From individuals moving belongings to companies fulfilling regular business contracts, people need to ship pallets for a variety of reasons. But regardless of why the goods are being moved, if you’re looking for a pallet delivery service, there is a core set of objectives involved.
- That the goods are delivered to their intended destination.
- That they are collected and delivered at the times expected.
- And that they reach their destination in perfect condition.
It doesn’t seem all that much to ask. But it’s not always that easy to achieve. So, what do you need to know to make sure that your goods get to where they need to go, when and how they need to get there?
Tips for Preparing Goods for Pallet Delivery
Find a freight expert
The easiest way to ensure that your goods are shipped safely and on time is to find a reputable freight company. Look for a brand that offers a variety of services – express, economy, cross trade – and serves the areas that you’re working in (obviously!). Check out their credentials and reviews/testimonials. Then, ask for a quote. If everything adds up, you’re off to a great start.
Package your goods carefully
Even the best couriers and freighters will struggle to deliver an intact pallet if the goods have not been packaged correctly. So:
- Place any loose goods into strong boxes.
- For stability, stack the boxes in low columns with the heaviest goods at the bottom of the pile.
- Place the boxes as close to each other as possible. The more gaps you leave on the pallet, the more likely the boxes are to move around, increasing the chance of damaging the goods.
- Make sure that no goods overhang the sides of the pallet.
- Finally, cover the whole lot with industrial shrink wrap, covering both the goods and the pallet base to keep everything together.
Select the correct service for your goods
Most companies will provide a variety of pallet delivery services. If you are dealing with large pallets it’s important to book a large item delivery service. This ensures that the freighter arrives with both the equipment to load the goods (Plexus Freight can provide a forklift truck and a double-man service where required) and the correct vehicle to accommodate the load.
Arrange the paperwork
Depending on your destination and your goods, you may be required to complete a range of declaration forms and other paperwork. This may include:
- Bill of Entry
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Import License
- Insurance certificate
- Purchase order
- Technical information
If you book a value added service, such as those on offer from Plexus, your freighter should be able to help you with some of this. Otherwise, it is down to you to ensure that your goods have all the documentation necessary to adhere to any legal requirements and prevent customs seizure.
Reliable pallet delivery is an integral part of a huge range of businesses. It can make or break you in terms of customer service. So, if it plays a part in your business, it is worth taking the time to get it right.
The good news is, with depots in the UK and right across Europe, Plexus Freight is always here to help you.
