The Ultimate Guide to Buying Plastic Pallets (Updated 2017)

I think it’s time to use plastic pallets for all supply chain management. This is due to the ISPM 15 regulations and strict rules that have been adopted by different countries on the use of wood pallets.

This simple guide to buying plastic pallets covers all the vital aspects you need to know about this essential accessory. These include designs, quality compliance, manufacturers and types of plastic pallets; among others.

Loading plastic pallets in a lorry ready for shipping

From my technical experience and expertise at WeePallet (the leading plastic pallet and plastic crates manufacturer in China); I’ll share with you 7 practical aspects to consider when buying plastic pallets:

1. Source Plastic Pallets from China-they’re Cost Competitive

Over the years, we have proved to the global market that we offer the best plastic pallets for supply chain systems. Chinese plastic pallets suppliers & manufacturers have durable and cost competitive plastic pallets.

This is an indisputable, fact considering that we have signed OEM partnerships with most American and European companies. In fact, a number of plastic pallets in these regions come from China.

So, why don’t you source for plastic pallets from China direct from the manufacturer?

Original plastic pallet manufacturers and supplier like WeePallet, offer the best prices. We can provide you with our plastic pallet price list thereby giving you a wide range of options to choose from.

Here are 5 vital aspects why I insist you source for plastic pallets from China:

· In China, we have Many Plastic Pallet Manufacturer

I have written a comprehensive article on how to a find plastic pallet manufacturer. The process still remains the same:

A search term “plastic pallet manufacturers in China” results

With many plastic pallet manufacturers available, you’ll definitely get the best market price. At WeePallet, we strive to ensure our plastic pallet distributors and OEM partners remain competitive at all cost.

We’ve invested in modern technology that guarantees efficiency and quality; hence we can provide the best market prices.

· Do More Research About Each Plastic Pallet Manufacturer

Well, finding the company alone is not enough. Does the company meet the basic requirements in terms of qualifications, machinery and technology?

A number of foreign companies claim that China is known for low cost plastic pallets that are of low quality. This is not true.

Such individuals are duped to buy plastic pallets from incompetent companies or from third parties. They don’t care about the quality of plastic pallets.

Here are vital aspects that should form part of your research:

· Consider the Plastic Pallet Molding Equipment & Accessories

Buy plastic pallets from a company that has a range of molding equipment and accessories. These should include sets of injection molding, thermoforming and blow molding machines.

Moreover, the company should have many molds, with the ability to design custom molds on request.

Here at WeePallet, we are not left out. This year, we expanded our production facility to accommodate 30 sets of injection molding machines and 8 sets of injection molding machines.

Furthermore, we have 212 different types of molds. This aims to provide high quality and affordable plastic pallets.

With this, we can handle high production capacities and fast turnaround.

The strategic location of the company is a vital aspect to consider. The company should be located or have a warehouse near a major port.

This reduces the cost of transporting plastic pallets.

We are located in Guangdong, one of these Chinese industrial cities, which is accessible. This is why we have affordable plastic pallets.

In short, choosing a manufacturer is the first step to consider when buying plastic pallets for any application.

Next, you need to evaluate he available options.

2. Evaluate the Available Types of Plastic Pallets for Sale

Whenever you intend to buy plastic pallets, you can choose from:

• Standard plastic pallets; designed with our standard molds
• Custom plastic pallets; molded to the unique specifications of customers

Still, you may classify plastic pallets depending on the nature of the application. That is, you may have heavy duty plastic pallets, storage plastic pallets, shipping plastic pallets, etc.

Remember, each plastic pallet has unique features that make it suitable for any application, hence the unique name. Take for instance, the hygienic plastic pallets below:

Hygienic plastic pallets

These plastic pallets are made from 100% FDA approved material with an easy to clean surface. They have no grids or sections that can hide dust or dirt.

As a result, they can meet strict hygiene requirements.

In this section, I will list these pallets since I had discussed the various types of plastic pallets in my previous article blog on: 12 Types of Industrial Plastic Pallets for Supply Chain Management.

Now, I’ll classify plastic pallets in the following categories:

Apart from these, there are other special purpose plastic pallets such as the RFID plastic pallets and anti-static plastic pallets.

