Pallet and site prep: dimensions, wrapping, labels, tail‑lift alternatives

Pallet and site prep: dimensions, wrapping, labels, tail‑lift alternativesNo two shipments are ever quite the same, but every on-time delivery starts with correct pallet preparation. Whether you’re sending one pallet or a full truckload (FTL), knowing the requirements up front is the best way to keep your freight moving and your customers happy. So, here’s your one-stop guide to getting pallet prep right for every less-than-truckload (LTL) and FTL shipment

Getting pallet dimensions and weights for your FTL and LTL loads right is the first step towards a trouble‑free middle mile journey. In the EUUK, both FTL and LTL networks are built around onetwo common footprints: the UK standard pallet at 1200 x 1000 mm and the Euro pallet at 1200 x 800 mm.

As well as this, many carriers work within a maximum pallet height of 1.8 metres (including the pallet) and up to roughly 1,000 kg per pallet. If a pallet needs to go beyond these limits, it’s best to flag well in advance, so your carrier has ample time to confirm what’s possible and plan the right vehicle and handling.

Overhang is one of the biggest drivers of damage and handling issues in freight. Think of your pallets like pieces in a jigsaw. Each one needs to fit perfectly alongside the others for everything to move fluidly. If products stick out past the edge, that neat fit disappears, making your goods more exposed to knocks and pressure, and complicating safe handling.

That’s why our Amazon Freight LTL and FTL pallet requirements state that every load must sit squarely within the pallet profile. If a pallet turns up with anything jutting out, it’s likely to be refused at collection or delivery.

Once a pallet is prepared, secure wrapping is the next step. Stretch‑wrapping tightly down to and around the pallet base is often the best approach. For taller, heavier or mixed loads, adding straps and corner boards will give extra stability, protecting your packaging and product from movement in transit.Labelling and barcodes
Clear labelling is what keeps your LTL and FTL freight moving confidently through every stage of the journey. Each pallet should have a human-readable label and a scannable barcode that matches your booking details, almost like a passport for your shipment.

Placement matters, too. Labels work best when they’re on at least two sides of the pallet, and at a height where they’re easy to spot and scan.

In pallet freight, how goods are loaded and unloaded is just as important as how they travel. The two main methods (dock-level loading and tail-lift delivery) each have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your site’s setup.

Dock-level loading is best for sites with raised loading bays (docks) that line up with the trailer floor. This method allows forklifts and trucks to move goods directly in and out of the trailer at the same height. Most FTL movements will be dock-to-dock.

A tail-lift is a hydraulic platform fitted to the back of the truck or trailer. It raises and lowers pallets between the trailer and the ground, so goods can be safely transferred even when there’s no raised bay. For a tail-lift to work well, there needs to be a solid, flat, and clear area behind the vehicle, and enough space to operate the lift safely.

Tail-lift delivery comes into play at sites without a dock, such as ground-level warehouses and retail premises. If you’re shipping LTL, chances are you’ll need a tail-lift at collection or delivery, unless both ends have dock access.

Every site has its own procedures for safety, and making those standards clear up front helps avoid hold-ups and keeps everyone protected. Personal protective equipment (PPE) like high-vis jackets, safety boots, or hard hats) may be mandatory at your location. RAMS, or risk assessments and method statements, are sometimes required for particular activities or areas.

If your site has these rules, the best approach is to communicate them before the driver arrives. A simple site guide or checklist shared in advance saves time for everyone and gives you confidence that safety standards are always met.

Before you book your freight carrier, it’s vital to check that your site and the planned vehicle are a good match. Yard layout, turning circles, entrance width, height clearances, and surface quality can all affect what size and type of vehicle can actually access your location.

A quick access check ahead of time, either using a site survey or a vehicle chooser tool, helps you plan for the right equipment from the outset.

From single LTL pallet shipping to full loads, Amazon Freight connects your business to a reliable freight network across the UK and Europe. We handle all standard pallet sizes, offering transparent pricing from the start and real-time visibility at every stage. Whether you’re shipping locally or cross-border, you’ll have the clarity and control you need for the road ahead.

Take advantage of Amazon Freight’s global freight network, advanced logistics technology, and competitive pricing. Create your free shipper account today to get started.

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