Loading...
Regular members
Associated members
Become a member

Wood Species

Fabricant et fournisseurs de l’industrie | AMPCQ

In general, the wood used for pallet manufacturing falls into three main categories: high-density hardwood, low-density hardwood, and softwood (or coniferous wood).

High-density hardwoods include:

  • Birch
  • Cherry
  • Oak
  • Maple
  • Ash
  • Beech
  • Black cherry
  • Elm
  • Cottonwood

Low-Density Hardwoods Include:

  • Walnut
  • Aspen
  • Willow
  • Linden (Basswood)

Softwoods (Coniferous Woods) Include:

  • Cedar
  • Cypress
  • Spruce
  • Pine
  • Hemlock
  • Fir

Tolerances

Component Dimensions

Components must have uniform thickness and width, and 50% of the components must meet or exceed the target dimension at the time of manufacturing.

Based on good manufacturing practices, the thickness of a single board should not vary by more than ±1/32".

Below are the acceptable tolerance margins during pallet manufacturing:

1) Boards and Stringers

  • Thickness: + ou - 1/16"
  • Width: + 1/2'' - 1/4''
  • Length: + 1/8'' - 1/4''

2) Stringers and Blocks

  • Width: + ou - 1/16"
  • Height: + ou - 1/16''
  • Length: + 1/8'' - 1/4''

These tolerances are acceptable for general pallet manufacturing. For certain pallets, the tolerances may vary: we recommend checking the specifications for these pallets.

ISPM 15 Heat Treatment: Compliance and Export Protection

The main objective of ISPM 15 is to prevent the spread of pests and plant diseases that can be carried through wooden packaging materials. In short, this standard requires that the wood used in these packaging materials undergoes heat treatment to kill insects and other harmful organisms.

The key aspects of ISPM 15 include:

  • 1. Wood Treatment : The wood used must be treated to eliminate pests. The most common method is heat treatment (HT).
  • 2. Marking : Treated wooden packaging must bear a specific mark to indicate compliance with the standard (country code, a symbol indicating the type of treatment, and a company number).
  • 3. International Compliance : The standard is enforced in international trade to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Thus, ISPM 15 is crucial to ensuring the safety and health of global ecosystems and agricultural economies. For more information, visit https://inspection.canada.ca/en

If you are interested in joining an ISPM 15 heat treatment program, we recommend working with our sister organization, the Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association (CWPCA). The CWPCA provides the necessary support and certification to ensure compliance with international standards for heat-treated wood packaging. Contact them directly to learn more about their programs and how they can assist you in meeting the required regulations.

Canadian Wood Pallet & Containers

For more information,

visit their website at

https://www.canadianpallets.com/

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Wooden Pallet

It is essential to carefully study the packaging and handling systems of materials before preparing the pallet specifications and making a purchase. Here are some of the many factors to evaluate:

1- Unit Load

  • What is the value of the goods being handled?
  • What is the weight?
  • What type of packaging is used (bags, cardboard boxes, barrels, etc.)?
  • What are the dimensions of the goods to be handled?
  • What type of securing methods are used (steel straps, plastic film, etc.)?

2- Storage Environment

  • Are the unit load-pallet sets placed in a bin storage system?
  • If simply stacked, is it necessary for the pallet to have a bottom deck?
  • Is it better to have pallets with two-way entry, four-way entry, or block pallets?
  • What type of handling equipment is used?
  • What is the required clearance under the upper deck surface?
  • What are the tolerance requirements for the storage, palletizing, and transport systems?

3- Shipping Environment

  • Can the available cubic space be optimized (interior dimensions of the transport vehicle compared to the unit load and its weight) ?
  • Is it advantageous to reverse the pallets?
  • Should we participate in a pallet exchange program (C.P.C., or others)?

Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing a wooden pallet requires consideration of several crucial factors, such as the unit load, the storage and shipping environment, and specific handling requirements. It is essential to analyze these elements before defining the pallet specifications to ensure their efficiency and longevity. This includes details about the pallet dimensions, the type of materials used, as well as the methods of securing and identification.

The process may seem complex, but it is important not to overlook it in order to avoid costly mistakes. That is why we highly recommend working with a member of the Quebec Pallet and Container Manufacturers Association (AMPCQ). Their expertise and experience will help you choose the most suitable pallets for your needs while ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards. By collaborating with these professionals, you can be confident that your pallets will be optimized for your specific requirements, following the best industry practices.

Top