Shipping your first pallet doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Most businesses discover pallet shipping when regular packages become impractical—multiple boxes to the same location or heavy shipments. Without proper guidance, many end up overpaying or dealing with damaged products.
This guide shows you exactly how to ship a pallet efficiently and cost-effectively. You’ll learn to choose the right pallet, secure your load properly, select carriers, and avoid common mistakes that lead to damaged shipments and surprise charges.
What you’ll learn
How to choose and prepare the right pallet type
Step-by-step securing and shipping process
Cost factors and money-saving strategies
Common mistakes to avoid
TL;DR:
Key takeaways
Standard pallet dimensions and weight limits
LTL vs FTL shipping decision criteria
Required documentation for compliance
Typical cost ranges for pallet shipping
What is pallet shipping?
Pallet shipping is a freight transport method designed for bulk or heavy items that exceed the size and weight limits of standard parcel shipping. Unlike regular package shipping, pallet shipping involves securing multiple items to a wooden or plastic pallet platform for efficient transport and handling.
This freight shipping method offers significant advantages for businesses moving large quantities of products. When you have items weighing over 200 pounds or multiple boxes going to the same destination, pallet shipping becomes more cost-effective than sending individual packages.
PRO TIP: Pallet shipping typically becomes the more economical choice when your shipment exceeds 150-200 pounds or when you’re sending more than 5-6 boxes to the same location.
The key benefits include reduced per-unit shipping costs, better protection for your products during transit, and simplified handling at both pickup and delivery. Your pallet shipment moves as a single unit through the freight network, which means fewer touchpoints and less risk of damage or loss.
Step-by-step guide to shipping a pallet
Step 1: Choose the right pallet type
Selecting the proper pallet foundation is crucial for safe and compliant shipping. The standard pallet size is 48″x40″x6″ (GMA pallet) and represents more than 30% of all pallets used in the United States. These standard pallet dimensions work with most freight carriers and warehouse equipment.
Weight capacity varies significantly by pallet material. Standard wooden pallets weigh 30-48 lbs and can hold up to 4,600 lbs of cargo. For lighter applications, plastic pallets weigh 13-32 lbs and can hold 3,500-17,600 lbs, depending on construction.
NOTE: GMA stands for Grocery Manufacturers Association, which established the 48″x40″ standard pallet to ensure compatibility across the supply chain.
When choosing between materials, consider your specific needs:
Wood pallets are economical and widely accepted
Plastic pallets resist moisture and are easier to clean
Metal pallets offer maximum strength for extremely heavy loads
The pallet you select must support not just the weight of your products, but also withstand the stresses of loading, transport, and unloading during freight shipping.
Step 2: Prepare your items for pallet shipping
Proper preparation prevents damage and ensures smooth transit through the freight network. Start by distributing weight evenly across the pallet surface, placing heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. This creates a stable center of gravity that reduces shifting during transport.
Follow proper stacking guidelines by aligning boxes in interlocking patterns when possible. Keep your total height under 48 inches from the pallet surface to comply with most carrier requirements. This height limit ensures your shipment fits through dock doors and under truck trailers.
ALERT: Never exceed your pallet’s weight capacity or stack items in unstable configurations. These mistakes can lead to cargo damage, safety hazards, and additional charges.
For businesses specializing in big and heavy fulfillment, proper pallet preparation becomes even more critical. Heavy items require additional attention to weight distribution to prevent pallet failure during the handling of your freight shipment.
Step 3: Secure your load
Load securement prevents shifting and damage during the many handling points in freight transport. Begin wrapping your pallet from the bottom, making at least five complete rotations around the entire load. Work from bottom to top, ensuring the shrink wrap creates a tight, unified package.
The goal is to secure the load so effectively that all items move as a single unit. Proper tension prevents individual boxes from shifting while avoiding crushing damage from over-tightening. Use ratchet straps for extremely heavy pallet loads that need additional reinforcement beyond shrink wrapping.
