A wooden pallet is a standardized planking for completing a transport unit (pallet). Pallets of different sizes are used for cargo delivery, but the grade of pallet is no less important parameter.
The unification of packagings has made it possible to significantly reduce the time required for handling operations and to mechanize them. Commonly accepted dimensions and design features have made it possible for businesses around the world to send and receive goods that are easy to deal with.
Common dimensions of wooden pallets (in mm) are:
- 1200×800 – typical pallet, europallet,
- 1200×1000 – finpallet,
- 1200×1200 is the American pallet, the “American.”
Both new and used containers are used for transportation and storage in warehouses. To make the right choice, you should always pay attention to the grade of the wooden pallet.
Varieties of new pallets
Undoubtedly, the best products are new wooden pallets manufactured in accordance with the standards. Such containers meet the highest quality standards. At the same time, the cost of new pallets is as high as possible when compared to other options.
Pallets 1200×800 (standard)
New typical pallets of this size have a load capacity of up to 1.5 tons, the main planking consists of 6 planks.
1 grade
First grade packaging shall be made of birch, alder, lime, maple, pine or spruce. Multi-sawn boards are used with a tolerance of +/-5 mm in length and width and +/-2 mm in thickness and height. The presence of bark is not allowed, but blunt burr is possible, provided it is directed inward to the pallet.
The cubes can be made of pressed or solid wood. They are fastened with 2.8×80 mm screw or nails (3 pcs. at the top and 2 pcs. at the bottom). For fixing intermediate boards use nails 2,5×35-40 mm. Corner chamfers should be cut at an angle of 45º.
grade 2
The difference from the first grade is the quality of the lumber used in production. The boards can be both multi-sawn and band sawed, the overhang can be both blunt and sharp. The other requirements are the same.
Grade 3
Compared to the second grade, the third grade pallet has a board that can be from any species of tree and is not debarked.
Pallets 1200×800 (lightweight)
Lightweight pallets of this running size are characterized by a load capacity of 900 kg and a main deck consisting of 5 planks.
1-2 grade
The requirements for the high-grade lightweight pallets are the same as for the first-grade type packagings of this size. The only difference is the number of boards.
Pallets 1200×800 (europallets)
Europallets are considered to be containers of excellent quality. Their load capacity reaches 2.5 tons, the number of floor boards is 5 pcs.
1 grade
Packaging of the first grade must be made of the following wood species: birch, alder, lime, maple, pine, spruce. Only boards of multi-sawn quality with a tolerance of +/-5 mm in length and width and +/-2 mm in thickness and height are used. Peeling is mandatory, but blunt peeling is possible, provided that it is directed inside the pallet.
The cubes are made of pressed or solid wood. They are fastened with 2.8×80 mm screw or stud nails (3 pcs. at the top and 2 pcs. at the bottom). For fixing intermediate boards use nails 2,5×35-40 mm. The corner chamfers should be cut at an angle of 45º.
grade 2
The difference from the first grade is the tolerance of both blunt and sharp bumps directed inside the pallet. In addition, the boards can be either multi-sawn or band sawed.
Grade 3
An additional relaxation, if compared to the second grade – the presence of bark on the lumber is allowed.
Pallets 1200×1000 (standard)
The load capacity of the new standard pallets of this size is up to 1.5 tons. The top deck consists of 7 planks.
1 grade
The same requirements (both general and quality requirements for lumber and fasteners) apply to the first grade pallets as to the standard 1200×800 mm pallets. The difference is in the number of boards.
grade 2
Compared to the first grade, there may be a blunt and sharp inwardly directed overhang. The boards can be either multi-sawn or band sawn.
Grade 3
Additional relaxation of the requirements – the bark may not be peeled off. The rest is the same as for grade 2.
Pallets 1200×1000 (lightweight)
Lightweight pallets of this size have a load capacity of 900 kg, the top deck consists of 7 planks.
1-2 grade
The requirements for high-grade lightweight pallets are the same as for the first-grade type packagings of this size. The number of deck boards is the same, the only difference is their thickness.
Varieties of used pallets (used)
Often, business objectives allow the use of used pallets. They are also divided into grades, so you can choose exactly the right container for your needs. At the same time, it is possible to optimize costs without overpaying for excessive pallet properties.
Pallets 1200×800 (standard)
Used standard pallets of this size should retain a load capacity of up to 1.5 tons. Number of top deck boards – 5-7 pcs.
1 grade
The first grade includes:
- light-colored, tight, clean wooden pallets with a deck of 6-7 boards, without critical damage or signs of wood rot. There may be chips and cracks that will not reduce strength. ;
- white pallets of the same quality, having 5 planks of flooring;
- dark pallets with a gray surface of the same quality as light pallets.
grade 2
A pallet of the second grade is considered to be a clean sugar container, light or dark in color, without significant damage and signs of wood decay. There may be chips and cracks that do not reduce the strength;
Pallets 1200×800 (lightweight)
The load capacity of such pallets is up to 0.7 tons.
1 grade
First grade pallets are lightweight, light-colored, clean, without critical damage or signs of wood rot. Minor damage that does not reduce strength is possible. Decking boards should be 50 to 80 mm wide and 15 to 18 mm thick.
grade 2
The second grade includes lightweight pallets with the basic qualities of the first grade, but with a gray surface.
Pallets 1200×800 (europallets)
Used Euro pallets must retain a load capacity of up to 2.5 tons.
1 grade
An important characteristic is the presence of EUR branding. Pallets must be light-colored, have 5 planks of flooring 20-22 mm thick, alternating in width 145 mm – 100 mm. The alternating cubes must have a width of 145 mm – 100 mm. Contamination, signs of wood rot, cracks, chips and significant damage are not allowed.
grade 2
The requirements are the same as for first grade, except for the stigma, which may not be present. In addition, cracks and chips that do not affect the strength are allowed.
Grade 3
It can be with or without the EUR branding. The difference from the second grade is that the Euro pallet of the third grade has a dark surface.
4 grade
All requirements are the same as for the third grade. The grade is reduced to grade four if the pallet is colored.
Pallets 1200×1000 (standard)
A used standard pallet of this size retains a load capacity of 1.5 tons.
1 grade
Light, clean, without significant damage or signs of wood rot. Has 7-8 planks of decking, splinters may be present, not affecting strength.
grade 2
Same requirements, but if the pallet is dark, it is graded as second grade.
Pallets 1200×1000 (lightweight)
The load capacity of a lightweight pallet of this size is 0.7 tons.
1 grade
Light-colored, clean, without significant damage or signs of wood rot. It has 5-6 planks of decking, splinters are allowed, not affecting the strength. Decking boards should be 50 to 80 mm wide and 15 to 18 mm thick.
grade 2
Quality requirements are the same as for the first grade. Dark coloring reduces the grade.
Selection of pallets for work in the domestic market
If the company cooperates with counterparties in European countries, the shipment of goods will require the use of containers that comply with European standards and are marked with special stamps. For the domestic market, the choice of pallets is much wider. Almost any container is suitable – just as long as it matches the cargo.
Today, there are no strict requirements, including the presence of a phytosanitary stigma. Therefore, you can use Euro pallets without certification, as well as pallets of any size of 1, 2, 3 and 4 grades.
The use of used pallets saves money and preserves nature. They can be used if they have been treated with care, if your goods are not particularly delicate or, for example, if you only need them for storage. In many cases, however, new containers should be preferred, even for domestic transport.