Most damage to palletised freight doesn’t happen on the road — it happens before the truck leaves, through poor stacking, weak securing or unclear labelling. Follow these principles and your cargo will arrive the way it left.
1. Choose the right pallet
The standard EUR pallet (1200 × 800 mm) is accepted across Europe and handled fastest in warehouses. For heavier or wider goods, use an industrial pallet (1200 × 1000 mm). Make sure the pallet is dry, sound and free of broken boards.
2. Stack the load stably
Heavy boxes go on the bottom, light ones on top. Never let cargo overhang the edges of the pallet — overhanging parts are damaged first. Distribute weight evenly so the pallet doesn’t tilt when lifted.
- Heavy at the bottom, light on top
- Nothing extends beyond the pallet footprint
- Fill gaps so the load can’t shift
- Protect edges with cardboard or plastic corners
3. Secure and wrap
Use several layers of stretch film and anchor the base of the pallet, so the load and pallet become one body. For heavy shipments, add strapping. Check that nothing moves.
4. Label clearly
Every pallet carries the recipient’s address, the shipment number and, where needed, fragile or “this way up” marks. For dangerous goods (ADR), labels are mandatory and inspected. The CMR consignment note — ideally electronic (e-CMR) — travels with the shipment the whole way.