Wooden pallets are a fundamental part of Canada’s logistics and supply chain industry. They provide a sturdy platform for transporting and storing goods efficiently while ensuring safety and ease of handling. Choosing the right pallet type is crucial for durability, load capacity, and compliance with Canadian regulations.
What You Need to Know about Wooden Pallets in Canada
Wooden pallets play a key role in shipping and storage operations across Canada. Selecting a pallet that meets local standards ensures goods are protected during transport and reduces the risk of damage. Canadian regulations, such as CFIA guidelines for heat treatment, also affect how pallets are manufactured and used.
Canadian Standards for Wooden Pallets
- CFIA Regulations: Wooden pallets used for export must meet CFIA standards to prevent pest infestations. Heat-treated (HT) pallets are required for international shipments, ensuring the wood is free from insects and fungi.
- Dimensional Standards: Standard pallet sizes like 48”x40” are widely used in Canadian warehouses and shipping operations. Uniform dimensions allow for easier stacking, loading, and compatibility with forklifts and trucks.
- Load Capacity Guidelines: Canadian safety standards set load limits to prevent accidents during handling. Using a pallet that matches the weight of the cargo ensures stability and reduces potential losses.
8 Common Wooden Pallet Types and How They’re Used
Different types of pallets serve distinct purposes based on load, durability, and handling requirements. Using the wrong pallet type can lead to product damage, operational delays, or non-compliance with regulations.
The following section breaks down eight common wooden pallet types and highlights their best applications.
- Stringer Pallets
Stringer pallets are constructed with parallel boards, known as stringers, on each side for support. They are simple in design and easy to repair, making them a popular choice in warehouses. These pallets are ideal for storing and transporting dry goods and lightweight materials.
Best Uses: Stringer pallets are suitable for warehouses, retail stores, and distribution centres. They provide adequate support for general goods without adding unnecessary cost. Their straightforward design also allows for easy stacking and efficient handling by forklifts.
- Block Pallets
Block pallets use solid wood or composite blocks instead of stringers for support, allowing four-way forklift access. This design provides extra strength and stability, making them ideal for heavy loads. Block pallets are often used for international shipping and comply with export standards.
Best Uses: Heavy industrial goods and machinery can be safely transported on block pallets. They are also suitable for export shipments that require CFIA-approved heat treatment. Their four-way access improves handling efficiency in large warehouses.
- Double-Faced Pallets
Double-faced pallets feature deck boards on both the top and bottom, offering added strength and load distribution. They are particularly suitable for stacking and transporting heavy items. This type of pallet ensures stability and reduces the risk of breakage during storage or transport.
Best Uses: Double-faced pallets are ideal for industrial goods, appliances, and machinery. They can handle heavier loads and allow stacking without compromising safety. This makes them a reliable choice for high-density storage areas.
- Single-Faced Pallets
Single-faced pallets have deck boards only on the top surface, with the bottom left open. This makes them lighter and more cost-effective compared to double-faced pallets. They are best suited for lighter loads and short-term storage where extra support is not critical.
Best Uses: Single-faced pallets work well for shipping consumer goods, packaged food, and lightweight products. They are economical and easy to handle, which makes them suitable for domestic distribution. Additionally, their simple construction allows for quick repairs if boards become damaged.
- Reversible Pallets
Reversible pallets have identical deck boards on both the top and bottom surfaces, allowing either side to be used. This design increases flexibility in handling and can extend the lifespan of the pallet. Reversible pallets are also easier to rotate in storage facilities, saving time during inventory management.
Best Uses: Warehouses and distribution centres benefit from reversible pallets when rotating stock. They are ideal for goods that require frequent handling or repositioning. Their versatility helps improve operational efficiency and reduces the need for extra pallets.
- Perimeter/Base Pallets
Perimeter or base pallets have support concentrated along the edges rather than the centre. This makes them lighter while still maintaining adequate stability for certain types of shipments. They are often used for low-weight loads or products that do not require heavy-duty support.
Best Uses: Low-weight shipments, such as packaged goods or small-scale exports, work well with perimeter pallets. They are cost-effective and reduce shipping weight, lowering transport costs. Their design makes them suitable for less frequent handling scenarios where durability is not the top priority.
- Heat-Treated (HT) Pallets
Heat-treated pallets undergo a process to remove pests and bacteria, meeting CFIA and ISPM 15 standards. This makes them suitable for international shipping and export, as untreated wood can carry pests across borders. HT pallets are stronger and safer for long-distance transportation.
Best Uses: International shipments and export goods require heat-treated pallets for compliance. They prevent contamination of products and are often used for food, pharmaceuticals, and high-value equipment. Heat treatment also improves durability compared to untreated wood.
- Recycled or Reclaimed Pallets
Recycled pallets are made from reclaimed wood, making them environmentally friendly and cost-effective. While not always suitable for heavy industrial use, they are ideal for local transport and non-critical applications. Using recycled pallets also reduces waste and promotes sustainable business practices.
Best Uses: Recycled pallets are excellent for local distribution, storage, and DIY projects. Businesses focused on sustainability benefit from using these pallets. They are suitable for lightweight loads and help lower operational costs while supporting eco-conscious practices.
Get the Perfect Wooden Pallets in Woodbridge for Every Load
Woodbridge Pallet offers a wide selection of high-quality wooden pallets in Woodbridge. Whether you need wooden pallets for export or durable options for warehouse storage, they provide reliable solutions. Improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and protect your products by choosing the right pallet from Woodbridge Pallet today. Call us today at 1-800-361-7798 to speak with an expert and get the perfect pallets for your needs.