Quick answer: Size a thermal cover around the loaded pallet, including overhang, rather than the empty pallet base. Specify the material, closure, handling conditions and performance evidence needed for the cargo and route.
Measure the loaded pallet
Record the maximum loaded length, width and height, including protruding cartons, corner protection and other packing layers. State whether the cover must overlap the pallet base and how it will be fitted or removed. A drawing or photograph with marked dimensions can prevent different interpretations of the brief.
Keep cargo dimensions and cover dimensions distinct. The reference sizes shown on a product page describe an available cover format; they do not guarantee clearance around a particular load. Confirm the allowances and tolerances with the supplier.
Select the complete cover construction
New Solution lists aluminum foil/PE bubble/aluminum foil and VMPET/PE bubble/VMPET options. Single and double bubble structures are listed, with heat-sealed or sewn processing and corresponding edge treatments.
Choose the surface and insulation structure explicitly. Aluminum foil and metalized film are separate listed options, and a silver appearance does not identify which has been offered. Confirm the thickness, seams, edge treatment and closure in the final specification.
Describe exposure and handling
Explain how the loaded pallet travels through storage, loading and transport. Include exposure conditions that matter to the shipment and any handling constraints for fitting the cover. Identify whether the requirement concerns a single shipment or a proposed reuse process.
If reuse is intended, agree how the selected construction will be inspected and when it will be retired. Do not infer a reuse count from a product photograph or from another cover’s specification.
Keep performance claims tied to the evaluated load
Ask what evidence supports any reflectance, temperature-protection or duration statement. Identify the material and test conditions, and separate a material measurement from the performance of the complete covered load.
Define the cargo temperature objective and relevant route conditions before selecting an evaluation. A passive cover should not be assumed to replace actively controlled transport where that is part of the required shipping process.
ISTA’s thermal guidance is useful background on evaluating complete packaging configurations. Its parcel-oriented thermal standards should not be assigned to a pallet cover without checking the scope and choosing an appropriate test plan for the shipment.
Prepare a comparable quotation request
- Loaded length, width, height and overhang.
- Required overlap, opening and fitting arrangement.
- Foil or metalized-film surface and bubble construction.
- Thickness, seam process and edge treatment.
- Cargo, handling and route conditions.
- Required performance evidence and sample approval process.
- Quantity, destination and any proposed reuse conditions.
Ask each supplier to quote against the same brief. Confirm fit with a sample, and keep the accepted drawing, construction and evaluation record together so later orders can be checked against the approved specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pallet base size enough to order a cover?
No. Include the maximum loaded dimensions, overhang and the fitting or overlap allowance. Confirm the final cover dimensions in the order specification.
Can a cover be selected from reflectance alone?
A material reflectance result does not describe every aspect of a covered shipment. Check fit, construction, exposure and the relevant performance evidence for the intended use.
Can a pallet cover be replaced by a box liner?
They serve different packing formats. A box liner fits inside a carton, while a pallet cover fits around a loaded pallet. Evaluate the appropriate complete packaging arrangement.
Related Products and Guides
Read next: How to Specify Insulated Box Liners for Shipping.
Discuss Your Packaging Specification
Sources
Published by New Solution. This guide supports preparation of a purchasing brief. Product claims and suitability are confirmed against the selected order specification and supporting documents.