crates in a warehouse

PALLET SHIPPING: TOP-NOTCH PROTECTION, AFFORDABLE PRICES

With over 20 years of experience, uShip is the best place to find reliable, affordable pallet shipping services.

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    Jim

    "We have been working with uShip since 2013 and have always been satisfied with the results."

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    Liz

    "It was relatively easy to find a shipper and payment was pretty seamless."

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    Nate

    "My shipper was great! On time both for pick up and drop off would highly recommend."

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    Brian

    "I can find that hard to deliver item a dependable driver and research their past feedbacks on the platform."

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    Jason

    “My truck was delivered in pristine condition, and I easily released payment to shipper via uShip's website and that was it! So easy.”

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    Jaime

    “In every interaction with the team members they have gone above and beyond to ensure I was satisfied with the results.”

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    Rebecca

    "Our boat arrived in perfect condition."

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    Jonathan

    "Have used uShip twice to ship a motorcycle purchased out of state. The entire experience has been top notch each time."

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    Sheleigh

    "Super easy and quick! Very pleased! I will certainly use this platform again."

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    Stephen

    "uShip provides a service that is unlike anyone else on the planet and I am thankful for it!"

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    Alaina

    "Wonderful service!!!!! Felt safe and comfortable with how they do payments too! Shipment went better and quicker than expected!!"

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    Tony

    "The delivery went without a hitch and I cannot say enough good things about the shipper!"

pallets in warehouse

What Is Pallet Shipping?

When shipping goods or any large quantity of freight, carriers usually prefer them placed on pallets for easier handling. A pallet is a flat, portable base used to transport multiple packages or containers. It's like a sturdy platform that helps keep items together and makes them easier to move around.

Pallets are available in various shapes and sizes. While they can differ, the average size is roughly 40 by 48 inches. Pallets can be made of plastic or metal, though wood is the most used material.

If your items are fragile and could be damaged during transit, you might consider using a crate for extra protection. But if you have decided not to go for a crate, palletizing is the best option.


Benefits Of Pallet Shipping

Using pallets for shipping freight comes with many advantages:

  • Pallets enable carriers to maximize the amount of room in their trailers.
  • They protect your cargo during loading, unloading, and moving.
  • Pallets facilitate the loading and unloading of your freight more quickly and easily for carriers.
  • They help keep your shipment organized.
  • Pallets can support heavy objects since they are more durable than cardboard boxes or plastic wraps.
  • The additional advantage of using pallets for shipping is that they can be recycled, whether made of wood, plastic, or metal.

How To Ship With A Pallet?

For a successful pallet shipment, proper preparation is key. Follow the guidelines below to ensure smooth and efficient pallet freight transit.

Source an appropriate-sized pallet: Look for a pallet that matches the weight and size of your package. The pallet must be sturdy enough to support the weight of your package and fit within the designated space of the transportation vehicle.

Stacking containers and boxes: Use great caution and be mindful of where you position the boxes and containers as you fill your pallet. Arrange the heaviest items at the bottom and equally distribute the weight to create a robust basis.Pack every available space to prevent items from shifting while in transit.


Utilize straps, banding, and shrink wrap: Use banding, straps, or shrink wrap to keep your things secure on the pallet. To start, firmly wrap the objects in shrink wrap to keep them together. Then, use straps or banding to make the load even more secure. Make sure everything is tight to stop it from moving during shipping. This extra protection helps ensure your shipment arrives safely.

Creating and attaching labels: Make labels with full address details, including where it's from and where it's going. Also, add any special instructions like fragile or handle with care. Stick these labels firmly to the pallet's side with tape. Clear labels help carriers know what's inside and deliver it on time.

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When Pallets Are Right For You

If your shipment meets the following criteria, palletization may be the way to go:

  • Shipping LTL with valuable cargo
  • Shipments in multiple pieces that must stay together
  • Want to reduce the risk of damage
  • Need drainage and circulation for certain items
  • Requires easier handling
pallet on route path

Pallet Sizes

Standard Pallet Sizes For Shipping

The standard size of a shipping pallet is 48” X 40”. You can also opt for two other dimensions: 42” X 42” and 48” X 48”. That said, if you are shipping non-standard palletized freight, you may need to build a custom pallet. For example, shipping furniture as freight may require a pallet larger or smaller than the standard size.

Standard Pallet Weight

A standard North American wooden pallet (48” x 40” x 6”) weighs 33 pounds. However, the weight will vary depending on the type of wood used, such as hardwoods, softwoods, or a mix of the two. Therefore, it is best to weigh your loaded pallet prior to shipping for accuracy.

Maximum Pallet Weight Loads

When packing a pallet for shipping, knowing how much weight-specific pallet sizes can handle is important. If you overpack a pallet, you risk damaging your freight. The maximum standard pallet weight loads are:

48″ x 40″ pallets: 4,600 lbs
36″ x 36″ pallets: 4,700 lbs
42″ x 42″ pallets: 3,700 lbs
48″ x 48″ pallets: 3,700 lbs

pallets in a warehouse

How Much Does Pallet Shipping Cost?

Pallet shipping costs depend on factors such as distance, weight, dimensions, and delivery timeframe. To explore pricing for pallet shipping with uShip, visit our Freight Shipping Cost page. The uShip marketplace offers valuable insights by showcasing completed pallet shipments.

Why Choose uShip For Pallet Shipping?

When you book directly with a top-rated transporter on uShip, you ensure your shipment is in the hands of experienced freight providers. Enjoy a multitude of advantages, including:

  • Instant Quotes:

    Receive instant online quotations from thousands of carriers, saving you time and energy compared to conventional phone inquiries. With uShip, you get the advantage of the transparency of rates from competitors as businesses compete for your advantage.

  • Secure uShip Payments:

    Ensure safe payment to your carrier without revealing sensitive bank account or card details. uShip holds your funds until you confirm secure delivery, giving you full control over the payment procedure.

  • Stress-Free Shipping:

    Booking through uShip enables you to avoid common shipping problems and guarantees a smooth delivery. Rest assured knowing that uShip will make your pallet shipping process easy.

  • Nationwide Network:

    uShip makes it easy to find and book with the nation’s top freight shipping companies and carriers.

  • uShip Protection Plan:

    Easily purchase a uShip Protection Plan at checkout to ensure peace of mind.

  • Expert Support:

    Get help from experienced LTL support staff throughout your shipping journey, from asking questions at the start to getting help after your items are delivered. They're experts at solving different problems, making your shipping experience with uShip hassle-free.

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