Seven Pallet Purchase Terms You Need To Know To Capitalize On Your Plastic Pallet Purchase (January, 2007)

LOS ANGELES, CA -- January 19, 2007 - According to one veteran DC Manager, "when you're responsible for answering to so many people involved in the plastic pallet purchase decision, there's no worse feeling than receiving your major pallet delivery that was ordered incorrectly due to a seemingly minor miscommunication about what we needed."

Considering the human resource dynamics that are shaping the Material Handling industry today with 25-30% annual employee turnover, employees increasingly wearing several hats, and managers becoming responsible for an ever-widening variety of functions from transportation to equipment to HR, the value of clear and effective communication has never been so important - or so costly.

Depending on the size of the company, the plastic pallet purchase process can encompass several departments and, depending on the number of hats they're wearing, may also include several employees, of various skill sets and product knowledge, along the way. Other groups or operations may try to assign specialists responsible for specific elements of the buying process or the entire purchase decision may begin and end with you.

The first step in capitalizing on your plastic pallet purchase vocabulary is to be clear about the terms you're using to describe your needs. To effectively strengthen the buying power of skilled veterans, and empower new employees just joining the industry, we consulted Rehrig Pacific's team of Material Handling Sales Specialists to identify the Top Seven Pallet Purchase Terms You Need To Know to maximize your next plastic pallet purchase - and minimize your chance of paying for an incorrect order due to a misunderstanding of your needs during the buying process.

Top Seven Pallet Purchase Terms You Need To Know

Static load capacity - Capacity of a pallet with an evenly distributed load when in a stationary position. (i.e. on the floor)
Dynamic load capacity - Capacity of a pallet with an evenly distributed load when in motion with pallet moving equipment such as a forklift.
Racking load capacity - Capacity of a pallet with an evenly distributed load in an unsupported edge rack. Standard edge rack is 2 inches on each side.
Standard rackable pallet (40" x 48", 36" x 48", 37" x 37", 37" x 43") - A pallet designed to be in edge racks containing no middle support, and having a fully supported top deck. Good option for all companies looking for a long lasting shipping pallet or to better utilize their warehouse space.
Nestable pallet (40" x 48") - High quality distribution pallet mainly used in grocery supply chains and designed to neatly nest together to save storage space on backhauls and when not in use.
Bulk pallet (44" x 56") - Designed for glass, plastic and metal container manufacturers for the canning and filling industry. They are mainly used in conjunction with a 44" x 56" top frame.
Export pallet (40" x 48") - Highly nestable pallet designed for low cost one-way shipping and made from phtyo-sanitary materials that will speed products safely through customs.

If you are unsure about any of these considerations, then the best thing to do is call the Rehrig Pacific Pallet Hotline at 800-459-5663. Amy Lander will be happy to guide you through the RFQ process or schedule a call with one of our pallet sales specialists who can quickly assess your needs and advise the best pallets for your unique application.