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Pallet delivery made easy

Pack it right.
Send it with confidence.

A well-prepared pallet is easier to collect, safer to handle and far less likely to be delayed or damaged. Follow this practical guide, then compare pallet delivery services in seconds.

Get a pallet quote See the packing guide
UK & international services Door-to-door collection Helpful support
Drawn illustration of a securely packed and wrapped pallet ready for collection
Strong, undamaged pallet
Nothing overhanging
Wrapped firmly to the base
Before the driver arrives

Five steps to a collection-ready pallet

From choosing the base to labelling the finished load, each step helps protect your freight and keep your booking on track.

01 Start with the base

Choose a pallet that can take the load

Your pallet must be strong, level and large enough for every part of the shipment. A weak base can compromise the entire load before it leaves your premises.

  • Keep every box and item inside the pallet edges - no overhang.
  • Check the boards, blocks and runners for cracks or damage.
  • Make sure there are no loose boards or exposed nail heads.
  • Use a pallet rated to support the total shipment weight.
Why overhang matters: exposed edges lose the pallet's protection, can be struck during handling and may result in the carrier refusing collection.
Drawn comparison of a sound pallet and a damaged pallet with an overhanging load Use this Avoid this
02 Build a stable load

Stack boxes squarely, not in a pyramid

Use new cartons with enough burst strength to withstand stacking, then build an even load. Straight columns direct pressure through the strongest part of each box and give the pallet better stability.

  • Securely close, staple or seal every carton before stacking.
  • Place the heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes above.
  • Align box corners to create strong, even columns.
  • Fill empty space inside cartons so contents cannot move.
  • Keep the top as flat as possible for safe handling.
Avoid a pyramid: a narrow or uneven top makes the load unstable and increases the risk of boxes moving, crushing or falling.
Drawn comparison of a stable column stack and an unstable pyramid stack Column stack Pyramid stack
03 Make it one unit

Secure the goods to the pallet itself

High-quality stretch wrap should bind the load and the wooden base together. Wrapping boxes without anchoring them to the pallet does not prevent the full load from sliding.

  • Add a board or cardboard sheet at the base so smaller items cannot fall through the pallet gaps.
  • Place cardboard sheets between layers to absorb vibration and distribute weight.
  • Start at the base and overlap each pass as you work upwards.
  • Use at least five full revolutions and cover the top of the load.
  • Add corner boards and banding for heavy or awkward freight.
The blur rule: apply enough wrap for the contents to appear blurred, but not so much that the shipment is completely hidden. Keep all wrap and strapping secure and flush against the load to avoid additional charges.
Drawn comparison of a securely wrapped pallet and a loosely wrapped pallet Securely wrapped Loose wrapping
Ready to compare?

Get your pallet delivery quote

Select the Pallet tab in the calculator, then enter the total size and weight of the finished pallet - not just the goods. Accurate measurements help us show the right pallet courier services and prevent adjustment charges later.

  • Measure length, width and height at the widest points
  • Include the pallet, wrap, straps and protective packaging
  • Choose tail-lift options where loading equipment is unavailable
Parcel
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Pallet
04 Book accurately

Measure accurately, book the right service and label clearly

Once the pallet is fully packed, record the total dimensions and weight. Select the service that matches the facilities at both addresses. Where your chosen service supplies shipping labels, they are provided after booking and must remain visible throughout handling.

  • Measure the widest and tallest points after all wrapping is complete.
  • Include a full delivery address, postcode and contact telephone number.
  • If labels are supplied for the service, print and securely tape one to all four sides and the top of every pallet.
  • Keep barcode labels flat, dry and clear of straps or joins.
Do you need a tail lift?

If either address has no forklift or loading dock, select a suitable tail-lift service. When required at both addresses, choose it for both collection and delivery.

Drawn illustration of shipping labels attached to the top and multiple sides of a pallet
Place labels on the top and all four sides so one remains visible however the pallet is positioned.
Step 05 - collection day

Make the pickup quick and problem-free

Pallets travel on large vehicles and drivers work to timed routes. A little preparation at the collection point makes a big difference.

01

Check vehicle access

Make sure a large collection vehicle can reach the premises, manoeuvre safely and has clear space to stop and load close to the pallet.

02

Prepare loading equipment

Have the required forklift or pallet truck ready. Drivers generally do not carry this equipment unless the service description specifically includes it.

03

Be ready before arrival

Finish all wrapping and labelling, then position the pallet where it can be loaded immediately when the driver arrives.

Please note: loose wrapping, inaccurate dimensions, overhanging freight or unavailable loading facilities can lead to failed collection or additional carrier charges.

Unsure which pallet service to choose?

Our team can help with service options, tail-lift requirements and the information you need before booking. Speak to us by phone, live chat or email.

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Pallet delivery FAQs

Common pallet questions, answered

Quick guidance on packing, measuring, collection and choosing between pallets and individual parcels.

When is a pallet better than sending individual parcels?

A pallet is often better when you have many boxes, several heavy boxes or goods that are safer kept together as one handling unit. It reduces individual handling and can make collection quicker. A large number of separate parcels takes longer for the driver to scan and may lead to waiting-time charges. Compare both options for smaller or lighter shipments.

How do I correctly pack a pallet for delivery?

Use a strong undamaged pallet, keep all items within its edges and put heavier boxes at the bottom. Stack cartons in square columns, add protective sheets where useful and use stretch wrap to bind the load to the pallet base. Heavy or awkward loads may also need corner boards and secure banding.

How much stretch wrap should I use?

Start at the base and use at least five full revolutions, overlapping the wrap as you move up the load and covering the top. The contents should appear blurred through the film but should not need to be completely hidden. The finished wrap must hold the goods and pallet together as one unit.

How do I measure and weigh a pallet for a quote?

Measure the finished shipment from its widest, longest and tallest points, including the timber pallet and all packaging. The weight must also include the pallet, wrap, straps and protection - not only the goods. Do not estimate, as incorrect measurements can cause service changes or additional charges.

What are the most common pallet packing problems?

The most common problems are boxes overhanging the pallet, uneven weight distribution, heavy goods placed too high, loose wrapping and incorrect measurements. Overhang leaves goods exposed, a top-heavy pallet can tip, and estimated dimensions can result in service changes or additional charges.

Do I need a forklift or pallet truck for collection?

Usually, you are responsible for providing the equipment needed to load the pallet unless the chosen service explicitly includes a tail lift. If there is no forklift or loading dock at collection or delivery, select the appropriate tail-lift option. When it is needed at both addresses, select it for both collection and delivery.

Can any item hang over the edge of the pallet?

No. Every item should remain within the pallet footprint. Overhanging freight is more vulnerable to impact, makes the load harder to handle and may be refused by the carrier. Choose a larger pallet or repack the goods before booking.

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