Common Shipping Mistakes That Could Cost Manufacturers Thousands

When manufacturers invest thousands—or even hundreds of thousands of dollars—in machinery or specialized equipment, they naturally focus on protecting the product itself. Custom foam inserts, protective wrapping, and careful handling are all part of the shipping plan.

But there's one component that's often overlooked – the pallet. It may seem simple, but the pallet is the foundation of every shipment. If it isn't designed for the load it's carrying – weight, size or shape – even the best packaging can fail. Here is a list of common shipping mistakes.

The Cost of a Damaged Shipment

Imagine shipping a CNC machine, industrial pump, electrical cabinet, or custom-built piece of equipment worth $100,000. If the pallet flexes too much, breaks during lifting, or doesn't meet transportation requirements, the consequences can be significant:

• Damage to expensive equipment

• Delayed installation or production schedules

• Additional freight costs

• Insurance claims

• Lost customer confidence

• Time spent repairing or replacing damaged products

In typical cases, the cost of replacing a pallet is insignificant compared to the cost of replacing or repairing the equipment it supports.

Each Load is Unique

Not every shipment belongs on a standard pallet. Some equipment has an uneven weight distribution. Others have a high centre of gravity or require support at very specific points. A pallet that works perfectly for one product may be completely unsuitable for another.

That's why custom pallet design is often the safest and most economical choice for manufacturers shipping valuable products. Pallet makers understand how to customize designs to meet unique product needs.  

Designing for Strength

A properly designed pallet considers much more than dimensions. Important factors include:

• Total product weight

• Weight distribution

• Forklift entry points

• Storage conditions and reception conditions

• Transportation method

• Amount of handling

• Export requirements

• Environmental conditions such as humidity or outdoor storage

Each of these factors influences how the pallet should be built and what materials should be used.

It's About More Than Lumber

People often assume that building a stronger pallet simply means using thicker wood. In reality, good pallet design is about engineering. The spacing of deck boards, placement of stringers or blocks, nailing patterns, reinforcement, and lumber selection all work together to create a pallet that performs safely under real-world conditions.

A well-designed pallet can improve stability, reduce movement during transport, and help protect valuable equipment throughout its journey.

Think Beyond Transportation

The pallet's job doesn't end once it leaves your facility. There is more to consider:

• Will the shipment be stored in a warehouse for several weeks?

• Will it cross an international border?

• Will it be unloaded multiple times before reaching its destination?

• Will it be lifted by different types of forklifts?

• What is the reception capacity at the shipment’s final destination?

Considering the entire journey helps ensure your product arrives exactly as it left your production floor and avoid these common shipping mistakes.

An Investment in Protection

When shipping valuable equipment, the pallet shouldn't be treated as an afterthought. The right pallet is a small investment that can significantly reduce risk, increase handling shipping and handling efficiency, and protect products worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.

For manufacturers, it's not just about moving a product. It's about protecting the work, craftsmanship, and investment that went into building it.

How Bois Ellen Lumber Can Help

At Bois Ellen Lumber, we work with manufacturers to design custom pallets and industrial packaging solutions that match the specific requirements of each shipment. Whether you're shipping heavy machinery, electrical equipment, fabricated steel, industrial components, or export products, we'll help you choose a pallet that provides the support and protection your shipment deserves.

If you have a unique shipping challenge or an oversized load, we'd be happy to discuss a custom solution. Contact us today to learn how the right pallet can help protect your next shipment.

This article was written by the team at Bois Ellen Lumber, a family-owned Quebec manufacturer specializing in custom pallets, crates, and industrial wood packaging solutions for manufacturers across North America.