Pallet
The load unit that revolutionized modern logistics
Pallet Definition
A Pallet is a horizontal platform or base, usually made of wood, plastic, or metal, used to group goods to create a "load unit". Palletization is essential for enabling the movement, storage, and transport of large volumes through mechanical means, such as forklifts or pallet jacks.
What is the European Standard (Euro Pallet)?
In Portugal and the rest of Europe, the dominant standard is the Euro Pallet (EPAL), with standardized dimensions of 1200 x 800 mm. This standard allows:
Universal Racking
Warehouses to be designed with universal-sized racking
Efficient Loading
Trucks to be loaded efficiently (typically 33 euro pallets in a 13.6-meter trailer)
Exchange System
A pallet exchange system between companies and carriers
Pallet Management in WMS
The WMS manages the pallet as a "Logistics Unit" (usually identified by an SSCC - Serial Shipping Container Code):
Pallet License Plate
The system assigns a unique identification to each pallet, allowing you to know exactly which products, batches, and quantities are on each platform
Movement Traceability
Instead of moving individual boxes, the operator moves the entire pallet, and the WMS updates the stock of all contained items with a single barcode scan
Empty Pallet Management
The system can also control the pallet balance (assets) to ensure there are no financial losses on this logistics support