Should I Use Pallet Covers/How to Measure for Pallet Covers?

If you're shipping pallets of product, boxed or otherwise, you may want to give serious consideration to using pallet covers. Essentially, all a pallet cover is is an inverted bag that goes over your pallet load, covering it from top to bottom, but it affords a level of protection that stretch wrap alone cannot provide.

Why Should I Use Pallet Covers?
Stretch wrap is a great and necessary product to use on your skids, but its purpose is to preserve the integrity of your load, keeping it together and keeping it on the skid.  It is not impervious to moisture, contaminants, UV light, is more expensive to order in a solid color for security purposes, is very expensive to print, and cannot be reused.  Pallet covers, on the other hand, offer the following benefits (particularly as it relates to the top of your skid):

• Protects against moisture
• Protects from exposure to contaminants
• Protection from UV rays
• Available in different opaque colors for security purposes
  (in smaller quantities than colored stretch wrap can typically come)
• Can be custom printed more cost-effectively than can stretch wrap
  (can be used over or under the stretch wrap and is not susceptible to the distortion and overlap that you will encounter with printed stretch wrap)
• Has the potential to be reusable

How Do I Know What Size Pallet Cover I Need?
Pallet covers come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses and can be custom run in whatever size you need.  When determining what size pallet cover you need, use the following guideline:

It is very important that you measure correctly - with Step 4 in particular.  And it's always best to be too big than too small.  We have sample pallet covers available that we can send you for your evaluation at no charge, particularly when determining what thickness to use, which is very subjective and depends upon the application.

Pallet Top Sheets
If all you need is a top sheet, those are an option as well.  Top sheets are designed to simply cover the top of your pallet, and do not offer any additional protection to the sides of the load.  When measuring pallet sheets, it is recommended to use the following formula when ordering:

Width+24" x Depth+24"

This will give you approximately one foot overhang on all sides.  Top sheets are stocked in clear or white rolls only, but can be custom ordered in colors or with UVI protection.

Let us know how we can help you best protect your product, and your investment, during the shipping process.  We will be happy to assist you in determining the best size and answer any other questions you may have.