Damon Mcknight
Pallets in Australia are traditionally made of wood, but plastic pallets are becoming more common as companies ship more frequently and in higher volumes. The standard Australian pallet size is 1165mm x 1165mm, and they are designed to be compatible with forklifts and pallet jacks. Pallets are often treated with heat or methyl bromide pesticide to kill parasites, fungi, and other pests. Heat treatment is the recommended sterilization method, as it does not involve the use of chemicals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Standard Australian pallet size | 1165mm x 1165mm |
| Weight of lightweight pallets | 500kg |
| Weight of medium-duty pallets | 1500kg |
| Weight of heavy-duty pallets | 2000kg |
| Pallet material | Timber or plastic |
| Timber pallet treatment | Heat treatment or methyl bromide pesticide |
| Methyl bromide pesticide usage | For materials less than 20 cm thick |
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What You'll Learn
Timber pallets
When choosing between timber and plastic pallets, several factors come into play. Timber pallets are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, while plastic pallets are lightweight, durable, and hygienic but more expensive. If you are shipping heavy or large loads, timber pallets are the better option as they are better at holding larger loads. However, if you are shipping goods internationally, plastic pallets may be more suitable due to the regulations and treatment requirements for timber pallets.
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Plastic pallets
While plastic pallets are more expensive than timber pallets, they are $71.00 (per pallet exported) cheaper when it comes to quarantine regulations. This makes them a more cost-effective and eco-friendly option for exporters.
The standard Australian pallet size is 1165mm x 1165mm, and plastic pallets can be made to these specifications. They are suitable for the Australian railways' RACE container but may not fit the standard 20ft and 40ft ISO shipping containers used for international export.
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Heat treatment
In Australia, wooden pallets are typically either heat-treated or treated with methyl bromide pesticide. The treatment of wooden pallets is necessary to meet phytosanitary standards for international shipping and to protect delicate ecosystems in Australia and overseas.
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Methyl bromide treatment
Pallets in Australia are typically made of wood or plastic. The standard Australian pallet size is 1165mm x 1165mm.
Wooden pallets are usually either heat-treated or treated with methyl bromide pesticide. Methyl bromide treatment involves fumigating the pallets with a colourless gas to kill any pests in the wood. This method is effective for materials up to 20 centimetres thick. However, due to its toxic nature and potential environmental and health risks, methyl bromide treatment is becoming less common.
Methyl bromide is highly toxic and can be harmful if inhaled. It was banned in Europe in 2005 under the Montreal Protocol due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. The treatment also poses health risks to operatives applying the gas. While the risk of emission from pallets in general circulation is considered low, it is advised not to use methyl bromide-treated pallets for craft projects or as firewood, as the pesticide will be released when burned.
Pallets treated with methyl bromide are stamped with 'MB' to indicate they have been treated with this method. If you are a company receiving goods on MB pallets, it is recommended to carry out a risk assessment and consider alternative treatment methods such as heat treatment.
Overall, while methyl bromide treatment is effective for killing pests in wooden pallets, it poses significant health and environmental risks, and safer alternatives are available.
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Standard Australian pallet size
The standard Australian pallet size is 1165 x 1165 mm, which is distinct from other international pallet sizes. This size was originally specified at 46 x 46 inches (from a nominal size of 48 x 48 inches, or 4 ft x 4 ft) but was metricated during Australia's transition to the metric system in the 1970s.
The standard Australian pallet is square and non-reversible, typically made from softwood or hardwood timber, such as pinewood. They are designed to fit seamlessly into the RACE containers of Australian railways, with two pallets fitting closely side by side. However, they are not suitable for standard 20-foot and 40-foot ISO shipping containers commonly used for international trade.
The standard pallet size in Australia is widely used, with two-thirds of palletized transport within the country utilising the 1165 x 1165 mm pallets. They are valued for their durability and functionality, catering to a range of applications, from storage to transportation.
Despite a 2002 report recommending replacing the Australian standard pallet with the ISO standard size of 1200 x 1000 mm to align with Australia's major trading partners, the country has retained its unique pallet size. The cost of transitioning to a new pallet standard, including modifications to storage racking and other equipment, was estimated at $600 million over ten years.
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Frequently asked questions
Pallets in Australia are usually made of wood or plastic.
Plastic pallets are lightweight, durable, and hygienic. They are also a good alternative for shipping goods internationally.
Timber pallets are better for heavier goods and can hold larger loads. They are also more cost-effective.
Wooden pallets are usually heat-treated or fumigated with methyl bromide pesticide to kill parasites, fungus, and other pests. Heat treatment is the recommended method as it does not involve chemicals.
The standard size for pallets in Australia is 1165mm x 1165mm.
