In daily logistics operations, pallets are an invisible asset... until they fail. Choosing the wrong pallet can cause anything from operational delays to unexpected costs or risks to your goods. Here we explain the most common mistakes when selecting a logistics pallet and how to avoid them by making smart, informed decisions.
1. Not considering the type of load
Not all products require the same type of support. A common mistake is purchasing standard pallets without assessing the weight, fragility, or nature of the goods to be transported.
- For heavy loads: high-resistance pallets are needed to support significant weight without deforming.
- For sensitive products: like food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics, it's essential to choose pallets that guarantee hygiene and are easy to clean.
- For light loads: more economical and lightweight models can help optimize costs without compromising functionality.
Tip: Analyze your main product lines before defining a standard pallet model.
2. Ignoring usage and transport conditions
Will your pallet be used only indoors? Will it face outdoor environments, humidity, or extreme cold? Working conditions directly impact material durability.
A pallet exposed to temperature changes, moisture, or mechanical impacts needs stronger materials to ensure a long lifespan while protecting goods and worker safety.
Tip: Conduct a thorough audit of your supply chain to identify critical conditions.
3. Focusing only on the purchase price
The initial price of a pallet is important, but even more so is its Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). A cheap pallet that breaks after a few cycles may lead to higher medium- or long-term costs due to replacements, damaged goods, workplace accidents, or logistics interruptions.
Investing in quality ensures medium- and long-term returns: more usage cycles, fewer incidents, and better performance in storage and transport.
Tip: Compare options by considering durability, maintenance, and recyclability.
4. Overlooking automation compatibility
Automation is growing fast in logistics and warehousing. If your warehouse—or that of your clients—is automated, your pallet must meet specific standards: dimensional stability, rigidity, and compatibility with roller conveyors or automated lifters.
An unsuitable pallet can cause jams, reading errors, or operational failures, negating the benefits of automation.
Tip: Always verify that the proposed pallet has been tested for automated systems (like AS/RS).
5. Not considering environmental impact
Today, sustainability is no longer just a matter of image; it's an operational requirement. Choosing pallets made from recycled materials that can be recycled at end-of-life is a commitment to the circular economy and supports your CSR strategy. Plus, plastic retains value at end-of-life, allowing you to recover part of the initial investment.
Also, many of your customers are likely to value suppliers who share environmental commitments and foster sustainability.
Tip: Prioritize manufacturers that guarantee material traceability and operate under circular economy principles.
Conclusion
The right pallet doesn’t just move goods—it moves your business toward more profitable, safer, and more sustainable logistics. Analyzing your needs, operational conditions, and medium-term goals is key to making the best choice.
At Naeco, we advise purchasing and logistics managers across all sectors to help them find the pallet solution that best fits their current and future challenges.
Want to avoid mistakes and choose the right pallet? Contact our team and let us help you define the best logistics strategy.
