Pallet shipments have become a necessity in many companies where a “just in time” policy is implemented - limiting stocks of materials and goods in the warehouse as much as possible. In fact, a great deal of merchandise is nowadays moved via courier pallet shipment. More generally, dispatch heavy parcels or bulky packages, almost always requires the use of pallets. Since transport costs significantly affect the cost of materials and goods, shipping pallets at the best price is a necessity. So if it is your first time shipping pallets by courier, it is a good idea to obtain quotes from several couriers so that you can ship at the best price. Only then can you choose the most suitable one for your fast shipment.
In this article we will help you juggle the differences between an estimate for shipping a pallet and one for a parcel or document. Finally, we will understand how to get the best quote for your pallet shipment.
Shipping with pallets: why do it?
Pallets are structures, generally made of wood, used for transporting, storing and stacking heavy and/or bulky goods. Alternatively, they are also called platforms or pallets. Consequently, the logistics and transport industry extensively uses pallets for shipping heavy or bulky goods around Italy and especially around the world.
An express courier such as UPS o DHL requires the mandatory use of pallets to ship goods or packages weighing more than 70 kilos. Not only that, palletised shipping is required if there are several items with a total weight over 70 kilos.
The pallet is available in different sizes. In addition, each courier company may impose different requirements regarding the pallet sizes accepted. Therefore, you should check these requirements before shipping pallets by courier.
Pallets for shipping goods
There are pallets of different materials. In fact, it is possible to make the pallet from metal, plastic, wood or cardboard. If you would like to learn more about pallet sizes imposed by couriers or the different types of pallets, you can visit the page on special package sizes.
The different types of palletised shipment
Shipping heavy parcels is not the only eventuality in which palletised shipping is used. Here are the cases in which you could benefit from such a shipment:
- shipment of valuable goods: if you ship large or small valuable goods, packing them on pallets may be the best solution. In fact, shipping on pallets offers more protection as it makes it easier for the courier to load, unload and move;
- consolidated shipment of multiple items: if you have to plan the shipment of packages that must stay together, choosing pallets can help you. Indeed, this will give you the security that your items will travel and arrive at their destination together;
- make it easier to stack and move items to the recipient: if you know that the recipient needs to store and stack the items you send, the pallet is a great solution. In fact, moving and stacking it is very easy.
Benefits of shipping pallets by courier
There are several reasons why couriers require the use of pallets for shipping heavy packages or heavy goods. In fact, pallets have considerable structural benefits. Let's look at them:
- strengthThe pallet's strength lies in its material and structure. This type of structure makes it perfectly capable of remaining stable during transport. Then, wood is able to support greater loads than cardboard and plastic. If you want to opt for an even stronger pallet, you can choose a metal one;
- portabilityThanks to its standard size and shape, the pallet is easy to stack. It also allows heavy or bulky goods to be transported while optimising space;
- recyclableWhen you decide to ship pallets, you can be sure that you are shipping with recyclable materials. Plastic, metal, wood and cardboard are, in fact, all recyclable materials;
- lightnessclassic wooden pallets are light and offer an excellent weight-to-strength ratio.
Key Points for Pallet Shipping at the Best Price
There are no fundamental differences between the procedures for making a quotation for palletised shipments and those for dispatch a parcel having standard dimensions. However, we advise you to pay attention to these important factors.
Reliability and experience of the courier
When shipping pallets of goods, it is essential to rely on an experienced express courier. This is a very important factor since not all couriers have the experience and means to carry out this type of shipment.
For this reason, SpedizioneComoda.com only works with capable couriers such as TNT, UPS and DHL. These companies have decades of experience in various types of transport, particularly in the international shipment of pallets.
Pallet Surcharge
Shipping a pallet has an extra cost compared to a standard shipment. In fact, pallet shipment falls into the category of special transport.
In these cases, the express courier must implement dedicated procedures for the transport of your goods. For example, these procedures include forklift transport.
ShippingComoda.com can offer you palletised shipping at the best price
This is possible thanks to the large volume of international shipments and national shipments that we handle every day, and to the partnership with the best UPS couriers, TNT and DHL.
Possibility of extending insurance cover
Every pallet shipment made by express courier is insured by law. The compulsory cover is a refund of 1€ per kilogram of goods in the event of damage or loss. However, the refund may not exceed 80€.
Customers shipping with pallets may deal with valuable goods. For this reason, it makes sense to ship pallets with a courier that offers the possibility of extending insurance cover for the shipment.
SpedizioneComoda.com allows you to customise your insurance policy when ordering. This way you can ship your goods with peace of mind.
Home collection of pallets
The shipment of pallets by express courier requires, even more than for other types of shipment, a pick-up at home. In the case of bulky goods and heavy parcels, delivery at the courier company's premises is, in fact, impractical.
However, most couriers do not include this service in the transport quote. For this reason, you will incur extra costs if you want to take advantage of it. Otherwise, SpedizioneComoda.com offers you shipping with pallets at the best price, with the convenience of pick-up at your company or home included in the price.
Shipment tracking
Any express courier you choose, make sure that the cost of the service includes shipment tracking. Pallet shipments often concern commercial activities, i.e. the transport of consumer goods and materials destined for the production chain or to be put on the market. They are therefore essential procedures for any industrial or commercial activity.
For this reason, it is essential to be able to track the shipment in the event of a delay. Spedizionecomoda.com allows you to know the status of your shipment at any time. Simply contact our customer service to locate your pallet.
How to get a quote for your pallet shipment
The cost of shipping a pallet will depend on two fundamental factors:
- distance to travelAs with all shipments, the greater the distance to be travelled, the higher the cost of shipping. Consequently, shipping a pallet abroad will cost more than shipping it to Italy;
- weight and dimensionsThe courier calculates the cost of shipping pallets using a formula to calculate the volumetric weight of the packed parcel. In some cases, the courier may decide to use the actual weight of the parcel if this is greater than the volumetric weight. The volumetric weight of a shipment is the result of the following calculation:
Possible surcharges for shipping pallets
Cost items in quotes for shipping pallets of goods may be subject to a surcharge for oversized pallets. Pallet shipments can weigh up to 1,000 kg. Some couriers may apply surcharges above a certain weight or size.
Shipping pallets to some hard-to-reach areas may incur a surcharge. In Italy, for example, shipping to islands or the south of the country may incur additional costs.
Instant quote with SpedizioneComoda.com
It's easy to get free quotes for shipping pallets with SpedizioneComoda.com. In addition to offering you competitive prices, our service allows you to evaluate free and instant shipping and transport quotes from multiple couriers.
Request a quote instantly online:
- specify the city and country of origin and those of destination;
- reports the weight, length, height and depth of the pallet;
- select the “pallet” option before requesting a quote.
In a few seconds you will get quotes for different shipping solutions. These differ in terms of delivery time and the means of transport used.
Clear and simple quotations for pallet shipments at the best price
A quote for fast palletised shipments works according to the same dynamics as any other quote. There are, however, a few elements to take into account. When requesting a pallet freight quote, it is essential that it includes tracking of the shipment and home collection.
SpedizioneComoda.com offers you the advantage of clear and transparent quotes. In fact, our prices include both home collection and shipment tracking.
You then have the security of handing over your pallet to experienced and reliable couriers, taking advantage of the best rates on the market.
