Businesses that transport and store products often need pallets. However, the cost of buying new pallets can quickly add up. Buying used wooden pallets is more cost-effective. It is important to pay attention to the quality of the used pallet you buy. In this post, we will give you the things you need to keep in mind when buying used pallets.
What is used wooden pallet?
Wood is a great material for pallets. It’s sturdy, relatively cheap, and reusable. Wooden pallets are also easy to source. It is because of these characteristics that they are highly appreciated in the Vietnamese market. Used wooden pallets are old pallets but still ensure the quality of use to more than 90%. Used wooden pallets offer businesses a cheaper and more sustainable alternative when it comes to transporting or storing products, suitable for any business use.
Things to know about used wooden pallets
Clean
Inspect used wooden pallets you purchase for mold, structural damage, dirt, or discoloration. This is even more important if you are in the food business. Stains can be from chemicals that can contaminate food products. Mold and structural damage can be dangerous when pallets are lifted by a forklift, as they weaken the wood. While there are ways to fix these problems, it’s best to avoid buying used pallets with those markings.
Ingredient
Most pallets are manufactured from pine or melaleuca, or acacia. Melaleuca and acacia are cheaper options. They tend to be easier to find as most wood is easy to grow in Vietnam. The only downside is that they have a less aesthetically pleasing surface and are more susceptible to termites. Pinewood pallets have a more beautiful structure, they are strong and durable. Almost all quality pine wood pallets are imported from abroad and undergo ISPM-15 fumigation treatment according to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and EPAL quality inspection if they want to be shipped. International. As a result, they can cost more to ship.
Reliability
Depending on what you’re using the pallet for, you need to make sure it’s durable enough. If you are using pallets to store items for a long time or will be picking them up with a forklift, make sure they are class 1 (i.e. used once). Those are the strongest and best for the warehouse. Class 2 wooden pallets are also durable but often have been repaired.
Size
One of the important things to know when buying used wooden pallets is the size. Every industry has standard sizes for pallets, so make sure you’re buying the right size for your type of business. When all businesses in the industry use the same pallet size, shipping and handling of goods become more efficient. It also helps logistics teams calculate costs faster. Make sure the pallets you purchase are the right size for your machines, purchasing the wrong-sized pallets can lead to accidents when trying to lift them with the wrong machinery.
Certification marks
The pallets have stamps and labels on them to show what treatments were done and where they came from. Some examples are HT: heat-treated pallets; MB: Chemically treated pallets; EPAL: Pallets that meet European quality standards. They can meet regulations and are not contaminated.
Above are the things you can note and consider carefully before buying used pallet products for your business.