PRO TIP: Test your wrapping job by gently pushing against different sides of the load. If you detect any movement, add more wrap or adjust your technique.
Add corner protectors for loads with sharp edges and consider moisture protection with top sheets if your pallet shipment travels through areas with weather exposure. The small investment in properly securing materials significantly reduces your risk of damage claims and ensures professional presentation upon delivery.
Step 4: Choose your shipping method
Your shipping method determines both cost and delivery timeframe. LTL shipping is typically ideal for 1-12 pallets or shipments under 15,000 lbs. This LTL option allows you to share truck space with other shippers, making it cost-effective for smaller freight shipments.
LTL carriers specialize in handling palletized freight efficiently. Your pallet joins other freight shipments in the trailer, and freight moves through a network of terminals for sorting and routing. This system offers good value for most business-to-business shipping needs when you need to ship a pallet cost-effectively.
READ MORE: For larger volumes, consider full truckload shipping when you have 12 or more pallets. At this volume, dedicating an entire trailer often becomes more economical than paying LTL rates.
When you need guidance selecting the optimal shipping method, 3PL services can help determine the most cost-effective shipping method based on your specific requirements, destination, and timeline for your pallet shipping needs.
Step 5: Select a carrier and get quotes
Understanding freight classification determines your final shipping costs. There are 18 freight classes ranging from 50 to 500, with Class 50 being the least expensive and Class 500 the most expensive. Your freight class depends on four factors: density (primary), stowability, handling, and liability.
Density calculation provides the foundation for freight class determination. Items with a density over 50 pounds per cubic foot typically qualify for Class 50 (lowest cost). Calculate density by dividing the total shipment weight by the total cubic feet of your pallet load.
Compare quotes from multiple freight carriers since rates can vary significantly for the same shipment. Major national carriers offer extensive networks, while regional carriers might provide better rates for specific lanes. Consider both base rates and any additional fees when evaluating options for your pallet shipping.
NOTE: Some carriers offer online quoting tools, while others require phone contact for freight shipment pricing. Allow time for multiple quotes, especially for time-sensitive shipments.
Step 6: Schedule pickup and track shipment
Coordinate pickup timing with your chosen carrier to ensure smooth collection. Most freight carriers require loading dock access or will arrange liftgate service for locations without docks. Complete your bill of lading with accurate product descriptions, weights, and dimensions for your shipping pallet.
The bill of lading serves as your contract with the carrier and provides essential information for proper handling. Include special instructions for delivery requirements, such as appointment scheduling or inside delivery services for your pallet shipment.
Track your freight shipment progress through the carrier’s system and maintain communication with the recipient about expected delivery timing. Most LTL carriers provide estimated transit times, though weather and operational factors can cause delays.
PRO TIP: Save photos of your properly wrapped and labeled shipping pallet before pickup. This documentation proves the condition at the origin, if any transit claims arise.
Pallet shipping costs and how to save money
Understanding the factors that drive freight shipping costs helps you optimize your logistics budget. Pallet shipping costs typically range from $150-800+, depending on distance, weight, and freight class. Recent market data shows LTL rates have increased 110 basis points year-over-year as of Q2 2025.
Freight class significantly impacts your shipping cost since carriers use this classification system to set rates. Dense, easily handled items qualify for lower classes and pay less per pound than lightweight, bulky, or difficult-to-handle freight.
Distance and weight combine with freight class to determine your final rate. Carriers publish rate structures based on origin and destination ZIP codes, with longer distances commanding higher per-mile rates. Your total pallet weight determines which weight break applies to your shipment.
ALERT: Always declare accurate weights and dimensions. Carriers will reweigh and measure shipments, and incorrect declarations result in billing adjustments and potential penalties.
Cost-saving strategies include consolidating freight shipments when possible, choosing slower transit times for non-urgent freight, and understanding 3PL pricing structures that might offer volume discounts through their carrier relationships for multiple pallet shipments.
