Billions of pallets are used globally for a variety of manufacturing, storage, industrial and business uses. They are used in transportation to move materials and goods and also used as storage facilities in warehouses and large commercial plants and premises.

Steel pallets are becoming more popular over wooden pallets because they have a number of benefits associated with them as explained here.

Stronger

Steel pallets are invariably stronger than their wooden counterparts, and they weigh less than large, heavy wooden pallets. A steel pallet can subsequently take more weight during transportation and storage. The goods that are also being transported and stored are also exposed to less damage because they are protected more.

Reduced wastage

When using wooden pallets that are not strong or durable in transit, the goods can become crushed, damage or dented. This is because the wooden pallets are not stable and have usually caused the loads to move or fall. Steel pallets are much stronger and offer enhanced protection by holding loads more securely which minimises transit damage to goods. This increased performance reduces waste in damaged goods and also reduces overall costs in insurance claims and the delay of goods because of damage.

Wooden pallets are often seen as expendable and are readily discarded, especially as they get damaged easily and quickly. This means that a high amount of waste is created that is not environmentally friendly. When wooden pallets are damaged and made unusable, it means that more pallets need to be re-ordered and stocked. Re-ordering over and over again takes up more cost, time and resource to replenish wooden pallets. With metal and steel pallets, they last longer and are more robust which means less time and cost is spent on replenishing them.

Better design

Metal and steel pallets can be designed in a number of ways according to their usage. A key benefit is the ability to be stacked to a maximum height which offers a space-saving storage facility in warehouses where space costs money. Rather than being a wooden boarded pallet design which a limited design capability, steel pallets can be designed in a range of styles. They can be designed with removable doors, detachable panels and also with legs to raise them off the ground. A wide and varied range of designs offers greater flexibility and tailoring to requirements.

Durable

Wood pallets are subject to rotting and decay and if overused, old and overloaded are prone to splitting and cracking. This renders them dangerous and useless. Steel pallets are extremely strong and will last for years thus giving greater value for money because of their longer lifespan and durability. Steel pallets can be more expensive than wood ones with a greater initial outlay, however their return on investment is greater because they last for much longer.

Industrial use

Steel and metal pallets are ideal for industrial use because they are more robust and can withstand extreme weather – heat and cold – conditions. They can also be designed for extensive storage to maximise space.

Safety and hygiene

Metal and steel pallets are also much more hygienically safe than wood pallets. Wooden pallets can often get contaminated with bacteria that lead to hygiene issues and the spread of disease and illness. They can also be infested with bugs, flies and insects that create a hygiene risk to transport areas and goods. This is particularly a high risk where wooden pallets are used to transport and store foodstuffs.