The size of the euro pallets. Europallets: dimensions, photo, price

In cargo transportation around the world, standard euro pallets are actively used, the dimensions of which allow using the maximum amount of useful space. These devices have become so popular due to the fact that with their help at times easier work in the warehouse.

The concept of pallets

Pallets (pallets) are special devices with the help of which cargo handling operations are carried out during transportation. Specificity of their use is anticipated by the movement of the pallet along with the load that is perched on it. Therefore, pallet can be equated to the simplest container. But from the latter they differ in that they do not pack or protect the cargo, but only contribute to its faster movement.

In world logistics, the size of the Euro pallet is strictly standardized. This is done with a view to more rational use of the useful area in transport. Yes, and loading equipment is easier to design, if all pallets will be the same size.

It is known that several standards are used in the world. But the most popular is the europallet 1200x800. It is ideally suited for all types of freight transport.

Dimensions of a European-type tray

In accordance with regulatory documents that monitor compliance with standards, the size of the euro pallet should be 1200x800 mm. It is these dimensions that are considered optimal for international cargo transportation.

In this case, each such pallet is marked with an appropriate brand, which has the form of an oval with the letters EUR inside. Without such a sign, the goods can not be missed at the European customs. And it's not just about size. This sign indicates that the sanitary and technical standards are also observed.

It is also important to remember that the height of the Euro pallet should be exactly 145 mm. It is this size that calculates all forklifts used in European warehouses. If the pallet is lower, it can not be lifted. A pallet of a higher altitude takes up a lot of space, so there is a risk of increasing the total cost of shipping. Therefore, all pallets of this standard must clearly comply with the established production standards.

Europallet construction

Much of the use of pallets depends on their constructive solutions. Since the first prototypes of this device appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, for a century people were able to choose the most optimal option. Standard europallets, the dimensions of which are fixed on the documentary level, have several design solutions.

There are two types of pallets by the way of their loading: two-gripping and four-gripping. The first are stronger, but less universal. To rearrange them, sometimes you have to rotate pretty hard. But the latter are less durable. Therefore, they are more often used as disposable.

The top platform of the pallet consists of five boards of different widths, which alternate in this order: wide - narrow - wide - narrow - wide. It is this solution that makes it possible to obtain maximum strength at such dimensions.

The longest live pallets, which are based on three longitudinal beams. To them from below are attached three boards: two wide at the edges and one narrow in the middle. For reusable Euro pallets the thickness of the top boards should be equal to 22 mm.

Sortability of reusable pallets

Since pallets are used more than once, they must meet certain requirements that help to pick the right load in accordance with the expected load. In this case, the condition of the Euro pallets, the dimensions of which are ideal for transportation, is important.

The highest grade is answered by white and clean pallets without stains and darkening. On them there should be no cracks, chips and faults. Pallets of the highest quality are used no more than three times. Then they are transferred to the next grade.

For the second grade, the pallets are the same as the previous ones, but they were used much more times. No external or internal damage is allowed. Also in the second grade there are no repaired pallets.

Minor chips and cracks up to 30 cm in length - this is a sign of the third grade. Pallets can be slightly dirty and darkened from time to time. It is possible to use pallets after minor repairs.

Hygienic standards

Most EU countries require that pallets imported into their territory have phytosanitary certificates. These are documents that confirm that the wood used for the production of the pallet has been processed from fungi, microorganisms and insects. Thus, governments are trying to protect the country from getting into its territory dangerous factors that can damage equipment in warehouses.

Fortunately, Euro pallets, the dimensions of which are ideally suited for cargo transportation, has several places on which it is possible to put a stigma confirming the presence of such treatment. It looks like an abbreviation, indicating the type of processing, the serial number of the process and the code of the country where it was implemented. Together with the certificate, such pallets are passed to any country. Without it, the cargo can be returned back, which will entail serious losses.

Lifting capacity

It is structurally confirmed that the size of the euro pallet has a certain load capacity, exceeding which can lead to its damage. The standard maximum weight of a single pallet is 600 kg. Reusable pallets can withstand up to 2 tons. At the same time, in accordance with the rules of cargo transportation, any cargo weighing more than 70 kg must be palletized.

The weight of the Euro-pallet 1200x800 is 15-20 kg. Some manufacturers say that they have pallets weighing 40 kg, but this is the maximum weight allowed for this equipment. Otherwise, it is completely unprofitable to use, since such pallets significantly increase the total weight of the cargo being transported.

Loading in containers and eurofuries

The way of loading depends on the volume of products that can be transported at a time. The more compact the pallets are, the more cargo will fit in the van or container.

It has long been estimated that a 20-foot container in one layer fits 11 europallets. A photo of this method is available to everyone. As well as the image of placing 23-24 pallets in a 40-foot transport container.

There is an ideal way of loading euro pallets and into a standard wagon that performs international transportation. This way it turns out to fit tightly 30 pallets in one layer.

Thus, the skill of placing pallets depends on how much cargo it will be possible to transport for one move. Therefore, standard pallets can not be better suited for these purposes.

Methods of securing cargo

The standard size of the euro pallet requires compliance with certain rules of cargo transportation, so that everything can be delivered intact. To begin with, it is worth remembering that no cargo is recommended to be placed so that it goes beyond the boundaries of the upper platform. This ensures a tight fit of the pallets in the container, and hence its absolute filling.

All cargo must be securely fixed so that during transport they do not crumble. For this purpose, binder materials or a stretch film are used, which is tightly fastened to the pallet.

Coils and barrels on pallets are fixed in a special way. The main thing is that they are strictly in the middle and do not roll on the surface of the pallet. It is desirable to place them in an upright position, so it is easier to observe the dimensions of the pallet.

Safety precautions

Compliance with safety rules in the work with pallets guarantees the preservation of health, order in the warehouse and the integrity of the technology, which is used for this purpose.

Never overload pallets. In case the cargo is stored in several layers, it is necessary to put the most reliable pallets on the bottom, otherwise they can burst under the weight of the load.

You should never save on pallets. Europallet, whose price is not so big (200-500 rubles per 1 unit), has a certain lifespan. At its expiration it is better to throw out the worn out device than to pay compensation for the damaged cargo in case of its breakdown.

Also it is necessary to be very cautious in places where forklifts work. Because of the large dimensions of the palletized cargo, you can easily not notice a person: hit it or put a pallet.

Overloaded loaders often turn around and spoil everything that comes across them on the way. Often there are cases when, due to such an accident, the entire warehouse collapses, like a house of cards or dominoes. Therefore, it is better to make an extra move, than to eliminate the consequences of overload.

Non-standard application

Quite a wide distribution of europallets was the reason that they began to be used not for their intended purpose. The relatively low cost (or generally free option in case of writing off worn pallets) makes them an attractive material for a variety of crafts.

Folk craftsmen offer to make furniture out of pallets. In this case, it can be both garden and room. Subject to a nice decoration, a bed or a sofa from a pallet will be a highlight of the urban interior.

Furniture for the dacha is also obtained from used pallets. In this case, there is no need to bring down the wooden surfaces together. Simply enough in one place to saw off, and in another to add legs or a back.

That's the way, euro pallets have become an indispensable tool for loading and unloading operations in almost the entire Old World. Today, their use is an indispensable condition for all dimensional and heavy loads that move from one country to another.