Pallet trucks, whether hand or powered, all have the same aim to move pallets from point A to point B. So what exactly is a pallet? A pallet is a flat transport structure that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted. Simply put, the pallet is a base for which goods can be loaded upon, sometimes the goods are required to be strapped down or they are covered in stretch-wrapped plastic film.
What are pallets made out of?
Pallets are usually made out of wood, but can also be available in plastic and metal. Each material has advantages and disadvantages for each depending on the job they are used for.
Wood – the cheapest available pallet truck is made out of softwood. As it is so cheap and thin they are often thrown away with the wrapping at the end of the trip. The more complex and sturdier wood pallets are made from hardwood. These are more expensive and usually require a deposit and are returned to the sender or sold on.
Plastic – plastic pallets are usually made from HDPE or recycled PET (drink bottles). Plastic pallets are very durable and can last up to a hundred trips resisting weathering, rot, chemicals and corrosion, and are good on storage space as they stack easily.
Aluminum – aluminum pallets are a lot stronger than plastic or wood but are lighter than steel. They too resist weathering, rot, chemicals and corrosion and are used mainly for air-freight, long-term outdoor or at-sea storage, or military transport.
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