Here Are Our Top Five Tips For Better Load Stability

Here at Bridge Johnson, we know better than anyone how important load stability is to get your goods from A to B. Nobody likes dealing with wasted or broken goods, and with all the work that goes into a dispatch operation, it’s no surprise that less than perfect results aren’t ideal. Damages in transit are often due to easily avoidable mistakes, so in this week’s blog, we’re giving you our top tips for how to load a pallet safely and securely. So, if you want to perfect your pallet packing, stay tuned for expert advice from us.

Pick The Perfect Pallet

When it comes to packing, one of the most important parts is to make sure you have the right tools for the job. Before you load your goods, the first thing you have to do is check over your pallet. After all, it’s the foundation of your whole load! Be on the lookout for any broken boards or edges and avoid any pallets that aren’t in tip-top shape.

Be Smart With Your Stacking

Once you’ve found the right pallet for your goods, it’s time to start loading them. For a sturdy base that won’t move around in transit or crush smaller goods, pack your pallet with the heaviest and largest packages on the bottom and work your way up to lighter items. While you’re stacking, lay your items like bricks for the most secure pallet possible. A common mistake in many dispatch operations is creating a pyramid structure, which is actually far less stable than keeping the same height right to the top. 

Don’t Go Over The Edge

Of course, it’s important to make the most of your pallet space and pack as many items as you can safely fit, but packing with goods jutting out over the edge of your pallet is another common mistake that can cause issues in transit! Overhanging goods compromise the overall stability of your pallet and can lead to carriers recording larger width and length measurements, which adds more cash to your freight fees. Pack your items up to the edge, but don’t go over!

Go For Heavy-Duty Strapping

Once you’ve organised your freight, strap your boxes to your pallet using the strong stuff. Packing up to the edges of your pallet makes strapping much easier, and using durable packing bands made from materials like Polypropelene is the best way to keep your loads safe. For extra stability, why not use cardboard edge protectors or cardboard sheets?

Don’t Hold Back On Pallet Wrap

Wrapping your boxes makes sure your freight acts like one big unit, so don’t hold back. If you’re wrapping by hand, make sure to start from the bottom, and include around three inches of the pallet in your wrapping. There’s a wide range of choices available, including Surge Film and EcoStretch which offers strong protection for your items. If you need tips on how to hand wrap a pallet, take a look at our blog here for some insider info.

If you want to streamline your dispatch operation, then why not opt for a more personalised touch? We pride ourselves on taking a bespoke approach to packaging solutions and go the extra mile toward helping you reach your goals. To find out more about how we can help perfect your dispatching, enquire about our free consultations here!