Pallets and Crates
Southern Pine
Pallets and Material-Handling Applications
Serving as the backbone of logistics and transportation, pallets and crates play a crucial role in the global supply chain. When it comes to choosing the right material for pallets, Southern Pine stands out as a durable and cost-effective option that can withstand heavy loads without compromising on structural integrity.
Southern Pine compares favorably to other species in terms of specific gravity, bending, stiffness, and compression – all important factors to consider when selecting lumber for pallets and material-handling applications.
Southern Pine’s high density is the source of its strong natural character, providing strength and resistance to wear-and-tear. Southern Pine is easy to work with and stands up well under rough treatment when compared to hardwood species such as maple, ash, and elm in holding fastenings.
The Sustainable Choice for Pallets
More companies today rely on reusable pallets to solve their everyday material handling needs and help the environment. In fact, they can see significant savings when the lifecycle cost is considered, rather than basing pallet purchasing decisions on the unit price alone.
Reuse makes sense. Pallets built with durability in mind stay in service longer and help achieve “source reduction,” which is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s first and preferred method of solid waste management.
In an era where sustainability is a top priority, Southern Pine stands out as an environmentally friendly option. Southern Pine forests are managed sustainably, with responsible harvesting practices, ensuring the long-term health of the ecosystem. Using Southern Pine for pallets aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the shipping and logistics industry.
Resistance to Decay and Insects
Southern Pine possesses natural characteristics that make it decay and insect resistant. This resistance can help ensure a longer lifespan and reduces the need for chemical treatments.
The Pallet Design System
The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association offers the Pallet Design System, which is a reliability-based design procedure for wood-stringer and block pallets.
Estimates of pallet strength, deformation, and durability are generated from user-specified pallet descriptions and handling performance levels. That means pallet manufacturers can design a Southern Pine pallet using scientifically valid methods, ensuring a high degree of confidence they’ll meet their customers’ material handling needs for strength, design, and racking.
Phytosanitary Compliance with HT Southern Pine
Smart users of lumber for material handling applications know heat-treated (HT marked) Southern Pine is the perfect solution to comply with phytosanitary requirements. Core temperatures required to properly kiln dry Southern Pine far exceed minimum requirements. Review the FAQs on international phytosanitary requirements.
