The advantages and disadvantages of wooden pallets

The importance of pallets for shipping industry in Australia is simply inevitable. Wooden pallets, however, come in different materials such as plastic, metal and wood. Wooden pallets are among the most widely used varieties by the shippers in Melbourne due to various reasons. This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of wooden pallets.

Advantages of wooden pallets

First, let’s have a look at the advantages of wooden pallets.

Wooden pallets are affordable

Compared to other pallet varieties, wooden pallets are notably inexpensive. Since the price of the raw material (timber) is very low compared to metal, the end result (wooden pallets) is remarkably cheaper. Therefore, wooden pallets are considered to be the most appropriate solution for the shippers that are looking for low budget pallets. Since the wooden pallets are easily reusable for many times, they have become a preferred choice of many shippers in Melbourne.

Durability and strength

Although wooden pallets are remarkably cheaper than the other options, their overall quality, durability and strength is not compromised. In fact, wooden pallets have amazing strength to hold heavier and bulkier loads with ease. Due to this strength and durability, shippers in Melbourne prefer wooden pallets as their containers particularly when loading huge consignments.

Wide availability 

In general, wooden pallets are widely available throughout Australia. Because of this frequent availability, pallets are preferred by busy clients as they don’t like to wait until their pallets arrive.

Wooden pallets can be repaired pretty easily

Compared to metal and plastic pellet varieties, wooden pallets can be repaired pretty easily. In most of the occasions, repairs can be done just with a hammer and a couple of nails. You don’t need to be a professional carpenter to handle such repairs associated with wooden pallets.

They can be recycled 

Recycling of wooden pallets can be entertained without the use of any special procedure. You don’t need to melt them or use chemicals to mould them; all you need is a creative mind and some skills. These wooden pallets can be transformed into many other items and in fact, the items like tables, fences, and flower beds etc. made out of wooden pallets are highly popular throughout Australia. 

Better friction than other materials

One of the most remarkable benefits associated with wooden pallets is their high level of friction virtually on all the surfaces. Such friction helps these pallets to stay in place without slipping with the goods during the transportation process.

Disadvantages of wooden pallets

Vulnerable to bacterial attacks 

Wood can tolerate bacteria to grow. Therefore, wooden pallets are not the best alternative to transport food items. Particularly, bacteria verities such as salmonella can grow in wood and cause health hazards.

They are not stain resistant

Wood can often get stains and hold them; the surfaces of wooden pallets are not the smoothest. So, cleaning of wooden pallets can be harder than the other varieties.

Apart from that, wood is not the best material to withstand moist and water. When exposed to water for a longer period and left dirty, fungus and other microorganisms can grow on wood rapidly.