Export plastic pallets play a pivotal role in import and export business.

Without them, loading or offloading products will be a nightmare.

Any attempt to lift loads without a pallet using a forklift can be catastrophic.

You can incur unimaginable losses.

An export plastic pallet made from 100% virgin HDPE material

An export plastic pallet made from 100% virgin HDPE material

In this article, I want to share 7 killer reasons why you need a high quality export plastic pallet for a modern export-import business.

But, even before I get to that,do you know how many types of plastic pallets are there in the market?

Well, I have a complete guide for you: A Complete List of all Types of Plastic Pallets.

Also, you may read this Ultimate Guide to Buying Plastic Pallets.

It will help you to choose the right plastic pallets manufacturer.

You can bookmark the two articles for future reference.

I am sure they are handy for both professionals and newbies in the plastic pallet industry.

Let’s come back to our subject of the day.

Why Do You Need Export Plastic Pallets?

At the end of this article, you’ll be surprised how much time and money you can save by adopting export or shipping plastic pallets.

Don’t take my word for it, these are practical ways that I have tested and verified.

I can assure you, they work.

Here is why you need plastic pallets:

1. No Need to Worry about Logistics, Delays & Procedures of ISPM-15 Regulations

So, what is ISPM-15 regulation?

How can it affect your import or export business?

The International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) requires that wood material (thickness exceeds 6mm) used to ship products between two countries is treated.

It is a measure that was enforced by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

The main aim is to stop the spread of pests from one country to another.

Nearly all countries around the world adhere to the ISPM 15 regulations.

This implies, in case you’re using wood pallets in exporting or importing business they must be treated.

Fumigating or heat treating wood pallets increases the cost of shipping.

Furthermore, it is a common practice that the country of destination inspects every wood pallet.

Sign of ISPM-15 treated wood pallet

Sign of ISPM-15 treated wood pallet

In case they don’t comply with the ISPM-15 requirements, they may opt to:

  • Fumigate the wood pallets at your own cost
  • Return the products at your own cost
  • Incinerate or bury the products

This is not the case when it comes to shipping plastic pallets. Once the export pallets are molded, there is no further treatment or inspection required.

Furthermore, insects or pests cannot burrow section of plastic pallets to hide. Therefore, export plastic pallets will save you the extra cost of treatment and delays during inspections.

2. Export Plastic Pallets are Cost Effective

 

In any import or export business you should strive to cut unnecessary expenses by all means possible.

There are many ways you can save on the shipping cost when using plastic pallets.

Let’s see how plastic pallets save on import and export costs:

· Plastic Pallets are Durable

Although the initial cost of investment is high compared to wood pallets, they can serve you for years.

This is not the case when it comes to wood pallets.

Quite a number of wood pallets have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years.

However, a plastic pallet can serve you for over 10 years.

A lifespan of 10 years is basically equivalent to approximately 250 trips.

Don’t you think this a long-term investment?

· Plastic Pallets have a Lightweight

Generally, PP or HDPE plastic pallets are about 30% lighter than wood pallets of the same size and design.

This alone will save you the extra shipping cost.

Whenever you’re exporting or importing products, both space and weight are key determinants of the shipping cost.

Therefore, with less weight, the shipping cost will be lower, making export plastic pallets more cost effective.

· Some Plastic Pallet Designs have Space Saving Feature

Nestable export plastic pallets can nest together when stacked.

That is, their legs slide onto the opening/apertures of the pallets.

A nestable plastic pallet

This maximizes the storage space.

That is, within a small space, you can store several nestable plastic pallets.

Obviously, it is quite clear that with plastic pallets, you can save a lot of money in any import and export business.

3. Shipping Plastic Pallets are Versatile

Why is this feature an important aspect in export or import business?

Well, you’ll be exporting different kinds of products.

This requires a pallet you can adapt to any shipping conditions.

Let me give you two common examples:

· Exporting or Importing Oil Drums

Drums have a circular base.

Therefore, you need a pallet that can secure these loads in place for safe shipping.

It is easier to have recess rings on plastic pallets than wood.

This makes drum plastic pallet a suitable choice for this task.

drum plastic pallets with 4 recessed rings on the surface

Examples of drum plastic pallets with 4 recessed rings on the surface

· Dealing with Volatile Products or Chemicals

At times, you may be shipping volatile products or chemicals. Here, you’ll need an anti-spill plastic pallet or spill control plastic pallets.

Spill control plastic pallets

Spill control plastic pallets

That is, they can hold liquid that spill from the drum during transportation. They have removable spill decks for easy cleaning.

For a fact, having a wood pallet with this feature is virtually impossible.

Moreover, plastic shipping pallets are impervious to moisture and resistant to either weak acid or alkalis. They are also popular for their uniform size and dimension stability.

Dimension stability makes calculating load capacity and stacking pallets easy.

As you can see, there is every reason to consider plastic pallets for the next shipping and importation business.

4. Forget about the Safety Concerns when Handling Shipping Pallets

Plastic pallets are injection molded, thermoformed or blow molded.

The choice of a molding process depends on your unique specifications such as minimum order or type of application.

Here is a detailed process on how to custom built plastic pallet.

Generally, export plastic pallets are safe and easy to handle.

You don’t have to worry about splinters, nails, sharp edges or protruding fasteners that may cause injuries.

Loading plastic pallet ready for shipping

Loading plastic pallet ready for shipping

Therefore, both employees and products will remain safe. Safe pallets give employees confidence when handling loads since they don’t have to worry about any possibility of injuries.

5.Be an Importer/Exporter who is Environmentally Conscious

Adopting sustainable procedures will give you credibility in the American and European Markets.

It is for this reason that some companies have gone as far as using recycled plastic pallets for their import/export business.

At the moment, plastic pallet manufacturing companies are determined to comply with the ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.

As a matter of fact, adopting export plastic pallets is a better way of proving to the world that your company is committed to initiating sustainability programs.

A plastic pallet is a multi-trip accessory.

PP or HDPE plastic pallets are 100% recyclable.

Therefore, after the 10 years of use or if a plastic pallet gets damaged, you can easily recycle it.

Recycled plastic pallets are durable and reliable.

In fact, in supply chain process where you don’t expect the client to return the plastic pallets, use recycled plastic.

Furthermore, by adopting plastic pallets for export business, you’ll save trees and forests.

6.Export Plastic Pallets are Hygienic & Easy to Clean

Cleanliness is an integral part of the supply chain.

With shipping plastic pallets, you don’t have to worry about bacteria, termites or fungus during shipping.

By spraying water on the pallets, they will remain clean for a long time.

They are not like wood pallets that get wet after cleaning, hence, wasting a lot of time when drying.

A hygienic three runner export plastic pallet

A hygienic three runner export plastic pallet

The molded surface is such that no dust or dirt can collect on its surface.

Therefore, you can use them in pharmaceutical or food processing industries.

7.Shipping Plastic Pallets are Flexible

Depending on the requirements of your export business, plastic pallet can be molded to any design, shape and size.

Different designs of plastic pallets

Different designs of plastic pallets

You can get stackable, rackable, nestable, double side, nine legs, picture frame or three runner plastic pallets.

Again, they can handle a wide range of loads, making them a perfect choice for most applications.

Conclusion

Clearly, there are so many reasons why you should consider export plastic pallets for your business.

They are durable, hygienic, environmentally, cost effective and flexible, among other desirable features in supply chain management.

For sure, you don’t have to worry about the ISPM 15) regulations or a possibility of your goods being detained at the port.

For more information about export plastic pallets, feel free to contact us.

Further Reading