Plastic pallets vs. wooden pallets: which is the best choice for future warehousing and logistics?

Publish Time: 2025-12-31 Origin: Site

Article 1: Plastic Pallets vs. Wooden Pallets: The Future of Warehouse Logistics

Plastic Pallets vs. Wooden Pallets: Which Is the Best Choice for Future Warehouse Logistics?

Plastic and wooden pallets are critical logistics containers. This guide analyzes them across cost, durability, sustainability, and industry use cases to help you choose the right option for modern warehousing.

1. Plastic Pallets: Features & Benefits

Key Characteristics

Advantages: Fumigation-free, clean appearance, easy to sanitize. 5–7x longer lifespan (5–10 years) than wood, 100% recyclable (HDPE/PP materials meet EU REACH standards). No nails/spikes, non-toxic, corrosion/flame-resistant, and static-safe.
Disadvantages: Higher upfront cost, limited size flexibility, temperature-sensitive (-25°C to 40°C). Recycled PVC variants may contain toxins (avoided by exporters).
Weight: Blow-molded 9-leg pallets: 7–14kg; double-sided blow-molded pallets: 16–40kg (optimized for manual/mechanical handling).
Smart Compatibility: Standardized sizes support RFID chips, seamlessly fitting AGVs and automated warehouses (wooden pallets have size inconsistencies).

2. Wooden Pallets: Features & Limitations

Key Characteristics

Advantages: Made from solid wood (pine, poplar, hardwood), high strength/load capacity, low upfront cost ($8–$11 per unit).
Disadvantages: Flammable, water/damage-prone, pest-susceptible. Exports require fumigation (adds cost/delay), and production harms deforestation goals.
Weight: Light-duty: ~7.5kg; standard 1000×1200mm: ~15kg; EU/CP7 pallets: ≥20kg (heavier due to thick lumber).

3. Head-to-Head Comparison

Metric	Plastic Pallets	Wooden Pallets
Durability	5–10 years; corrosion/insect-resistant	1–3 years; 42% nail loosening after 6 months
Hygiene	FDA/GB4806-compliant; export-exempt	Requires fumigation; bacteria-prone
Sustainability	100% recyclable (EU REACH-compliant)	Deforestation-heavy
Cost	Higher upfront; 18% lower annual logistics loss (case: global retailer cut 12% labor costs)	Lower upfront; high long-term maintenance
Load Capacity	1.5–2t dynamic; 4–8t static	Strong initially; deforms over time

4. How to Choose

Environment: Prioritize plastic for temp fluctuations >30°C or humidity >70%.
Operations: Choose plastic for >50 daily turns (lower maintenance).
Compliance: Use FDA/GB4806 plastic pallets for food/pharma.
Economics: Lease plastic pallets if annual use cost >15% of purchase price.

5. Choosing the Right Plastic Pallet

Size: Match to cargo dimensions/container fit (e.g., 1100×1100mm fits 2 rows in 2300mm containers). Common sizes: 1210 (international), 1208 (EU), T11 (Japan).
Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided: Use single-sided for manual handling; double-sided for stacking/heavy loads.
Load Requirements: Limit shelf deflection to ≤20mm (stricter for automated warehouses).

Conclusion

Plastic pallets are becoming the standard for automated storage, cold chain, and food/pharma logistics due to lifecycle cost savings and stability. Wooden pallets remain viable for heavy loads/temporary storage (with structural upgrades).

Article 2: Container Shipping Sees 3 Consecutive Rises: Pre-Spring Festival Boom Drives Rates

Container Shipping Market Sees 3 Consecutive Rises: Pre-Spring Festival Boom Drives Major Route Rates

As the Lunar New Year approaches, the container shipping market has hit a pre-holiday shipment peak. Data from the December 26 Shanghai Shipping Exchange shows the Shanghai Export Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) rose 6.66% to 1656.32—marking three straight weeks of growth (up 3.08% on December 19).

Major Route Gains

All four ocean trunk lines rose, led by Europe/Mediterranean routes (both +10%):

Shanghai → European base ports: $1,690/TEU (+10.24% week-on-week)
Shanghai → Mediterranean base ports: $3,143/TEU (+10.94% week-on-week)
Shanghai → US West Coast: $2,188/FEU (+9.84%)
Shanghai → US East Coast: $3,033/FEU (+6.57%)

Current spot prices: US West Coast $2,000–$2,100/FEU; US East Coast $2,850–$3,050/FEU.

Market Differentiation

While EU/US routes boomed, South American routes rose only 0.08%—reflecting supply chain diversification (Southeast Asia near-ocean routes are diverting cargo).

Outlook: 2026 GRI Announced

Shipping companies plan a new General Rate Increase (GRI) on January 1, 2026:

US West Coast target: $3,000/FEU
US East Coast target: $3,900/FEU
European routes: +~$1,000/TEU

Shippers should monitor carrier dynamics and plan logistics in advance.

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