Floor loaded vs Palletized: What is the Difference?

Shipping containers are widely used to transport goods. They are known as full truckload or less than truckload freight in the shipping lexicon. There are two styles of loading shipping containers with goods. One is floor-loaded style, and the other is palletized style. The 3pl partners of sellers can use either of the two loading styles for shipping the goods. 

What Are The Meanings And Features Of Floor Loaded And Palletized?

The answer to the question of what floor load means is that floor load means the goods are loaded directly onto the floor of the shipping container. This is also called floor stacking. The floor-loaded containers are filled with goods stacked to the ceiling. 

Palletized loading involves loading the products on a pallet and tying them with plastic wrap or metal straps to create a single unit. Many such pallets are made and loaded into the shipping container. 

Floor-loaded style can be used for loading bulky and heavy items only because there is an excellent chance of delicate products suffering damages in-floor loaded shipping containers. Floor loading fits in more products in the container than palletized loading. Packaging is also a lesser in-floor loaded style because there is no need for pallets and wraps. However, the load and unload times are more in floor loading than palletized loading.

Palletized style of loading containers is suitable for shipping fragile items because the products are wrapped together in a single unit or tied together. The pallets elevate the products from the container's floor, which saves the cargo from water damage. Pallets are easy to load and unload. On the downside, palletization fits the lesser number of products in the containers because the pallets occupy the additional spaces. There is also the additional cost of pallets.

Why Is It Essential To Know About Floor Loading And Palletized Loading?

The loading styles have ample cost implications for the eCommerce fulfillment process. Thus, both eCommerce sellers and their shipping partners need to know about the floor and palletized loading pros and cons to make informed decisions. Apart from cost implications, it would help to consider the volume and types of products to be shipped.

Example Of Selecting Between Floor Loading And Palletized Loading 

A palletized shipment is suitable for shipping fragile items such as glassware, while floor loading is well suited for sturdy and bulky items such as steel tanks. When it comes to cost, a floor-loaded trailer is more cost-effective because the entire space of the container is used. 

However, the labor cost of floor loading is more than palletized loading.

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Related: What is FedEx Ground Economy (FedEx Smartpost) For Businesses?

Conclusion 

Conclusion paragraph: Floor loading may be a cheaper option for businesses, but palletizing can lead to more efficient storage and shipment of products. If you're looking to save money on your fulfillment process or need help with warehousing in general, we offer a variety of services that will meet all your needs at Simpl fulfillment . Get in touch today!

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