1. Strength—Your pallet needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the load it’s carrying throughout storage and shipment. Strength comes from the types of materials you use and the way the pallet is constructed.

2. Stiffness—Pallet materials need to be stiff enough to resist bending and deforming over time. When pallet deck boards start to deform, the integrity and stability of the entire load is compromised. Increasing board thickness or choosing a pallet with an extra stringer (horizontal support board) can increase stiffness.

3. Durability—During shipment, palletized products are usually moved with equipment, stacked under other loads, and faced with environmental fluctuations. Choose a durable pallet with adequate top board spacing so forklift blades will not impact the product.

4. Functionality—The strongest, stiffest, most durable pallet in the world is only useful if it can be moved with standard equipment. Choose a pallet that conforms with industry standards to ensure it can be transported efficiently.

5. Price—You have to find the right balance of cost and quality when choosing a pallet. Consider your budget and the value of the product you’re shipping. If you’ll be receiving the pallet back, it might be worth investing more to have a pallet you can reuse multiple times.

Need more help deciding on the right pallet? 

Our customer service team can give you guidance when you’re trying to decide which pallet type is right for you. 

• For FedEx Freight^® (less-than-truckload [LTL] shipments), call 1.866.393.4585.
• For FedEx Express^® Freight (air shipments), call 1.800.332.0807.

Freight box options from FedEx

Ready for a simpler freight shipping solution? Consider freight boxes from FedEx. Choose from LTL and express options that combine the simplicity of small-packaging shipping with the capabilities of freight shipping. Talk with your sales rep or speak with an expert to learn more. 

Foam cushioning—Foam density levels vary, so make sure the foam you choose is dense enough to protect your product. It’s a good idea to test the cushioning in an environment that simulates the actual shipping conditions.  

Blocking—Use blocking material like wood to prevent any movement when shipping single heavy goods. For items over 1,500 lbs., use hardwood pallets and blocking material, and use at least two fasteners in each brace to prevent pivoting and ensure adequate strength. 

Bracing—Items that can roll or shift because of their shape or size should be braced on a forklift-accessible pallet base. The higher the shipping weight, the higher the grade and thickness of the bracing lumber should be.

Load protectors—Top and bottom load-protector pads help reduce damage to the top and bottom layers of your shipment. They also help distribute the weight of top-loaded freight. Bottom load protectors provide a level surface, offer protection from pallet nail heads, and help keep boxes from slipping into the gaps between the boards on the pallet.

Edge boards—Also called angle boards, edge boards should run the full length or depth of the stack to help unitize the load, increase vertical stacking strength, and reduce damage to box edges that make up the load corners.

Bands—Banding secures the bundled load to the pallet. Keep the banding close to the load to avoid exposure, damage, or breakage. Loads significantly smaller than the pallet should be centered and banded to the closest pallet deck boards, not the pallet exterior. Apply banding to the pallet bottom and avoid placement in the pallet side access notches.

Stretch wrap—This material is critical for bundling loads and securing and protecting large individual pieces. Wrap loads tightly to prevent shifting. Use 70-gauge stretch wrap that sticks to itself so it can be wipe-sealed as it’s applied. To properly secure the load to the pallet, make sure you’ve achieved the minimum containment force.

Labeling your shipment carefully is an easy and important step. It helps handlers move, store, and deliver your shipment successfully. We have a library of the most common labels you might need for shipping freight that you can easily download and print.