The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other regulation bodies have standards in place for shipping plastic pallets internationally. Your company must follow these standards to keep your freight intact and compliant with regulations.
Some of the standards for plastic pallets in manufacturing and international shipping include:
Size Dimension Regulations
Pallet size is important because it determines how efficiently the products will fit and if the pallet will fit into shipping containers for transportation methods that require them. Pallet dimensions vary by industry and country, which can make international shipping challenging.
The ISO has adopted size standards and specifications for various worldwide regions. North American standards recognize two pallet sizes:
- 40 inches (in.) x 48 in. from Consumer Brands Association (CBA)
- 42 in. x 42 in. from International Pallet
Height and Weight Limitations
OSHA regulations state the safest maximum height for palleted products is 5 feet (60 in.). This height allows the pallet to hold many products without risking safety. If the pallet is too high, the freight can be unsafe for workers because it’s difficult to strap down and can tip over. No regulations for width are in place, though the standard ranges between 96 and 125 inches.
Labeling Procedures
International shipping pallets require multiple labels to identify the shipment, including:
- A shipping label with identifying information like the supplier, buyer, serial code and product description.
- A handling instructions label detailing how to handle the freight.
- A warning label to instruct others how to handle the pallet, like which side is up.
- A lifting instructions label so workers know how to lift the pallet.
Loading Standards for Shipping
OSHA loading regulations state pallets need to be loaded in a way that will prevent them from collapsing or sliding. No international loading standards are in place, so you can follow these best practices:
- Make sure your pallets are intact.
- Stack the heaviest freight onto the bottom of the pallet.
- Place the freight evenly across the pallet.
- Strap or wrap the freight onto the pallet.
Contact Us About Our Plastic Packaging Materials Today
Polymer Solutions International Inc. manufactures and sells plastic pallets and other material handling products. We work with companies from various industries in over 90 countries, so we have extensive experience with international regulations for plastic pallets. Contact us online today for more information about our plastic pallets.
