EPAL pallets are very popular, but they are not always the best choice. For many companies, disposable pallets, industrial pallets or custom pallets made for a specific commodity prove to be more cost-effective and practical.
This is especially true for companies that ship one-way, export goods, have unusual packaging dimensions or need pallets tailored to the specific weight and construction of the load.
In this article, we explain when it makes sense to choose disposable or custom pallets and how they differ from EPAL pallets.
What are disposable pallets?
One-way pallets are pallets that are usually designed for a single transport run. They are used when the pallet is not returned to the shipper or it would not be economical to return the pallet.
Such pallets can have different dimensions and designs. They do not have to be identical to EPAL pallets, so they can be better suited to the type of goods, packaging and transport requirements.
Competing blogs describe disposable pallets as a cost-effective solution for export or one-off transport, especially where it does not make sense to organise pallet returns.
When are disposable pallets a good choice?
Disposable pallets are worth considering when a company wants to reduce the cost of transport packaging and does not need an interchangeable pallet.
They are most often successful at:
1. one-off shipments
If the goods go to the customer and the pallet does not return to the company, a single-use pallet can be more cost-effective than EPAL. There is no need to organise returns, account for pallets or maintain pallet circulation.
2. exports
When exporting, single-use pallets are often used because the goods are going to a foreign consignee and the pallet is left outside the company. In this case, however, it is important that the pallet meets the requirements for international transport, if required by the recipient or the country of delivery.
3. goods with non-standard dimensions
If a product does not fit on a standard 1200 × 800 mm pallet, the disposable pallet can be made in another dimension. This ensures that the goods fit better on the pallet and are less likely to be damaged.
4. Cost optimisation
A disposable pallet can be simpler in design than an EPAL pallet. When properly matched to the load, it reduces cost while maintaining sufficient strength for the shipment.
What are non-standard pallets?
Custom pallets are pallets made to specific customer requirements. They can differ in size, board layout, thickness of the elements, number of supports, load capacity and manufacturing method.
It is not just a matter of changing the length or width. A custom pallet can be designed for a specific product, loading, transport or storage method. Competing materials also highlight that many design parameters can be changed in custom pallets, not just the dimension itself.
When to choose custom pallets?
Custom pallets are a good choice when a standard pallet does not fit the product or does not provide sufficient security.
They work particularly well with:
Unusual products
Long, wide, heavy or irregular products often require a pallet tailored to their shape. This makes the goods more stable and easier to secure during transport.
Heavy loads
With heavier products, a stronger structure is needed. The pallet can have thicker boards, more supports or additional reinforcements.
Industrial production
Manufacturing companies often need pallets tailored to a specific packing, storage or loading process. A made-to-measure pallet helps to streamline the workflow and reduce the risk of damage.
Storage
If goods are to be stored for a long period of time, the pallet must support the load and provide stability. In this case, it is advisable to select the structure according to the weight and storage method.
Disposable, non-standard or EPAL pallets - which to choose?
There is no one pallet that is right for every company. The choice should depend on the type of goods, weight, direction of transport, recipient requirements and budget.
EPAL pallets is worth choosing when the recipient requires a standard, repeatability counts and the pallet works in a logistical flow.
Disposable pallets are good when a pallet travels with the goods and does not return to the company.
Custom pallets are proven when the goods do not fit into standard dimensions or require a stronger, special construction.
English pallets 1200 × 1000 mm can be a solution for companies that need more space than a standard EPAL pallet. HERB offers such pallets as a product to be used in warehousing, logistics and transport of goods.
What to look for when ordering customised pallets?
When ordering non-standard pallets, it is useful to provide the manufacturer with some specific information. The more accurate the data, the easier it is to select the right design.
Before the valuation, it is useful to prepare:
- Product dimension,
- the weight of the load,
- packaging method,
- whether the pallet is to be disposable or reusable,
- direction of transport: Poland or export,
- the method of loading and unloading,
- number of pallets,
- expected delivery date.
This allows the manufacturer to offer a pallet that is neither too weak nor unnecessarily oversized.
Why can a made-to-measure pallet cut costs?
At first glance, a custom pallet may appear more expensive than a standard pallet. In practice, however, a well-designed pallet can reduce the cost of the entire shipment.
This is because:
- better matches the product,
- reduces the risk of damage,
- makes better use of the space on the vehicle,
- can reduce wood consumption compared with an oversized pallet,
- facilitates loading and storage,
- eliminates the problem of mismatch between pallet and goods.
It is therefore worth looking not only at the price of the pallet, but also at the cost of the entire logistics operation.
Disposable and non-standard pallets in the HERB range
HERB manufactures wooden pallets for manufacturing, logistics and warehousing companies. It offers EPAL, single-use, English pallets and non-standard pallets to suit various industries. The company emphasises its own production, high quality, fast lead times and delivery throughout Poland.
A range of industrial and custom pallets is also available on the HERB website, where the possibility of adjusting dimensions and the use of pallets in transport, storage and heavier logistics applications is indicated.
Summary
Disposable and custom pallets are a good solution for companies that need flexibility, a lower shipping cost or a pallet tailored to a specific commodity.
Not every delivery requires an EPAL pallet. Sometimes a disposable pallet, industrial pallet, English pallet or a pallet made to measure is a better choice.
Need pallets to suit your goods? Contact HERB and ask for a quote on disposable, industrial or custom pallets with delivery.
