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How to prepare pallets for transport — packing, securing and labelling

How to prepare pallets for transport — packing, securing and labelling

A pallet for road freight should keep the goods within the pallet footprint, heavier items at the bottom, firmly wrapped with stretch film starting at the pallet base and secured with straps. It needs a label with the address, number of pieces and whether it is stackable. Usual height is up to 1.8–2.0 m; stackable pallets fit in two layers in a trailer.

Key facts

Euro pallet size1200 × 800 mm
Usual heightup to 1.8–2.0 m depending on the vehicle
Wrappingstretch film from the pallet base, straps, corner boards
Labellingaddress, piece count, stackability, arrows
Most common mistakegoods overhanging the pallet

Most transport damage does not happen on the road but when the pallet is prepared. A few simple rules — correct weight distribution, firm wrapping and clear labelling — save claims, reloading and misunderstandings at loading.

Pallet and dimensions

Most shipments use EPAL euro pallets measuring 1200 × 800 mm, and industrial pallets of 1200 × 1000 mm. Goods should not overhang the pallet footprint — overhanging cartons are the first to be damaged during loading and cornering, and the pallet takes more space than the loading metres in your enquiry.

The usual height of a loaded pallet is up to 1.8–2.0 m; the exact height depends on the vehicle type. If the pallets are stackable, two layers fit in the trailer and transport costs less — always mention it in your enquiry.

How to stack goods on the pallet

  • Heavier items at the bottom, lighter ones on top — keep the centre of gravity low and central.
  • Stack cartons interlocked like bricks, not in separate columns; the load becomes more stable.
  • Put layer pads (cardboard, board) between layers and a top board on heavy loads.
  • Secure irregular or fragile goods with corner boards and filler so nothing moves inside.

Wrapping and securing

Start the stretch film at the pallet base — the first turns tie the goods to the pallet itself, otherwise the whole load slides when braking. Then wrap upwards with overlap and add a few extra turns at the top. Add straps (PP or PET) over corner boards on heavy or tall pallets.

In the truck the carrier secures the load with straps according to weight. A well-wrapped pallet must still be stable on its own — a strap does not replace loosely stacked goods.

Labelling the pallet

  • A label with the address of consignee and consignor, order number and number of pieces.
  • A “do not stack” marking or stackability, “this way up” arrows and the fragile symbol where needed.
  • For several pallets in one shipment, numbering “1/4, 2/4 …” so nothing is left behind at unloading.

What to put in your enquiry

Number of pallets, their dimensions and height, weight, stackability and the loading method (dock, forklift or tail lift). Based on that we choose the right vehicle — from a van to a full truck, see vehicle types. The online calculator gives an indicative price.

The most common mistakes

  • Goods overhang the edge of the pallet.
  • The film starts above the pallet, so the load is not tied to it.
  • The enquiry is missing the height or stackability.
  • A damaged pallet — a broken board or missing block.

Record any damage found at delivery as a reservation on the CMR consignment note before the driver leaves.

Related services: Pallet transport · Domestic transport

Frequently asked questions

What size is a euro pallet?
The EPAL euro pallet measures 1200 × 800 mm; the pallet itself is 144 mm high.
How high can a loaded pallet be?
Usually up to 1.8–2.0 m. The exact height depends on the vehicle, so state it in your enquiry.
Can goods overhang the edge of the pallet?
They should not. Overhanging goods are easily damaged and the pallet takes more space than its loading metres suggest.
How do you wrap stretch film correctly?
Start at the pallet base so the goods are tied to the pallet, then wrap upwards with overlap and add a few turns at the top.
When are extra straps needed?
On heavy, tall or unstable pallets — straps over corner boards stabilise the load.
How should cartons be stacked on a pallet?
Heavier items at the bottom and centre, cartons interlocked like bricks, layer pads between layers.
What does a stackable pallet mean?
Another pallet can be placed on top. Two layers then fit in the trailer and transport costs less.
What goes on a pallet label?
Consignee and consignor address, order number, number of pieces and, if needed, “do not stack” or “fragile”.
How do you mark several pallets in one shipment?
Number them 1/4, 2/4 and so on, so nothing is left behind at unloading.
Who secures the load in the truck?
The carrier secures the load with straps according to weight. The pallet itself must still be firmly wrapped.
What pallet details should the enquiry include?
Number, dimensions, height, weight, stackability and loading method.
Do you carry industrial pallets 1200 × 1000 mm?
Yes, just state the size in your enquiry and we calculate the loading metres from it.
What if a pallet arrives damaged?
Record the damage as a reservation on the CMR consignment note at delivery, before the driver leaves.
Should a damaged pallet be shipped?
The pallet should have no broken boards or missing blocks — a damaged pallet puts the goods and loading at risk.
Which vehicle for pallets?
Depending on number and weight — a van up to 5 pallets, a curtain-sided van up to 10 pallets, larger shipments by rigid truck or articulated truck.
Jaromír Knapek · Knapek Spedition Freight forwarding and road transport, Břeclav · Published · Updated 28. 9. 2026