
Storage pallets are a crucial tool for managing inventory in the food industry. They can help reduce waste and improve efficiency by keeping products organized and easily accessible.
In the food industry, storage pallets come in different sizes to accommodate various products, from small containers of spices to large drums of oil. For example, a standard pallet size of 40x48 inches can hold up to 4,800 pounds of product, which is ideal for storing bulk food items.
Food manufacturers and distributors can also use specialized pallets designed for specific types of products, such as pallets with built-in ventilation for storing perishable items like cheese or meat. These pallets help maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which is essential for preserving the quality of the products.
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Storage Pallet Types
A nestable distribution pallet is a great option if you need a reusable and recyclable pallet for heavy loads. It measures 40” x 48” x 6.5” and weighs 29 lbs., with a static load capacity rating of 30,000 lbs. and a dynamic load rating of 3,000 lbs.
These pallets are designed with safety and efficiency in mind, featuring an anti-slip surface and ergonomic handles for easy lifting. They also have multiple leg options to reduce sorting costs and an anchor notch for simple pallet wrapping.
Wood
Wood pallets are a popular choice for storing raw materials, ingredients, and finished products. They're often used in food storage, but it's essential to inspect them carefully before use.
Inspect wood pallets for debris, splinters, and overall cleanliness before transferring materials to them. This ensures a safe and clean storage environment.
Consider inserting a cardboard slip-sheet between the wood pallet and the materials being stored. This helps prevent contamination and pest activity.
For double-stacked pallets of food materials, insert slip-sheets between them. If you reuse slip-sheets, monitor their condition and cleanliness regularly.
Do not use corrugated slip-sheets, as they can harbor food debris and attract pests.
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Plastic
Plastic pallets are a great option for space-saving and hygienic solutions. They're designed to meet specific material handling needs.
Durable plastic pallets can handle heavy loads, making them perfect for industries that require robust storage solutions. These pallets can withstand rough handling and heavy weights.
Lightweight plastic pallets are ideal for export purposes, as they reduce shipping costs and make transportation easier. This is especially useful for companies that frequently export goods.
Hygienic plastic pallets are a must for food and beverage applications, as they provide a clean and sanitary surface for storing and transporting products. These pallets are designed to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.
Nestable Plastic Solutions
Nestable plastic pallets are designed to be space-saving and hygienic solutions for various industries.
These pallets are made from durable materials and come in different sizes, such as the 40” x 48” x 6.5” nestable distribution pallet, which weighs 29 lbs. and has a static load capacity rating of 30,000 lbs.
Their simple construction and lack of welds make them extremely hygienic, reducing the risk of contamination.
The nestable distribution pallet features an anti-slip surface for worker safety and ergonomic handles for easy lifting.
It's also compatible with Coditherm barcoding and logo branding.
Multiple leg options can be used to reduce sorting costs, and an anchor notch makes pallet wrapping simple.
In addition, room is available to install grommets on both the top and bottom of the pallet for load shifting.
The closed deck nestable plastic pallet is ideal for the food and beverage industry, warehousing, and other closed-loop systems that require heavier loads.
It's compression injection molded from 100 percent post-industrial recycled materials and measures 40” x 48” x 6” with a static load capacity rating of 6,000 lbs.
This pallet also features an anti-slip deck surface and is economical and durable.
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Storage Solutions

Our nestable plastic pallets are designed to be durable and reusable, making them a great option for heavy loads and inventory control. They can withstand a lot of weight, so you can stack them high without worrying about breakage.
We offer a range of export and nestable plastic pallet options, including lightweight options for shipping products overseas. These pallets are designed to be hygienic, making them perfect for food and beverage applications.
If you're looking for a space-saving solution, our nestable plastic pallets are a great choice. They nest together, taking up less space than traditional pallets, making them ideal for warehouses and storage facilities.
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Outdoor Bin Storage
Outdoor bin storage requires some careful consideration to ensure safety and efficiency.
Make sure to maintain the recommended distances to buildings and storage arrangements.
Ideally, each pallet pile of wood pallets or bins should be separated from other pallet piles by at least 8 feet of clear space or 25 feet of commodity.
This is especially important if you're storing bins or pallets indoors with a sprinkler system.
In such cases, pallets should be stacked no more than 6 feet high.
This helps prevent fires from spreading and makes it easier for the sprinkler system to do its job.
Storage Inside

