Pallet Scanning & Tracking FAQs

At Pallet-Track, we understand that our customers want to know where their goods are at all times and what time they will be delivered. That’s why we have developed a sophisticated pallet scanning and tracking solution. We handle over 18,000 pallets per night and we always know the location of every single one. In fact, it’s so advanced that we haven’t lost a single pallet in any of our hubs.  

When you choose Pallet-Track, whether you are sending pallets to a business or a customer, you will still benefit from the same pallet scanning and tracking capabilities. We’ve also developed an easy-to-use online booking system to make it even quicker to get a quote and send a pallet. Then, once your pallet is on the move, you can track it via our Pallet-Track Go portal. 

Read on to learn more about our scanning and tracking technology. 

 

What is pallet scanning? 

Every pallet is labelled with a unique barcode that enables it to be scanned and tracked throughout its journey.  

At Pallet-Track, every pallet is scanned nine times during its journey through our network, from collection point to delivery destination. Pallet scanning ensures you have full visibility of your consignment, so you know exactly where your goods are in our network at all times.  

Our hub’s no lost pallets achievement is due to the significant investments we have made in our pallet tracking technology, which is used by every haulier in our network of 90-plus members. 

We have partnered with software specialist Vigo to provide first-class visibility on all consignments that are transported by our network. This partnership and our comprehensive approach to scanning has seen our network log nearly half a billion pallet tracking events to date. 

 

Can you track a pallet delivery? 

We provide pallet delivery tracking from end-to-end. Whether you are sending a single pallet or multiple pallets, Pallet-Track will provide you with full visibility on your delivery throughout.  

Pallet-Track has invested significantly in the development of a scanning and tracking system that enables every consignment to be tracked throughout its journey. Your pallet will be scanned nine times so we know its location at all times and so we can provide you with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for your delivery. If you are expecting a pallet delivery to a residential address, find out what to expect with our guide to kerbside delivery.  

When you use our pallet network for your delivery, your goods will be collected and delivered by one of our members. Pallet-Track members are independent hauliers who collect and deliver pallets to our central hub, where they are sorted for their onward journey, before being transported to their destination by another member of our network. The process makes the transportation of goods much more efficient and cost-effective for our customers. Learn how palletised distribution works. 

 

How do I track my pallet delivery? 

There are several ways to track your pallet delivery with Pallet-Track, depending on the method you used to book your delivery.  

If you booked via Pallet-Track Go then you can use the portal to track your pallet’s journey. Our online service enables you to track the delivery of your consignment in real-time. Simply enter your pallet delivery tracking number to see the location and status of your consignment. 

Regular Pallet-Track customers are provided with access to an online customer portal that enables the full tracking of all pallets sent through our network. Alternatively, customers who are unable to track their pallet online can call the Pallet-Track member they booked with for tracking updates on their consignment. 

 

How does pallet tracking work? 

1. To track a pallet, a pick-up scan is completed by the collection driver, who transports the pallet to the local collecting depot. The pick-up scan confirms that the pallet has been collected and provides evidence of its condition. 

2. A second scan is completed when the pallet arrives at the collection depot. 

3. Once the pallet has been reloaded on to the right trailer, it is then scanned out of the collection depot to travel to the Pallet-Track hub. 

4. On arrival at the Pallet-Track hub, the pallet is scanned in and an initial quality inspection is completed before the goods are unloaded. The pallet is then loaded on to the delivery member’s trailer ready for its onward journey. 

5. An exit scan is completed as the pallet leaves the Pallet-Track hub and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) records the truck’s departure time.  

6. A Goods on Dock (GOD) scan is completed at the end of every shift on pallets that have not yet been collected by the delivery member. This is done to record how long pallets are held at the depot. 

7. The pallet is scanned for the seventh time when it reaches the delivery member’s depot. Here, it is unloaded and reloaded for delivery to its destination.  The driver performs a quality control check on all pallets and ensures they are secure before issuing an ETA to the customer via text or email. 

8. The pallet is scanned out as the driver leaves the yard with the pallet.  

9. At the end delivery point, the driver scans the pallet for the last time to confirm it has arrived at its destination. The date, time and GPS coordinates of the delivery are all recorded as a virtual signature. To complete the pallet tracking process, a Proof of Delivery (POD) photograph is taken and uploaded to the Pallet-Track system and the customer’s dashboard.  

Our commitment to pallet scanning and tracking is part of the Pallet-Track Way. Discover more about our approach to palletised freight distribution, or learn about our pallet sizes and send a pallet.