When it comes to freight shipping, pallet shipping is the preferred method for many shippers—particularly those sending multiple or heavy loads. It presents a safe, streamlined, and often more cost effective way to haul goods, but choosing the right carrier is key.
Learn more about the benefits and challenges of pallet shipping in the UK and internationally, and find out how Amazon Freight can help you to optimise your pallet shipping experience and provide you with a pallet shipping quote today.
Understanding pallet shipping
Pallet shipping is the most common way to ship goods. Find out what it is and why it’s so frequently used by shippers of all sizes.
What is pallet shipping?
Palletised shipping refers to the process of loading and securing goods onto a pallet—a flat platform typically made of wood, plastic, or steel—and delivering the shipment as a single unit to a fulfilment centre or another destination.
Benefits of palletised shipping
Pallet shipping is popular throughout a range of industries for its simplicity, ability to protect cargo, and efficiency benefits. In particular, industries like manufacturing, retail, and ecommerce utilise pallet shipping to help them optimise their supply chain operations.
Easier handling
Freight shipping pallets facilitate much simpler handling than other forms of freight shipping. They can be quickly and easily loaded onto trucks with forklifts and pallet jacks. They can be stacked on top of each other, making it easier to keep track of goods and organise truckloads.
Reduced damage risk
Pallets are made for longevity and durability. They protect the contents inside and can be stacked atop each other without being at risk of breaking. They also ensure goods are elevated away from damp or dirty surfaces.
Improved efficiency
Despite being strong and durable, pallets are lightweight. They add very little weight to a shipment, and—compared to other shipping containers—they take up significantly less space. This makes shipping more efficient and can mitigate the risk of supply chain issues.
Common challenges in pallet shipping without the right carrier
Although pallet shipping is a great option for many shippers, it’s not without its challenges. Common pain points for shippers include:
- Changing international restrictions and regulations
- Complex insurance coverage
- Convoluted booking processes
- Lack of visibility and tracking
- Weight distribution issues
- Ineffective pallet shipping costs
- Overstacked pallets
To avoid these issues, choosing the right carrier is crucial. An unreliable or inept carrier could result in damaged goods or supply chain issues like delays.
How Amazon Freight can simplify pallet shipping
Here at Amazon Freight, we strive to make pallet shipping in the UK as easy as possible.
Seamless booking
Booking shouldn’t be complicated. With Amazon Freight, shippers can book their freight shipping pallet anywhere between 10 days to 24 hours in advance. Simply sign up for a free shipper account and start booking pallet shipments online right away.
Reliable network
Supply chain disruption is currently one of the biggest concerns in the freight shipping industry. Amazon Freight has over 95% on-date pickup and delivery—we also never reject a load. Once you book your shipment, we’re committed to delivering it.
Transparent pricing
Pallet shipping can be more cost effective for shippers moving multiple loads—until hidden fees start surprising you. Amazon Freight’s fees are totally transparent, so you know what you’re signing up for upon booking.
Benefits of Amazon Freight for Pallet Shipping
Cost-effective, competitive rates
When shipping multiple loads, combining them onto a pallet is often the more cost effective option. Amazon Freight offers transparent, competitive rates for shipping. We want to help you ship in a way that works for you and offer a range of different pricing options depending on your needs.
Leading customer support
We offer 24/7 support. Whatever your issue, our dedicated support team is here to help. Our customer support helps shippers manage their freight shipping pallets efficiently.
Monitoring and tracking
Our GPS tracked trailers give you full, real-time visibility into your shipment. This tracking is available on GPS-tracked 13.6m box trailers for FTL and LTL, and curtain-sided trailers for FTL only.
Extensive logistics network
We run on an extensive network of over 6,500 owned trailers and more than 13,000 carrier partners for pallet shipping in the UK and throughout Europe. We rely on this network in conjunction with cutting edge technology to help us provide superior pallet shipping services.
Get started with Amazon Freight today
Amazon Freight simplifies pallet shipping and offers flexible pallet shipping prices. Our extensive logistics network, GPS enabled trailers, and uncomplicated booking system helps shippers of all sizes easily get started on their pallet journeys.
Trust Amazon Freight to get your palletised shipment to its destination safely and efficiently. Create your shipper account to get started today or contact us to get a pallet shipping quote and learn more.
FAQs
What types of pallets does Amazon Freight accept?
We recommend choosing a wooden pallet with four-way entry. Each country has its own pallet size regulations, but we advise our shippers to use the UK standard of 1 x 1.2 metres.
