Before starting, it is necessary to define what a american pallet. It is a platform normally made of wood used to carry merchandise on it, being a very important element today for the transportation of goods.
Pallets are currently the epicenter of logistics. They are the main protagonists of transportation and, at the same time, they are largely unknown. Next, we will show you what you should look for when you have one in front of you.
Currently there are many types of pallets, from american pallet even the European one, with two or four entrances, made of plastic or wood... for someone who is not familiar with pallets, it is not easy to differentiate them at first glance or know the uses of each one.
Main difference between the American and European pallet
The main difference we find between these two types of pallets is the difference in size. The European one is the most used in the old continent, in addition to being the smallest of the two, with dimensions of 1200x800mm, while the European american pallet It reaches 1200x1000mm. Although the vast majority of companies use these two types of pallets, there are also others with different measurements, such as 1165x1165mm, 1100x1100mm, 1067x1067... The organization that is responsible for approving and collecting all standardized measurements is the ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
The materials of the american pallet They also vary, with wood being the most used material by far the rest of the materials. This is mainly due to its easy repair in case of breakage or damage and its affordable price for its long useful life. However, little by little other materials are gaining ground to cover the weak points that wooden pallets have, such as weakness in the face of humidity, difficulties when cleaning said material or disinfecting it. Among these materials, there is thermoplastic, which is recyclable and has great durability and resistance, to which we must add the ease that this material has for sterilization.
Another material that is gradually gaining ground is metal, whether aluminum or steel. Although their main negative point is their great weight, they are also more expensive if we compare them with the american pallet made of wood, although metal is very resistant even to the elements. Also, it guarantees great hygiene, being perfect for some sectors such as phytosanitary or food. A minority use uses cardboard pallets, which are single-use and limited to transporting light products, although it is competitive due to the customization it allows.
