How to prevent loads from shifting on pallets
How to prevent loads from shifting on pallets
Sliding cartons, a shifted layer, a pallet that arrives leaning or collapsed: load shifting is one of the most common causes of damage and disputes in transport. The good news is that it can be prevented with simple means, provided you tackle the problem inside the pallet as well as outside.
Why do pallet loads shift?
- Braking, cornering and impacts : in a truck, every braking manoeuvre pushes the upper layers forward.
- Smooth surfaces : coated cartons, plastic bags, film-wrapped bundles or waxed packaging offer very little grip on each other.
- Handling : a forklift that accelerates or a pallet set down too hard is enough to shift a layer.
- Export containers : long transit times, rolling and changes in humidity make the problem worse.
The solutions, from the outside in
1. Stretch film
The stretch film holds the pallet from the outside. It is essential, but not always enough: it contains the load as a whole without stopping the layers from sliding over one another inside.
2. Strapping and edge protectors
The PP strapping or PET strapping, applied with cardboard edge protectors, lock the load to the pallet. This is the standard solution for heavy loads or long journeys.
3. Anti-slip sheets
The anti-slip sheets are sheets of treated paper placed between each layer of the pallet. Their surface increases friction between layers, so cartons, bags or bundles can no longer slide over each other. It is the only solution that works inside the load, where film cannot reach.
Their advantages:
- less stretch film needed, or none at all for some loads;
- more stable pallets during handling and transport;
- a paper sheet, recyclable with your cartons;
- a size matched to your pallet dimensions.
Which anti-slip sheet grammage should you choose?
At ACPACK, STOPGLISS Grip’n-Slip-Sheet™ anti-slip sheets come in several grammages:
| Grammage | Recommended use |
|---|---|
| 80 and 90 g/m² | Cartons and light to medium loads |
| 220 g/m² | Heavier loads, bags, bundles |
| 300 g/m² | Heavy and unstable loads, demanding transport conditions |
The right grammage depends on the weight per layer, the packaging surface and the mode of transport. If in doubt, a trial on a few pallets will validate the reference before you roll it out.
Good practices to complete the set-up
- Stack layers in an interlocking pattern (alternating carton orientation) whenever possible.
- Do not let the load overhang the pallet deck.
- Place the heaviest products at the bottom.
- Adjust the film tension and the number of wraps at the top and bottom of the pallet.
Ordering anti-slip sheets in Morocco
ACPACK supplies STOPGLISS anti-slip sheets from Tangier, in lots of 1,000 sheets (1 pallet = 4,000 sheets), with ex-VAT prices shown online. Delivery is free from 1 pallet. Would you like to run a trial on your pallets or find out which grammage suits your product? Request a free quote : our team will advise you.