When it comes to shipping goods, pallet wrapping is an essential factor in ensuring secure and damage-free transportation. That’s why it’s important to select the right pallet wrapping technique—one that caters to your shipment’s specific requirements.
This blog post takes a deep dive into the various types of pallet wrapping techniques available, and covers the particular scenarios that each technique is best suited for.
We’ll start off by exploring the basics of pallet wrapping and its importance in transportation logistics. We’ll then illustrate how different pallet wrapping techniques can be applied to cater to different cargo types, as well as tricky elements like hazardous goods (such as flammables, corrosives, and explosives).
Finally, we’ll discuss the importance of proper wrapping application and storage to ensure optimal cargo protection. With this guide in hand, you’ll have a better understanding of what type of pallet wrapping technique is suitable for your shipment needs. Let’s get started!
Traditional Stretch Wrap:
Traditional stretch wrap is the most popular and widely used pallet wrapping technique due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. It involves using a hand-held machine or powered turntable to apply thin layers of polyethylene film around the cargo load. This low-density plastic film tightly clings to any surface, ensuring a strong and secure hold.
The advantages of traditional stretch wrap include good tear resistance and tensile strength, as well as the ability to adhere to any shape or size. It can be used for virtually any type of shipment, including fragile items like china and glassware.
Pre Stretch Wrap:
Pre stretch wrap is the latest advancement in pallet wrapping technology. This method uses pre-stretched film which has been pulled to an optimal strain before being applied around the cargo load. As a result, it needs far less force than traditional stretch wrap for equal hold.
Not only does this help reduce the amount of film used for each shipment, but it also improves load containment and reduces instances of product damage. Pre-stretched wrap is particularly suitable for lightweight and uniform loads, as it offers greater control over wrapping tension.
It’s important to note that pre-stretched wrap often comes in rolls with a narrower width than traditional stretch wrap. As such, you may need to use more wraps per pallet in order to achieve a fully secured load.
Extended Core Stretch Wrap:
Extended core stretch wrap is a variation of the traditional stretch wrap method. It features a built-in handle which makes it easier to apply the film by hand, reducing operator fatigue and enhancing wrapping efficiency. The handle also provides extra tensile strength for heavier loads with more irregular shapes.
This type of pallet wrapping technique is typically used in applications where a larger amount of film is required. While it may initially be more expensive than traditional stretch wrap, the convenience and higher load security make extended core stretch wrap a viable option for certain types of shipments.
No matter which type of pallet wrapping technique you choose, it’s important to ensure that all your loads are securely wrapped before shipping. Properly secured pallets reduce the risk of load shift and damage during transport, making sure that your cargo arrives in perfect condition.
It’s also a good idea to document the type of wrapping technique used for each shipment. This will ensure that you can replicate any successful processes in the future and make adjustments if necessary. By investing a little time into understanding different wrap techniques, you can save yourself from costly mistakes in the long run.
Machine Applied Stretch Wrap
Machine applied stretch wrap is a high-volume and automated pallet wrapping option that offers consistent tension control and time-saving benefits. It typically involves attaching the film to a turntable system, which allows the pallet to be rotated as it’s being wrapped. This helps ensure an even dispersion of the film around the entire package, eliminating any loose spots or tears caused by manual application.
The main advantage of machine applied stretch wrap is its time-saving benefits for larger scale operations. It also eliminates the need for reinforcing tape and can help reduce operator fatigue significantly. This type of pallet wrapping technique is ideal for industries like warehousing, logistics, retail, manufacturing and food services who rely on large-scale distribution of goods.
By investing in an automated pallet wrapping machine, you can save yourself significant amounts of time and money on packing and shipping operations. Not only will it increase efficiency of your overall process, but also help ensure that your goods are properly secured before they leave the warehouse.
Strapping Techniques
Strapping is the most secure and reliable method of packaging goods for shipment. This pallet wrapping technique involves using a strap to compress, secure and tie down items that are packed on pallets or in crates. Common materials used for strapping include steel, polyester and polypropylene. Each type has its own benefits and use cases:
- Steel strapping is considered the strongest of all strapping materials and is usually used for large, heavy-duty loads. It has a high tension strength and can be reused multiple times without breaking.
- Polyester strapping is lighter in weight than steel but still provides strong load security due to its stretchable nature. Its flexibility makes it ideal for irregularly shaped objects and is easy to apply with manual or automated tools.
- Polypropylene strapping is the most economical type of strapping material and can be used for a variety of applications, from light duty to heavy load shipments. It’s also resistant to UV rays and moisture, making it suitable for outdoor packing operations.
Shrink Wrapping:
Shrink wrapping is a great alternative to traditional pallet wrapping techniques such as strapping. This method involves applying plastic film around the load, which is then sealed and tightened with heat for a secure seal and finish. It’s ideal for preserving goods and can be used on irregularly shaped or high-profile objects that are difficult to strap.
The process of shrink wrapping is quite straightforward—the plastic film is placed over the object and heat from a heat gun or tunnel is applied to shrink the film. This creates a tight seal that holds the package together and keeps out dust, dirt and moisture. Additionally, it’s also possible to include labels, print messages or add other features on the product when shrink wrapping.
Shrink wrapping is a cost-effective and efficient way to protect and preserve goods during transportation. It’s quick to apply and offers a secure seal that ensures maximum protection of the load until it reaches its destination. Furthermore, since no tools or manpower are required, it can be easily done in-house with minimal effort.
Considerations for Specialized Shipments:
When it comes to specialized shipments, such as perishable goods, hazardous materials, or fragile items, there are additional considerations to bear in mind. For instance, certain wrapping techniques may be more suitable for these types of goods. Shrink wrap is especially popular for irregularly shaped objects and/or high-profile items that require a secure seal. Polyethylene bags may be a better choice for hazardous materials, while bubble wrapping and foam padding are ideal if the shipment includes fragile items.
When selecting the right wrapping technique for specialized shipments, it’s important to consider the safety of the goods in transit as well as any additional requirements that must be met. For example, pallet loads containing hazardous materials must comply with safety and labeling regulations. It’s also important to ensure that the packaging is sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of transportation, as well as any potential temperature fluctuations or rough handling.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right wrapping technique for specialized shipments can help to ensure that goods are delivered safely and securely. Shrink wrap, polyethylene bags, bubble wrapping and foam padding are all suitable options for different types of goods. It’s important to pay attention to safety regulations and additional requirements when selecting a wrapping technique. Additionally, paying close attention to packaging needs can help to ensure that goods arrive undamaged and on time. Taking the time to research different techniques, assess individual requirements, and select the most suitable option for each shipment can make a huge difference in terms of cost-effectiveness and customer satisfaction. Investing resources into choosing the right wrapping technique is an important part of running a successful distribution operation.