Keep pallets at least 18 inches away from walls to allow for easy inspection and cleaning activities within inside storage areas.
Pallets used multiple times should be part of a Master Cleaning Schedule (MCS) to ensure they remain hygienic.
Plastic pallets generally require less cleaning and/or sanitization prior to use, making them a convenient option for inside storage.
To maintain cleanliness, inspect and clean or sanitize pallets on a pre-determined frequency, especially if they're used multiple times.
Here are some key considerations for inside storage:
- Keep pallets at least 18 inches away from walls.
- Follow inside storage recommendations for fire safety.
Stackable & Rackable
Stackable & Rackable plastic pallets are designed for operations where edge-racking is utilized, and they can withstand long-term use in warehouses.
These pallets are made to be more durable compared to plastic shipping pallets, with a focus on overall design and manufacturing process.
Racking tests are performed in-house to ensure that pallets with a listed racking capacity will perform as intended.
Additional testing is also done with third-party facilities for pallets that need further evaluation.
The durability of a plastic pallet is influenced by various factors, including the manufacturing process and overall design, with some pallets being more stable than others.
Durability tests are performed on all reusable pallets to rate their level of durability.
Food Industry Considerations

Storage pallets are a crucial component in the food industry, where efficiency and hygiene are paramount.
In the food industry, storage pallets are often used to transport and store perishable goods such as meat, dairy products, and baked goods.
Storage pallets made from wood are less suitable for the food industry due to the risk of contamination from wood splinters.
The use of plastic pallets can help prevent contamination and reduce the risk of pest infestations.
In the food industry, storage pallets are typically designed with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and promote airflow.
Plastic pallets are also more resistant to corrosion and can withstand the high temperatures often found in food processing facilities.
Food manufacturers often require storage pallets to be made from materials that are easy to clean and sanitize.
Plastic pallets are ideal for this purpose, as they can be easily washed and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination.
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Specifications and Features
When choosing storage pallets, it's essential to consider their specifications and features to ensure they meet your needs. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Pallets should be clean and free of splinters, debris, and pest evidence. This is crucial for maintaining a safe and hygienic storage environment.
Not all pallets are created equal, and some may have been previously used for shipping waste or chemicals. If this is the case, they cannot be used for storage.
Plastic pallets, in particular, should be made of FDA-approved resins if necessary. This ensures they meet strict safety and quality standards.
To summarize, here are the key specifications to look for in a storage pallet:
- Wood and plastic pallets should be clean and free of splinters, debris, and pest evidence.
- Pallets that have been previously soiled with animal byproducts or waste, or used for shipping waste or chemicals cannot be used.
- Plastic pallets should be made of FDA-approved resins, if necessary.
Export and Shipping
The PSI Export Pallet is a great option for one-way material handling, shipping solutions, and packaging.
It's made from 100 percent post-industrial recycled materials, which is a sustainable choice for businesses.
The pallet measures 40” x 48” x 5” and weighs 17 lbs., with a static load rating of 4,000 lbs. and a dynamic load capacity rating of 1,200 lbs.
Heat treated pallets are also a viable option for export and shipping, as they meet international shipping regulations by eliminating pests through a thermal process.
These pallets are made from wood and undergo a specialized thermal process to raise the wood's core temperature to at least 56°C (132.8°F) for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Export

The export process requires specialized shipping solutions, and that's where the right pallet comes in. The PSI Export Pallet is a great option for industries that need one-way shipping pallets.
It's made from 100% post-industrial recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice. This pallet measures 40” x 48” x 5” and weighs 17 lbs.
The PSI Export Pallet has a static load rating of 4,000 lbs. and a dynamic load capacity rating of 1,200 lbs. This means it can handle heavy loads with ease.
One of the benefits of this pallet is that it's lightweight, closed-deck surface won't attract mold or mildew. It's also less likely to become infested by pests compared to wooden pallets.
This pallet is ideal for one-way material handling, shipping solutions, and packaging. It can even be reused multiple times in closed distribution systems.
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Heat Treated: What You Need to Know
Heat treated pallets are a crucial aspect of export and shipping, especially for businesses in Houston that need to comply with international regulations. To meet these standards, heat treated pallets undergo a thermal process that raises the wood's core temperature to at least 56°C (132.8°F) for a minimum of 30 minutes.

