Whenever shippers are dealing with the international shipping of goods, shipping needs can vary. There are important considerations to make, such as how to ship goods such as is a pallet, skid, or a crate needed to protect the shipment from damage.
Although pallets, skids, and crates all have unique features and uses, the terms are often used interchangeably. All three types are used for storing and shipping materials, with each having their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal uses.
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What is a Pallet?
The wooden pallet is the most popular method of shipping and storing freight. Pallets typically consist of three to four stringers that support several deck boards where goods are placed on top. A single pallet has both a top and bottom deck that can provide more stability than skids. They are also usually used for items that are in transit, taking them to varying climate conditions. Pallet users want pallets that can pass through buildings easily, stack and fit into racks, are accessible to forklifts and pallet jacks, and function in automated warehouses.
- Top and bottom deck boards
- More in demand
- Typical size 48″ ×40″
- More stable
- Can carry up to 1000 kg
- More friction (harder to drag)
- Easily hauled by a forklift
- More convenient for racking
What is a Skid?
As the oldest type of pallet, skids have been used since the 1930s and only have one deck. Skids contain a single-loading platform, and instead of resting its weight on a bottom deck, crates instead rest its weight on vertical slats or legs. There is less friction without the bottom tier, making the skid easier to drag.
The skid’s most significant advantage is mobility. This is the primary reason skids are often used as a foundation for heavy machinery. Because there is less surface area on the bottom of a skid, it makes dragging skids loaded with materials much more straightforward than carrying a similarly sized pallet.
- No bottom deck
- Less friction (easier to drag)
- The oldest type of pallet
- Because it’s mobile, it’s often used as a permanent foundation for heavy machinery
- A cheap version of pallets
- Takes up less space when nested
- No bottom deck boards
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What is a Crate?
A crate is a large box, often made of wood, typically used to transport or store large, heavy items. Secured by a floor and four walls, a crate offers your freight far more protection than either of the other two shipping methods. Because crates can hold a large volume, they are a necessary part of the storage and shipping process. Although crates are extremely secure and stable, they tend to be bulky and harder to transport.
- It’s a box, unlike the other two
- Four walls and a floor secure it
- Great for holding products that need to be securely stored
- Can hold a large volume
- Very stable
- Bulky and more challenging to transport
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Which One is Best For You: Pallet vs Skid vs Crate
How one decides between a pallet, skid, or crate depends on the type of product. If a large amount of materials needs to be shipped, placing it on a skid may allow for easy transportation. However, because a pallet has a second, flat bottom deck, stacking pallets is comfortable, sturdy and provides an improved cube efficiency. If one used a standard skid instead, the lack of a flat bottom surface would make weight distribution precarious. Meanwhile, crates can be bulky and harder to transport.
Crates are an excellent option to ship fragile items. When special care is necessary to avoid damage during transit, these containers can be superior to pallets for more delicate goods.
Pallets are a reliable option if goods are not immediately arriving at a destination, other than a warehouse. Suppose they need to be stored for a significant portion of time. In that case, pallets can be moved more efficiently and stored in warehouses– making them more cost-effective for the exporter in long-term storage situations.
How Can We Help?
Alba Wheel’s Up’s supply chain management services provide improved warehouse efficiency and extend real-time visibility and control of warehouse operations. Thus, reducing the costs of goods sold throughout the client’s company.
Understanding and demonstrating whether to use pallets, skids or crates based on the client’s needs are inherent throughout this process.
Working with Alba Wheels Up as a part of the client’s team allows the client to concentrate on the priorities of their day-to-day business, while Alba Wheels Up takes care of all the details involved in global shipping and documentation.
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Conclusion
When choosing shipping options, understanding some of the terminologies can be crucial. Even though pallets, skids, and crates are similar, there are unique differences among each. Choosing the right one can be more cost-effective for the shipper in the long run.
Knowing the difference between pallets, skids, and crates will enable shippers to optimize efficiency when transporting and storing goods and reduce damages. Also, it ensures minimal delays that may result in increased fees.
Looking for a shipping solution that aims to educate and empower you to succeed? Visit us at Alba Wheels Up.
