Damaged Pallets – What to Watch for Before Loading Your Pallet Flow System

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Good Pallets = Good Pallet Flow!

It’s a simple phrase, said over and over again by Mallard’s sales and engineering groups. It’s also true – new, or like-new, wood pallets, similar to these CHEP or PECO examples, are undoubtedly the best option for any pallet handling and storage system, including pallet flow. They are manufactured according to industry standards and designed for increased load stability. In a pallet flow system, this ensures a better, more consistent flow.

For information on pallet standards – see the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA)

Unfortunately, these durably constructed pallets often aren’t the reality in a typical warehouse. As a result, most warehouses are forced to handle at least some inferior or damaged pallets, which can cause several costly issues, from system hang-ups and lost productivity to equipment and product breakage or worker injuries. A damaged pallet in a pallet flow system will hamper the pallet’s ability to flow, restart or index properly.  The best solution is to catch the potentially dangerous pallets as they arrive at the warehouse and replace them with a better quality pallet before entering the storage rack system. 

Avoid These Damage Conditions:

Damaged pallet

  • Missing boards
  • Broken runners
  • Inadequate / inferior fasteners
  • Protruding or damaged nails
  • Weak blocks or warped boards
  • Dangling stretch wrap or other debris

These are a few extreme examples, but even minor damage can affect the pallet’s integrity and should be evaluated before use.

Mallard’s In-House Product Testing Lab

Careful product testing and analysis is a Mallard priority, and pallet quality testing is a major part of the evaluation. We recreate your warehouse environment using your pallets and simulated loads within the proposed lane design. We then test flow rates, pitch, pallet quality, pallet spacing, and speed control. Once testing is complete, you receive a detailed report and video of the testing.

Damaged Pallets

For specific questions regarding pallet conditions, contact our pallet flow experts. 
Contact us to arrange pallet flow system testing –email the team at info@mallardmfg.com.