Optimum pallet loading (full pallets)

• Optimising pallet loading will benefit quality and cost efficiency.
• Where part-loaded pallets travel long distances, transit damage will occur. On occasions this can result in fruit arriving below the customer specification and will result in rejection.
• Part pallets will often end up stacked on top of other pallets in transit. This increases the risk of damage.
• The optimum loading per pallet will depend on various factors:
• Height of the pallet in relation to lorry height space. The longer the journey the greater the gain in quality and cost efficiency from maximum pallet height.
• Health and safety regulations. Acceptable pallet heights must be determined by risk assessment.
• Multiple retailer customers will often operate different height restrictions. This is because risk assessment will take into account the circumstances in operating areas, which may be different. Receiving high load pallets may be possible if a system of de-stacking can be employed without risk of injury to operatives. Some companies may err on the side of caution when setting height limits.