【Pallet Damage During Drum Transportation】Why Chemical Cargo Collapse Cannot Be Prevented by Load Arrangement Alone

When transporting heavy items such as drums, pallet damage is not always caused solely by the way the cargo is arranged. In addition to loads being concentrated in certain areas, the strength or quality of the pallet itself may not be suitable for the goods being carried.

This article explains the factors to check when pallets are damaged while carrying heavy items such as drums, as well as differences in quality that can easily be overlooked when selecting plastic pallets.

Table of Contents

• Pallet damage should be considered from both load concentration and insufficient strength
• Even similar-looking pallets can differ in quality depending on the raw materials used
• Pallet damage can lead to drums tipping over or leaking
• Pallets for heavy loads should be selected by checking strength, size, and usage conditions
• Frequently Asked Questions

■　Pallet damage should be considered from both load concentration and insufficient strength

When a pallet carrying heavy items such as drums is damaged, the first thing to check is how the load is being applied.

If the weight of the cargo is concentrated on one part of the pallet, a large load is placed on that area, which can lead to damage. Therefore, it is necessary to check not only the total load weight, but also where and how the cargo is positioned on the pallet.

However, reviewing the load arrangement does not necessarily solve every problem. Another point that needs to be checked is whether the pallet itself has the strength required for the intended use.

Even when carrying cargo of the same weight, the way the pallet withstands the load varies depending on the strength and quality of the pallet being used. If a pallet is damaged, it is important to examine both the cargo arrangement and the pallet itself when identifying the cause.

In addition, whether made of wood or plastic, a pallet may be damaged if it receives a strong impact from a forklift or similar equipment. Safety should therefore not be judged solely by the pallet material; actual usage conditions must also be taken into account.

■　Even similar-looking pallets can differ in quality depending on the raw materials used

Plastic pallets may look similar and have similar dimensions, but this does not necessarily mean that they have the same quality.
One factor related to strength is the raw material used during manufacturing. Plastic pallets are made not only from virgin materials but also from recycled materials, and pallet performance may vary depending on the quality of the raw material and how it is used.

On the other hand, it is difficult to determine what kind of raw material has been used simply by looking at the finished pallet from the outside.

Therefore, when selecting a pallet for heavy loads, judging by price or appearance alone is not sufficient. It is also necessary to check what type of application the pallet was designed for and whether it has the required strength.

■　Pallet damage can lead to drums tipping over or leaking

If a pallet is damaged while carrying drums, the problem may not be limited to replacing a single pallet.

If the pallet breaks or becomes deformed, the drums placed on it may tilt or tip over. Furthermore, if the contents of a drum leak, this may create a hazard for workers or affect surrounding equipment.

Especially at sites handling chemicals, such leakage may lead to a serious accident, so what is required of a pallet goes beyond simply “being able to carry the cargo.”

It is important to check how much weight will be loaded and under what conditions, and to use a pallet that is appropriate for those conditions.

■　Pallets for heavy loads should be selected by checking strength, size, and usage conditions

SANKO Pallet Rental (Thailand) reviews the goods to be loaded and the actual conditions of use before proposing plastic pallets suited to the application.

Cargo weight is not the only factor that is checked. The appropriate pallet also varies depending on the loading method, required pallet size, and how the pallet will be used.

In addition, SANKO Group separates the raw materials used according to the intended application and provides products suited to each purpose, including returnable pallets and rental pallets designed for repeated use, as well as pallets intended for one-way transportation.

If pallet damage is occurring when carrying heavy items such as drums, it is necessary to check not only the current loading method but also the specifications and strength of the pallet being used.

We propose pallets based on factors such as load weight, loading method, and usage environment. If you are considering plastic pallets for heavy loads, please feel free to contact us.

■　Frequently Asked Questions

Q1：Is the way drums are loaded the only cause of pallet damage during transportation?
A1 : No. In addition to cases where concentrated loads cause pallet damage, the pallet itself may not have sufficient strength for the intended use. Both the load arrangement and the pallet itself need to be checked.

Q2：Can the quality of the raw materials used in a plastic pallet be determined from its appearance?
A2 : It is difficult to determine the type or quality of the raw materials used based on appearance alone. When using pallets for heavy loads, it is important to check not only appearance and price, but also whether the pallet has the strength required for the intended application.

Q3：What information is required when selecting a pallet?
A3 : The weight of the cargo to be loaded, the loading method, the required pallet size, and the method of use are checked. These conditions are then used to consider a pallet suited to the intended application.

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