How to Send a Pallet with a Courier
Palletised freight is the most economical way to move heavy or bulky goods. Getting the preparation right means your pallet is collected without delays and arrives undamaged.
Know your pallet type
The UK standard is the euro pallet (1,200 mm × 800 mm), but UK pallets (1,200 mm × 1,000 mm) are also common. Measure your pallet including the goods on top — overhanging stock is the leading cause of refused collections and damage. Note the total weight too, as every vehicle has a payload limit.
Which vehicle takes how many pallets?
As a rough guide: an SWB van takes one euro pallet, an MWB one to two, an LWB two to three, an XLWB up to three, a Luton van four to five and a 7.5 tonne lorry eight to twelve, weight permitting. Always book by both space and weight — a Luton van's payload is often lower than its volume suggests.
Pack and wrap properly
Stack heavy items at the bottom, keep the load within the pallet footprint, and secure everything with stretch wrap — at least a few full passes so nothing shifts in transit. Use corner boards for boxes that could crush. If the load could move, banding or strapping is worth the few minutes it takes.
Collection and delivery access
A pallet needs a courier with a pump truck or tail lift — mention this in your booking notes, especially if there is no forklift at either end. Tell the driver about access restrictions, yards and loading bays. For same-day pallet delivery, book as early as possible: pallet jobs take longer to collect and secure than parcel jobs.
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