Talk to Our Team

Steel Pallet

Category:

Steel Pallet

The ultimate alternative to wooden pallets: durable, fire-resistant, recyclable, and lower in total lifecycle cost.

1. Product Introduction

In harsh warehousing and logistics environments, the weaknesses of wooden pallets, such as breakage, moisture absorption, mold, pest contamination, and flammability, have become increasingly obvious.

Steel pallets, with their high strength, resistance to extreme environments, and 100% recyclability, are now becoming the preferred choice for food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive, and export logistics.

They are not just a load-carrying tool, but a key part of a standardized, automated, and contamination-free supply chain.

Key highlights: super strong load capacity · fire-resistant and moisture-proof · zero pest contamination · service life of 10+ years · compliant with export quarantine requirements

2. Product Parameters and Technical Specifications

The key to steel pallet selection lies in the deck structure and entry style.

Item Specification / Description Notes
Product Name Steel pallet / metal pallet / iron pallet Steel Pallet / Metal Pallet
Standard Size 1200×800 mm (Euro standard) / 1200×1000 mm (general) / 1100×1100 mm (Japan, Korea, chemical industry) Non-standard customization supported
Deck Structure Flat deck / patterned deck / mesh deck (open type) Mesh type is breathable, drainable, and lightweight
Entry Direction 2-way entry / 4-way entry 4-way is more flexible but structurally more complex
Dynamic Load per Pallet 1000 kg to 3000 kg (standard) / 3000 kg to 5000 kg (heavy-duty) Allowable load when lifted by forklift
Static Load per Pallet 3000 kg to 8000 kg (standard) / 10000 kg+ (special) Allowable load at the bottom layer during stacking
Rack Load Capacity 800 kg to 1500 kg (special reinforcement required) Must be clearly specified when used on racking
Deck Thickness 1.5 mm / 2.0 mm / 3.0 mm (depends on load) Common lentil-pattern plate for anti-slip performance
Leg / Base Type Single-side three-runner base / double-side flat base / double-side I-beam base Three-runner base is compatible with most automated equipment
Surface Treatment Hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) / electro-galvanizing / electrostatic powder coating Hot-dip galvanizing is preferred for export and cold storage
Standards ISO 6780 / GB/T 10486 / EPAL-certified compatible Meets international logistics standards

3. Product Details

Steel pallets may look simple, but the welding quality and surface treatment determine whether they can withstand heavy loads without deformation and resist rust in humid conditions.

3.1 Decking and Anti-slip Design

Patterned deck: Lentil-pattern steel plate is used to increase friction and prevent goods from sliding during transport.

Reinforcing rib layout: Longitudinal and transverse reinforcing ribs are densely arranged under the deck to distribute the load evenly to the legs and prevent deck collapse.

3.2 Legs and Fork Entry

Three-runner base structure: Three strong runners form a “three” shape, compatible with pallet jacks and the guide rails of automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).

Rounded edges: The fork entry edges are rounded to prevent operators from being scratched or package surfaces from being damaged during forklift handling.

3.3 Welding Quality

Full welding process: The joints between the legs and the deck use continuous fillet welding rather than spot welding to ensure impact resistance.

Smooth grinding: Weld seams are ground smooth to prevent snagging on conveyors or scratching the floor during use.

4. Product Features and Applications

Why Choose Steel Pallets?

Extreme durability: Under normal use, the service life can reach 10 years or more, which is 5 to 10 times longer than wooden pallets, resulting in lower amortized costs.

Environmentally friendly: 100% recyclable, with no tree cutting and no disposal fees for waste materials.

Safe and reliable: Non-flammable, does not support combustion, and has no exposed nails, protecting both goods and workers.

Hygienic and compliant: No mold or insect eggs, easy to wash and disinfect, and compliant with FDA / HACCP food and pharmaceutical standards.

Application Scenarios

Food and pharmaceuticals: Sterile, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean, meeting strict hygiene audit requirements.

Export trade: No fumigation required, in line with ISPM 15 standards, enabling faster customs clearance and lower quarantine risk.

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS): Standard dimensions and high rigidity make them suitable for high-speed access by stacker cranes.

Chemicals and metals: Corrosion-resistant and heavy-duty, suitable for harsh industrial environments.

5. Professional FAQ

Q1: Steel pallets are much more expensive than wooden pallets. Are they worth it?

A: The unit price is indeed higher, but when you calculate the total lifecycle cost (TCO), they are worth it. Wooden pallets usually last about 1 year, break easily, require frequent replacement, and create disposal costs. Steel pallets last 10+ years, do not need frequent replacement, and can still be sold as scrap after retirement. For warehouses with frequent turnover, the cost difference is usually recovered in 1.5 to 2 years.

Q2: Will steel pallets be too slippery and make goods unstable?

A: No. We standardize lentil-pattern decking, and the surface friction is even better than rough wooden boards. For particularly smooth cartons or plastic boxes, we can add anti-slip rubber pads or positioning blocks.

Q3: Can steel pallets be used on racking?

A: Yes, but this must be specified in advance. Standard stackable steel pallets cannot be placed directly on racks because they do not have a beam support surface. Rack-use pallets require rack legs that sit on the beams, or a double-sided flat base structure. Please be sure to mention the intended use when requesting a quotation.

Q4: Will steel pallets freeze in cold storage?

A: Compared with plastic pallets, steel pallets conduct heat faster and are less likely to develop thick ice on the surface. They also have much higher strength, so even if there is light frost, they will not become brittle and break like plastic pallets. Hot-dip galvanized steel pallets are the best choice for cold storage.

Q5: Can the size be customized?

A: Absolutely. We have strong mold development capability and can customize dedicated pallets for special goods such as long items, cylindrical items, or irregular parts. We can even add side rails, lids, or casters to the pallet.