8 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Pallets

Pallets play a key role in the operations of warehouses across various industries. Many types of pallets exist, but most warehouses use wooden pallets. Wooden pallets are cheap and come with many other advantages, but you must maintain them in a certain way to avoid damage and to increase durability. Consider the following tips to increase the lifespan of your pallets.

1. Use the Correct Pallets for the Correct Products

Pallets are not universal equipment that can hold any item. Although standard-size pallets are available, you will probably require a customized pallet for your specific products. The process starts with understanding the characteristics of your products and how to load your products on a pallet properly.

For example, putting excessive weight on the pallets not only damages the pallets but may also damage the products themselves.

2. Oil the Pallets

Oil helps preserve and maintain wooden pallets. Also, oiling wooden pallets increase the pallets' resistance to moisture and grease that may be present in the warehouse. However, you must use pallet-friendly oil, such as food-grade mineral oil, that doesn't contain toxic ingredients.

3. Cover Scratches Immediately

Moisture, bacteria, grease, and dust can quickly accumulate in your wooden pallets. These substances can cause various forms of damage to the pallets, so you must cover any scratches as soon as you discover them.

One way to cover the scratches is to use a wood polish that provides a protective layer over the pallet’s surface. If the scratches have become too large, paint the pallets to provide a fresh look and prevent further damage.

4. Use a Pallet Recovery Program

Create a closed-loop system that includes pallet recovery, repair, and return. This system will boost the durability of your pallets by guaranteeing regular pallet repair. The result may be the doubling of the wooden pallet lifespan.

5. Repair Wooden Pallets Consistently

Never use damaged pallets since they are a safety hazard in your warehouse. But you can repair the damaged pallets instead of throwing them out. Pallet repair is cheaper than the cost of new pallets. So regularly inspect your pallets, and schedule repairs as soon as you notice any form of damage.

6. Avoid Contact

If a forklift operator doesn't lower the pallet when positioning it near another object, the pallets may get damaged. Typically, wood pallets will splinter and become less functional.

The solution is to train and constantly remind warehouse workers and operators to place the pallets as far apart as possible when positioning them on the ground. Also, always separate unit loads in the warehouse.

7. Be Accurate

You must adequately insert the pallet into position, even if you are using a pallet jack or forklift. Incorrect insertion of the pallet can result in damage to the wooden pallet and stringers. Also, the inaccurate insertion will cause uneven distribution of weight among the pallets. The result will be damage to the pallets as well as the products.

8. Ensure Pallets Remain Dry

As mentioned earlier, moisture is one of the elements that can quickly destroy wooden pallets. Constant exposure to moisture can cause pallets to weaken and disintegrate. Also, the moisture will attract and support the growth of mold.

The small plants will not only destroy the pallets but will make your products less desirable, especially if the products arrive at their destination with mold on them. For instance, federal and state laws prohibit businesses in the food and pharmaceutical industries from accepting products with mold.

Hence, always keep the pallets in a dry and well-ventilated area. If you need storage for your pallets, shop the selection of pallet racks from Lone Star Pallet Rack. We are a leading pallet rack business that provides a wide selection of pallets. Contact us for a customized system that suits your business's specific needs.