Another essential factor to consider when you’re planning to buy industrial plastic pallets at best prices is material.

3. Consider Type of Materials and Plastic Pallet Prices

At WeePallet, we make our plastic pallets from two types of materials: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP). However, other plastic pallet manufacturers may use advanced composite material and a blend of HDPE and PP.

Whenever you’re buying plastic pallets, the main options available include 100% virgin material and recycled material. Ideally, recycled plastic pallets for sale are made from a mixture of HDPE and PP materials – these are used plastic pallets.

First compare 100% virgin plastic pallets and recycled plastic pallets:

With these in mind, now let’s review the 4 types of plastic pallet materials I had listed above. More importantly, I will focus on how plastic pallets suppliers & manufacturers can determine the cost of these accessories based on this.

It doesn’t matter whether you wish to buy plastic pallets online at lowest price, or contact a company to negotiate on these prices. You’ll find this information valuable when buying plastic pallets.

The main materials include:

· 100% Virgin HDPE Material for Plastic Pallets

Plastic pallets made from 100% virgin HDPE material are strong, durable and impact resistant; with high tensile strength.

A double side HDPE plastic pallet

Furthermore, HDPE plastic pallets absorb little moisture and are highly recommended for closed-loop product handling processes. Normally, we use HDPE material since it is cheaper compared to other materials such as PP and offers superior properties for any supply chain.

· 100% Virgin PP Material for Plastic Pallets

Polypropylene is harder and more rigid than HDPE material. PP plastic pallets are suitable for high temperature application and they can hold heavy loads even in racking applications.

Different colors of plastic pallets

For heavy duty tasks, you can opt for the polypropylene plastic pallets. Apart from this, another alternative is:

· A Blend of HDPE and PP Materials for Plastic Pallets

A blend of HDPE and PP material is mainly used to make recycled plastic pallets. These are low cost pallets that are commonly used in export applications.

This is because there is no need for returning the pallets. Therefore, don’t throw away your old plastic pallets; they are useful when recycled.

· Advanced Composite Material (ACM)

These are cheap plastic pallets mainly for export applications. They are molded from waste plastics.

The ACM plastic pallets are brittle in nature and cannot withstand the long and repeated use like other plastic pallets.

Depending on your specific applications, you can buy plastic pallets made from any of these materials.

4. Choose a Plastic Pallet with the Right Load Capacity

We design plastic pallets to accommodate a wide range of applications in different scenarios in any supply chain management process.  By specifying the amount of load a plastic pallet can handle, we ensure that you don’t use it to carry heavy load that can cause potential damage.

Below are examples:

Plastic pallet specifications: static, dynamic and shelf loads

Always remember, how much a plastic pallet cost will be determined by the load specifications. For instance, heavy duty plastic pallets for sale have a high load capacity hence, retail at a high price.

This is not the case for the low and medium duty plastic pallets for sale. Therefore, as you review plastic pallets price list, check it against the specific load capacity.

Let’s review these plastic pallet load specifications:

· Plastic Pallet Static Load

With the load evenly distributed on the surface of the plastic pallet, this is the amount of load it can handle in an immobile position. That is, when plastic pallet is placed on a solid level surface.

· Plastic Pallet Dynamic Load

This is the maximum quantity of load a plastic pallet can handle when being moved by a jack or forklift. Of course, the load must be evenly distributed on the plastic pallet.

· Plastic Pallet racking/shelf load

With support at the center or under the pallet, this is the maximum amount of load a plastic pallet can handle. The load should be evenly distributed on the surface of the plastic pallet.

As you can see, we design and mold plastic pallets for specific applications. Don’t buy plastic pallets online without analyzing these specifications hoping that they will meet the specific needs of your applications.

In addition to these, quality inspection and regulation are important aspects plastic pallets manufacturer and suppliers in China pay attention too. This is because it determines the lifespan of the plastic pallet.

Let me give you heads up when it comes to this:

5. Assess if Plastic Pallets Meet Quality Compliance

Quality control is an important aspect whenever you’re buying new or used plastic pallets. In most cases, the low cost plastic pallets do not meet the required quality tests and verifications.

