If you work in a warehouse or shipping facility, you know how important it is to properly wrap your pallets. Pallet wrapping protects your goods during transit and ensures that they arrive at their destination in pristine condition. But even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen when wrapping pallets. To help you avoid the most common pallet wrapping mistakes, we’ll go over each one and provide tips on how to prevent them.
What Is Stretch Wrapping?
Stretch wrapping, or pallet wrapping, is the process of using stretch film—made from a strong, thin plastic material—to secure items on a pallet. This method is popular because it is cost-effective and easy to use. But if not done properly, it can lead to product damage or instability of the pallet during transit.
Why Is Proper Stretch Wrapping Important?
Proper stretch wrapping is important for several reasons, including:
- Protection: Stretch wrapping protects your goods from dirt, dust, moisture, and other external factors during transit.
- Stability: A well-wrapped pallet ensures that the items on it stay in place during transportation, preventing shifting or damage.
- Cost-effectiveness: Properly wrapped pallets can save you money by reducing product loss and minimizing damage claims. It also decreases the need for additional packaging materials.
- Efficiency: Effective stretch wrapping can help streamline your shipping process, saving you time and increasing productivity.
It’s important to remain mindful when it comes to wrapping your pallets—take the time to do it right, and you’ll reap the benefits in the long run.
What Are Some Common Pallet Wrapping Mistakes?
While stretch wrapping may seem simple, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to problems down the line. Here are some of the most common pallet wrapping mistakes to avoid.
Using Poor-Quality Film
Investing in cheap, low-quality film may seem like a cost-effective solution, but it can end up costing you more in the long run. Poor-quality film is more prone to tearing and puncturing during transit, leaving your products vulnerable to damage. It’s worth investing in high-quality, durable film that will provide better protection for your goods and save you money on potential damage claims.
Using the Wrong Type of Wrap
There are different types of stretch wrap available, each with its own unique properties and uses. For example, some wraps are better for irregularly shaped loads, while others have higher puncture resistance. Make sure you choose the right type of wrap for your specific needs to ensure maximum protection and stability.
Using the Wrong Size Wrap
Choosing the wrong size wrap can also be a costly mistake. If the wrap is too narrow, it may not adequately cover and protect your products. On the other hand, if it’s too wide, you could end up using more film than necessary, resulting in unnecessary waste and increased costs. Be sure to measure your pallets accurately and choose a suitable wrap size for optimal coverage and cost savings.
Not Using Enough Film
One of the most common mistakes when wrapping pallets is not using enough film. Businesses may try to save money by using less film, but this can lead to unstable and unsafe loads. When there isn’t enough film, the load can shift during transit, potentially causing damage to the products or even injury to workers. It’s important to use the recommended amount of film based on your load’s weight and dimensions to ensure stability.
Applying Incorrect Tension
Applying the wrap with the wrong tension is another common issue. Too loose, and the load won’t be secure. Too tight, and you risk damaging the items on the pallet. The key is to strike a balance where the wrap is snug enough to hold everything in place but not so tight that it crushes or deforms the goods. Regularly train your staff on how to properly apply tension to ensure consistency.
Not Wrapping the Pallet Base
Many people make the mistake of only wrapping the top and sides of a pallet, leaving the base exposed. Failing to wrap the base can cause instability during transit and increase the risk of damage to your products. Make sure you wrap at least two layers around the base of the pallet in addition to the top and sides for maximum protection.
Overlapping Wrap Too Little or Too Much
You don’t want to have too little or too much overlap when wrapping your pallets. Too little will create weak spots in the wrap, while too much can lead to excess film use and unnecessary waste. The recommended overlap is typically around 50 percent, but it’s important to read the instructions for your specific stretch wrap machine to verify the proper technique.
Not Checking for Damage or Weak Spots
Before sending out a wrapped pallet, be sure to check for any damage or weak spots in the wrap. If there are any tears, holes, or thin areas, address them before shipping. Otherwise, you risk shipping out an unstable load that could result in damaged goods during transit.
Ignoring Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can affect the performance of your pallet wrap. For example, some wraps become brittle in cold temperatures, while others may lose their adhesive properties in high humidity. Choose a wrap that suits your standard shipping environment to ensure optimal performance.
Not Training Employees Properly
One of the biggest mistakes that can occur when wrapping pallets is not properly training employees on the correct techniques. It’s important to regularly review and update training procedures to ensure consistency among all workers. This will help avoid any variations in how pallets are wrapped, thereby reducing mistakes.
Pallet wrapping may seem like a minor task in the grand scheme of warehouse operations. But by taking care to wrap pallets properly, you can prevent costly mistakes and ensure your products reach their destination safely.
If you’re looking to streamline your pallet wrapping process further, consider pallet wrappers from DRM Associates. At DRM, we offer reliable solutions designed to meet the specific needs of your warehouse, helping you avoid these common pitfalls. Whether you’re in the market for a high-speed, fully automated stretch wrap machine or a simple, user-friendly option, we can set you up with the perfect solution for your business. Contact us today to learn more!