pallets tightly in one layer.
Thus, the skill of placing pallets depends on how much cargo can be transported in one run. Therefore, standard pallets are the best suited for these purposes.
Methods of cargo securing
The standard Euro pallet size requires certain shipping regulations to be followed to ensure everything arrives safe and sound. To begin with, it is worth remembering that not a single load is recommended to be placed so that it goes beyond the boundaries of the upper platform. This guarantees a tight fit of the pallets in the container, and hence its absolute filling.
All goods must be firmly fixed so that they do not fall apart during transportation. For these purposes, strapping materials or stretch film are used, with which the cargo is tightly tied to the pallet.
Coils and drums on pallets are fixed in a special way. The main thing is that they are strictly in the middle and do not roll on the surface of the pallet. It is advisable to place them in a vertical position, so it is easier to observe the dimensions of the pallet.
Safety
Compliance with safety rules when working with pallets guarantees the preservation of he alth, order in the warehouse and the integrity of the equipment used for these purposes.
Never overload pallets. If the cargo is stored in several layers, the most reliable pallets must be placed on the bottom, otherwise they may burst under the weight of the cargo.
Never skimp on pallets. The europallet, the price of which is not so big (200-500 rubles per 1 piece), has a certain service life. After it expires, it is better to throw out the worn-out device than to pay compensation for damaged goods in case of breakage.
You should also be very careful in places where forklifts work. Due to the large dimensions of palletized cargo, it is easy to miss a person: run over him or put a pallet.
Overloaded forklifts often roll over and ruin everything in their path. Often there are cases when, as a result of such an accident, the entire warehouse collapses, like a house of cards or dominoes. Therefore, it is better to make an extra walk,than to eliminate the consequences of overload.
Custom applications
The rather widespread use of euro pallets has caused them to be used for other than their intended purpose. The relatively low cost (or even a free option in case of decommissioning worn-out pallets) makes them an attractive material for a variety of crafts.
Craftsmen offer to make furniture out of pallets. At the same time, it can be both garden and room. With a nice decoration, a pallet bed or sofa will become the highlight of an urban interior.
Cottage furniture is also obtained from used pallets. In this case, there is no longer any need to knock wooden surfaces together. It is enough just to saw off in one place, and add legs or a back in another.
In this way, euro pallets have become an indispensable tool for loading and unloading operations in almost all of the Old World. Today, their use is a prerequisite for all oversized and heavy cargo that moves from one country to another.
