Here’s why you should never forget the ‘non-stackable’ information when sending pallets!
When is a pallet non-stackable and its consequences
In the world of logistics, one of the most critical aspects of efficient transport planning is the correct classification of pallets. One fundamental detail that is often overlooked is whether or not a pallet can be stacked. If a pallet cannot be stacked, this can have significant impact on the cost and feasibility of the shipment. This article explains why it is crucial for customers to declare whether their pallets are non-stackable and the implications for sea, land and air transport.
What does it mean for a pallet to be non-stackable?
A non-stackable pallet is one that cannot have another pallet placed on top without risking damage to the goods or causing instability. This can be due to the nature of the load (fragility, irregular shape, or protruding parts), inadequate packaging, or simply because the structure of the goods would not support additional weight.
In contrast, a pallet is considered stackable if another pallet of similar characteristics can be placed on top without compromising the stability or condition of the cargo.
When a pallet is declared as non-stackable, various logistical, economic, and operational implications must be considered, depending on the transport method used.
What impact does a non-stackable pallet have on shipping costs?
One of the most significant impacts of a non-stackable pallet is the cost of shipment. When a pallet cannot be stacked, transport companies apply dimensional weight (also known as volumetric weight) to calculate the shipping price. This means the pallet is treated as if it occupies the full height of a container, truck, or aircraft hold. In many cases, this is estimated as if the pallet were 220 cm tall, even if it is physically much shorter. For example, if your pallet measures 120 cm in height but is non-stackable, its dimensional weight will be calculated as though its height were 220 cm.
This calculation directly affects the price, as volumetric weight is one of the main variables transportation companies use to set their rates. The more space a pallet takes up in a vehicle or container, the higher the transport cost. Therefore, incorrectly declaring a pallet as stackable when it is not can later result in a significant price increase, as you would be taking up space that cannot be optimized for other loads.
Non-stackable pallets – Consequences in sea, land, and air transport
1. Sea transport:
In maritime shipments, where large-capacity containers are used, a non-stackable pallet can be a minor inconvenience in terms of space, but it has cost implications. A non-stackable pallet will occupy more space in the container, affecting the total number of pallets that can be transported in one shipment. This increases the cost per pallet, as the ability to optimize space is reduced.
In some cases, shipping companies may accept not stackable pallets, but the customer must be prepared to assume a higher cost due to space limitations. Read more about Sea Freight.
2. Road transport:
In road shipments, the impact of stackability is also considerable. Trucks transporting pallets must optimize their space to the fullest. If a pallet is non-stackable, a significant portion of the available volume is wasted. This can increase the number of trips required or reduce the amount of goods that can be transported in a single journey. Thus inevitably leads to raising transport costs.
However, given the greater flexibility in handling load and space, some land transport companies may accept not stackable pallets, though at a higher cost.
Our tip: Instead of requesting individual quotes from various freight forwarders, you can send a single request to the LetMeShip Team and we will send you the best quote, updated daily. Another alternative is to book a direct delivery.
3. Air Transport:
Air transport is undoubtedly the method most affected by the non-stackability of a pallet. Since space in aircraft is extremely limited and expensive, airlines generally do not accept pallets that can’t be stacked. The reason is simple: optimizing the available space in the plane is crucial to reducing costs and maximizing transport efficiency.
If a customer fails to declare that their pallet is non-stackable and it arrives at the airport terminal, there is a high probability that it will be rejected, resulting in delays, additional charges or even the need to find alternative means of transport. Therefore, in air transport, it is therefore absolutely essential to declare whether a pallet is non-stackable from the outset of the shipping process.
Why declaring a non-stackable pallet is important
- Unexpected Costs: If it is not disclosed that a pallet is non-stackable, the rates could change at the last minute due to the need to adjust the space or apply dimensional weight calculations. This can surprise the customer with higher costs than initially anticipated.
- Shipment Rejection: In some cases, such as air transport, where pallets can’t be stacked are typically not accepted, an incorrectly declared shipment can be rejected, leading to delays and additional costs to reschedule the transport.
- Risk of Cargo Damage: If a customer does not inform that a pallet is non-stackable and an attempt is made to stack other pallets on top, the goods may be damaged, resulting in claims and potential financial losses.
In summary, determining whether a pallet is non-stackable is an essential step in ensuring efficient and transparent logistics. Non-stackability has a direct impact on costs, particularly due to volumetric weight calculations, especially in air transport. By correctly declaring the characteristics of their load, customers can avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that their shipments arrive safely and on time.
We look forward to your enquiry.
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