Before you start loading up your pallets with weight, you’re going to need to understand plastic pallet weight capacity. How much weight can a pallet hold? It depends. If you’re used to working with wood pallets, you are probably used to pallet load capacity being a relatively simple affair, easily calculated according to the PDS, or Pallet Design System.
Plastic Pallet Weight Capacity
But we don’t determine the weight of a standard plastic pallet according to the PDS. So, how much weight can a pallet hold? The answer is that it can vary. To understand plastic pallet weight capacity, you need to keep three different types of capacity ratings in mind. They are:
- Dynamic Load Capacity: We define dynamic load capacity as the maximum evenly distributed weight your pallet can hold while in motion, such as when it is raised by a forklift. Unless you are using your plastic pallets primarily for storage, you will usually use the dynamic load capacity number as your maximum weight load limit for your plastic pallet. Keep in mind, however, that a straight-line conveyor belt does not count as dynamic motion for the purposes of dynamic load capacity.
- Static Load Capacity: Effectively the opposite of dynamic load capacity, static load capacity is how much the pallet can hold when at rest or on an even surface. If you just plan to store your product on your pallets, this will be the measure you will consider. Remember that stacking two pallets on top of each other does not double your static load capacity. Naturally, static load capacity will be higher than dynamic load capacity.
- Racking Load Capacity: The final type of plastic pallet weight capacity you can consider is the racking load capacity. This is the maximum weight a pallet can hold in a racking system, where either the center or edges of the pallet are unsupported.
When purchasing plastic pallets for your industry, your supplier should be able to tell you the dimensions and the different weight capacities of the plastic pallets you are purchasing. If you are unable to determine any of the load capacity numbers — especially the load capacity for the type of work you will most often be putting your pallets through — be sure to consult the supplier to find out.
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Find the Right Plastic Pallets for Your Needs With Polymer Solutions International Inc.
Polymer Solutions International Inc. has a variety of NSF-certified reusable plastic pallets to suit a variety of industry needs, including the ProGenic Heavy Duty Pallet, the ProGenic Standard Duty Pallet, the ProGenic Reinforced Duty Pallet and the ProGenic 3-Stringer Pallet. All of our standard pallet dimensions are 48 inches by 40 inches, with the edge-racking load capacity of the Heavy Duty pallet up to 2,200 pounds and the edge-racking load capacity of the Reinforced Duty pallet as high as 2,800 pounds.
For further details on the different load capacities of various PSI plastic pallets, visit our website, call us at 610-325-7500 to speak to a PSI representative or contact us online today.