WeePallet technician assessing the quality of plastic pallet

Here are key factors you need to consider when evaluating the quality of plastic pallets:

• For plastic pallets in the foodstuff industry, they should be molded from the FDA approved material. It is for this reason that we use the HDPE and PP materials.
• Plastic pallets should pass at least 100-meters drop test. This ensures that a plastic pallet can handle rough handling and does not get damaged when hit by a forklift.
• Every plastic pallet must pass the load tests to ensure it can handle the specified quantity of load.  The load testing procedures should conform to the ISO 8611 standards, which involves the following key procedures: corner drop, static shear, bottom deck bending, stacking, static wing pallet being, compression, forklifting, static air bag bending and static bending tests.

More importantly, you should consider ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 as fundamental aspects. When you buy plastic pallets from a manufacturer that is ISO certified and adheres to the above three tests, their quality is always guaranteed.

We are glad to be among the top rated plastic pallet manufacturers in China that adheres to strict quality standards.

Another important aspect that I have to mention in this plastic pallet buying guide, are the benefits of these accessories. By knowing the benefits of plastic pallets, I am sure you will understand the reason why I insist that it’s time to avoid wood pallets.

6. Know the Benefits of Plastic Pallets

Many people may think that I am trying to promote our plastic pallets. This is not the case.

The reality is; plastic pallets have many benefits, which I am going to list here. I want you to make the right decision, by choosing an effective accessory that will guarantee the success of your supply chain management.

When you buy cheap plastic pallets online, there is a possibility that the entire process may experience a serious glitch. This can be costly to your business.

Below are 9 benefits of plastic pallets:

• Easy to customize; we will adopt a suitable plastic pallet molding technique
• Water resistant, impervious to moisture, weak acids and alkalis
• Easy to clean hence easy to maintain high hygiene
• Smooth surface with no screws, splinters or nails, hence, safe handling
• No dust accumulation or mold growing on the surface
• Exemption from the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No.15 (ISPM15) thus, no exportation and importation barriers.
• Durable and long lasting, hence, a perfect choice for future investment (they last 10 times longer than wood).
• Dimensionally stable
• Old or broken plastic pallets can be recycles

Clearly, as you can see, there are so many reasons to abandon the wood pallets for plastic pallets. If you can’t afford new ones, then I’d recommend that you opt for used plastic pallets.

I think at this point, I have captured all the vital aspects you need to consider when buying plastic pallets. That is: Identify manufacturer, consider the types of plastic pallets, choose the right material, assess load capacity, review quality compliance and benefits.

It will be unfair if I don’t capture the logic behind the plastic pallets price list in this guide.

7. Consider the Prices of Plastic Pallets

Basically, the first 5 points will directly affect the price of plastic pallets. Besides, adding special features will also influence the final price of the plastic pallets.

For example, a 48 X 48 heavy duty solid-deck rackable plastic pallet price will not be the same as the 48 x 48 rackable reinforced plastic pallets. This is because these plastic pallets have different features, hence, the variation in the ultimate price.

The best way to get accurate quotation is to contact our sales or technical team. I believe WeePallet is a plastic pallet manufacturer and supplier with the best market prices.

Conclusion

In short, these are the main factors that determine the ultimate price of plastic pallets. They may range from type of material, manufacturing technique to specific features.

All that matters whenever you are reviewing plastic pallet price lists is the ability to buy these accessories from reputable a trusted company – a reason why we are here to meet your dynamic needs in supply chain management.

More Sources of Information:

• How to Choose the Best HDPE Plastic Pallet Manufacturer for OEM Business – Source: WeePallet Blog
• HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) – Source: Plastic International
• About Polypropylene (PP) Plastic – Source: British Plastic Federation
• Plastic Pallets vs. Wood Pallets – Source: WeePallet Blog
• Plastic Pallet Market Growth Projections – Source: The Street
• Wood Packing Restrictions in International Shipping of Ocean Freight – ISPM 15 rules (as a guide only) – Source: International Shipping U.S.A.
• 7 Factors to Consider Before You Buy Heavy Duty Plastic Pallets – Source:WeePallet Blog
• Pallets for Unit Load Method of Materials Handling – Source: ISO
• Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures – Source: ISO