Common pallet shipping mistakes to avoid
Improper load securement leads to the most frequent and costly mistakes in pallet shipping. Insufficient shrink wrapping allows boxes to shift during transit, resulting in damaged products and potential safety hazards. When your pallet arrives with shifted or damaged items, the recipient may refuse the entire shipment.
Inaccurate weight declarations create billing surprises and potential service delays. Freight carriers routinely reweigh shipments, and significant discrepancies trigger investigations and additional charges. Always weigh your complete pallet, including packaging materials, for accurate declarations.
Selecting the wrong pallet size or type for your specific load creates compatibility problems with handling equipment. Using damaged or substandard pallets increases the risk of product damage and may result in carrier rejection of your freight shipment.
PRO TIP: Establish standard operating procedures for pallet preparation and documentation. Consistent processes reduce errors and ensure professional presentation of your shipments.
Pallet shipping requirements and regulations
Proper documentation ensures regulatory compliance and smooth transit. Your bill of lading must include accurate product descriptions, quantities, weights, and freight class designations. For hazmat freight, the number and type of packages must be listed (e.g., ’12 boxes’) rather than just ‘1 pallet’.
Special handling requirements apply to certain types of freight shipments. Pallets containing hazardous materials must display proper placarding when aggregate weight exceeds 1,001 lbs. Work with your carrier to ensure compliance with DOT regulations for hazardous materials transport.
NOTE: International pallet shipments require additional documentation and certifications. International shipping requires ISPM-15 certification for wooden pallets, which ensures compliance with international plant health standards.
Proper shipping labels and documentation facilitate efficient handling throughout the freight network. Include clear delivery instructions and contact information to prevent delays at destination terminals.
Frequently asked questions
How long does pallet shipping take?
Most domestic pallet shipments via LTL freight take 2-5 business days, depending on distance and carrier routing.
Can I ship internationally on pallets?
Yes, but wooden pallets require ISPM-15 certification for international shipping to comply with plant health regulations.
What if my pallet gets damaged in transit?
File a claim with the carrier immediately upon delivery and provide documentation of the damage, including photos and detailed descriptions.
Citations
- Freightquote. “Standard Freight Pallet Sizes & Dimensions.” 2025. https://www.freightquote.com/how-to-ship-freight/standard-pallet-sizes/
- The Cary Company. “Standard Pallet Size: Dimensions & Weight.” 2025. https://www.thecarycompany.com/insights/articles/standard-pallet-size-dimensions-weight
- MyCarrier. “Understanding Freight Class for LTL Shippers.” 2022. https://go.mycarrier.io/blog/ltl-freight-class
- 3PL Center. “Freight Class Explained: How It Impacts LTL Shipping Costs.” 2025. https://3plcenter.com/freight-class-guide/
- PLS Logistics. “6 Key Factors That Determine LTL Freight Class.” 2025. https://www.plslogistics.com/blog/6-key-factors-that-determine-ltl-freight-class/
- RXO Logistics. “LTL vs. Full Truckload: 7 Key Differences.” 2025. https://rxo.com/resources/shipper/how-to-choose-between-full-truckload-ltl-freight/
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. “How to Comply with Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations.” 2024. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hazardous-materials/how-comply-federal-hazardous-materials-regulations
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. “Interpretation Response #23-0094.” 2024. https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/interp/23-0094
- Lantech. “Preparing Pallet Loads for International Shipment.” 2025. https://www.lantech.com/preparing-pallet-loads-for-international-shipment/
- STT Logistics Group. “How Much Does Pallet Shipping Cost? Let’s Break It Down.” 2025. https://sttlogisticsgroup.com/blog/how-much-does-pallet-shipping-cost-lets-break-it-down/
- FreightWaves. “LTL rates projected to keep rising y/y in Q2.” 2025. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/ltl-rates-projected-to-keep-rising-y-y-in-q2-tl-rates-to-stay-at-the-bottom
