How to label pallets for shipping

At Pallet-Track, we handle more than 16,000 pallets every day and we haven’t lost a single one at any of our Hubs… that’s over 43m pallets in 20 years!

Why is pallet labelling important?

We are passionate about pallet labelling because it enables us to provide the most reliable and most efficient service for our customers.

The benefits of correct labelling:

• Goods are delivered to the correct location
• Scanning and tracking of your pallet
• Pallets arrive on time at the delivery address
• Reduces the risk of your consignment going missing

Did you know – every pallet label contains a unique barcode. The barcode is scanned nine times from collection to delivery, so we always know where your pallet is at all times.

This tracking process allows us to keep you informed of your freight’s journey through our pallet distribution network.

Before labelling your pallet, please ensure goods are safely and securely loaded and wrapped.

Learn more about our pallet scanning and tracking.

Find all the advice you need below on how to label your pallet and whilst you’re here why not check our guides to packing and wrapping your pallet to prepare your freight for shipping?

Pallet labelling with Pallet-Track

Please ensure the information on your pallet labels is accurate and inline with the Road Haulage Association’s Conditions of Carriage.

We recommend double checking all the information is accurate before fixing your label to the pallet.

Key information for your label

• Full and correct address and name of the recipient
• Consignment number
• Number of pallets in the consignment
• Accurate weight
• Service such as economy or next-day
• Surcharges
• Any special instructions

 

 

 

 

 

 

And don’t forget – each pallet in your consignment needs its own label. A label should be applied to each pallet, and it is the responsibility of the consignee and Pallet-Track’s inputting member to ensure the label is clear and can be scanned.

Pallet labelling tips

Follow these tips to ensure your pallets are correctly labelled.

Label positioning

Your label should be positioned at the bottom of the pallet at the front, visible to the FLT driver(s). Care should be taken to ensure that the label is applied to a flat surface. This makes it quicker and easier to scan and reduces the risk of losing labels in transit.

Use weatherproof labels

Wet or dirty labels can become illegible and difficult for our scanners to read. Weatherproof labels make it much easier for our scanners to read in all weather. Standard labels can become wet and damaged during the journey. Typically pallets could be loaded and unloaded around eight times before reaching the delivery address.

Pallet-Track uses and supplies members with approved weatherproof labels. Please speak to your local member for availability.

Remove or cover any old labels

If your pallet has any old delivery labels attached – in the case of a refused/returned delivery or a collection from a previously delivered consignment– these must be removed to avoid possible routing errors or delivery delays.

How to avoid common pallet labelling problems

Poorly labelled pallets can cause delays in our network, as they make it difficult to scan and track goods correctly.

Help us to deliver your pallet your on time by ensuring that barcodes can be scanned by:

• Making sure, where possible, labels are secured to a flat surface and that both barcodes are scannable
• Making all labels clearly visible to our forklift truck drivers , without any tears or creases
• Fixing labels securely to the pallet
• Consider using weatherproof labels to prevent dirt and water obscuring information

Pallet labelling tips for irregular loads

We know palletised goods come in all shapes and sizes, which can make attaching your label more challenging.

Pallet labels for irregular-shaped loads must be applied in accordance with the following guidelines:

• Drums or kegs of liquid that are strapped correctly to a pallet – affix label to the bottom of the cylindrical side
• Irregular-shaped consignments – the label should be attached to a clearly-visible area of the consignment
• If you can’t see it with a forklift, we can’t see it with a forklift

For additional support and guidance with labelling your pallet, please contact our team or call 01902 355 100. Alternatively, request a quote to send a pallet.