This process eliminates pests and ensures safe global transport. In fact, it's the only way to guarantee compliance with international shipping regulations.
The temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) is the minimum required to effectively eliminate pests and meet the necessary standards. This is a critical detail that businesses should be aware of when shipping goods internationally.
Distribution and Management
A good pallet management program should be in place in every food manufacturer, warehouse, or distributor. This program should consist of several key elements.
Each pallet should be tracked and accounted for to prevent loss and damage. This can be achieved through the use of a pallet management system.
If you're looking for high-load capacity and affordable nesting pallets, you can consider using nestable plastic pallets. These pallets are designed to be hygienic, durable, and reusable.
Food Industry Management
In the food industry, effective pallet management is crucial to ensure efficient distribution and inventory control. A pallet management program should consist of the following elements.

Each food manufacturer, warehouse, or distributor should have a clear understanding of their pallet usage and storage needs. This includes tracking pallets, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to optimize pallet usage.
Having a pallet management program in place can significantly reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency. It's essential to consider the specific needs of your business, such as high load capacity and affordability.
Our nestable plastic pallets are designed to be hygienic, durable, and reusable, making them an excellent option for food manufacturers and distributors. They can be easily nested together for efficient storage and transportation.
If you're struggling to find the right pallet solution for your business, don't worry - our experts are here to help. We can guide you to the best solution for your unique needs and budget.
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Nestable Distribution
Nestable distribution pallets are a game-changer for businesses that need to transport heavy loads. They offer a reusable and 100% recyclable option that's perfect for companies looking to reduce waste.
These pallets are designed with a one-piece, heavy-duty construction that's extremely hygienic, with no welds to harbor dirt or microbes. They measure 40” x 48” x 6.5” and weigh 29 lbs.
One of the standout features of nestable distribution pallets is their anti-slip surface, which ensures the safety of workers handling them. Ergonomic handles also make it easy to lift and move them around.
The pallets are compatible with Coditherm barcoding and logo branding, making it easy to track and identify your products. They also feature multiple leg options to reduce sorting costs and come with an anchor notch for stretch film to make pallet wrapping simple.
These pallets are designed to increase storage space and capability, making them a great option for businesses with limited storage space. They're also a great choice for companies that need to transport heavy loads, with a static load capacity rating of 30,000 lbs. and a dynamic load rating of 3,000 lbs.
If you're looking for a hygienic solution for food and beverage applications, nestable distribution pallets are a great option. They're easy to wash and clean, and their design features no pockets where debris can hide.
Whether you need durable pallets for heavy loads or lightweight options for export, there's a nestable plastic pallet out there that's right for you. With a wide range of options available, you're sure to find the perfect solution for your business's needs.
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Risk Improvement Opportunities

As you manage your distribution and storage, it's essential to identify areas for improvement to reduce risks.
Storing idle floor-piled pallets and bins outdoors or in a detached structure is recommended whenever possible.
Proper storage can help prevent fires and ensure a safer working environment. Fire prevention and safety should always be a top priority.
Keeping flammable materials away from heat sources and ignition points is crucial to preventing fires. This includes storing pallets and bins in a well-ventilated area, away from doors, racks, and shelves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pallet storage cost?
Pallet storage costs typically range from £1.50 to £5.00 per pallet per week, but actual rates may vary depending on several factors. Shunting fees, which cover loading and unloading costs, may also apply.
What is a cheaper alternative to pallets?
Wire mesh is a cost-effective alternative to pallets, offering durability and resistance to moisture damage without the high price tag
Sources
- https://www.mynsightonline.com/resources/articles/safely-store-idle-pallets-and-bins
- https://www.tranpak.com/plastic-pallets/reusable/
- https://www.source4industries.com/collections/pallets
- https://prostack.com/product-category/material-handling-products/nestable-export-pallets/
- https://thepalletguys.com/proper-storage-and-usage-tips-for-on-site-wood-pallets/
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