Ultimate Guide to Palletized Shipping: Efficient Fulfillment with Daguer Logistics

Introduction

When it comes to high-volume, heavy, or bulk shipping, traditional parcel services simply don’t cut it. That’s where palletized shipping comes in. This form of freight shipping is a game-changer for eCommerce businesses looking to ship larger orders, heavier products, or bulk shipments to retailers and consumers alike.

Whether you're a growing brand shipping to retail stores or fulfilling oversized D2C orders, understanding palletized shipping and partnering with a logistics expert like Daguer Logistics can drastically improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover:

• What palletized shipping is

• LTL vs FTL freight

• Pallet sizing and shipping container compatibility

• How to pack and secure pallets

• When to use palletized freight

• How Daguer Logistics simplifies palletized fulfillment

What is Palletized Shipping?

Palletized shipping is the practice of consolidating multiple products, cartons, or SKUs onto a pallet for bulk transport. These pallets are typically wrapped with plastic film to stabilize the load and prevent movement or damage during transit.

Unlike traditional parcel shipping, which sends one or two boxes via UPS or USPS, palletized shipments are designed for large orders or heavy items and transported via freight services like FedEx Freight, LTL trucking, or intermodal carriers.

Benefits of Palletized Shipping:

• Greater efficiency for bulk orders

• Lower cost per unit for high-volume shipments

• Better protection against damage

• Easier loading/unloading with forklifts

Is LTL the Same as Palletized Shipping?

Yes, palletized shipping is often used in LTL (less-than-truckload) freight.

In LTL shipping:

• Your pallet(s) share truck space with other businesses' shipments.

• Carriers optimize routes and load planning to reduce costs.

• You avoid paying for a full truck when you don’t need it.

For large-scale freight, FTL (full-truckload) is another option if your volume justifies using an entire trailer.

When is Palletized Freight the Right Choice?

Use pallet shipping when:

• You’re shipping bulk B2B orders to retailers or warehouses.

• Products are too heavy or large for standard parcel services.

• You sell oversized D2C goods like gym equipment, furniture, or industrial tools.

Pallet and Container Sizing Basics

Standard North American Pallet:

• Dimensions: 48 x 40 inches

• Weight capacity: up to 4,600 lbs

Shipping Container Capacity:

• 20-foot container: Holds up to 10 standard pallets

• 40-foot container: Holds up to 20 standard pallets

Other common pallet types:

• EU Pallet: 800 x 1200 mm (31.5 x 47 inches)

• EUR2 Pallet: 1200 x 1000 mm (47 x 39 inches)

Using EU pallets in international shipping may help fit 1–2 extra pallets into a container compared to NA standards.

How to Pack Pallets for Optimal Shipping

Step 1: Choose the Right Pallet

• Ensure pallets are sturdy and defect-free

• Weight capacity: Minimum 1,000 lbs for standard shipments

• Avoid pallets with protruding nails or splinters

Step 2: Stack Strategically

• Place heavier boxes on the bottom

• Distribute weight evenly across the surface

• Avoid overhanging packages

• Keep the top layer flat to allow for safe stacking

Step 3: Secure the Load

• Use stretch film (wrap 5+ times for best protection)

• Add corner boards to stabilize edges

• Use ratchet straps or plastic strapping for extra security

Step 4: Label Clearly

• Attach shipping labels and documentation to all sides

• Include a Bill of Lading (BOL) for all LTL shipments

• Place backup labels inside the wrap as an extra safeguard

How Many Pallets Can I Ship at Once?

There’s no hard limit, but typical LTL shipments range from 1 to 6 pallets. Larger orders may qualify for volume LTL or FTL rates.

Want to save costs? Ask Daguer Logistics about:

• Combining small SKUs into master cartons

• Repacking for freight optimization

• Shipping zone-based solutions for faster delivery

Residential Pallet Deliveries

Shipping to homes? You’ll need to consider:

• Liftgate service for curbside unloading

• Smaller trucks for tight residential streets

• Pre-shipment communication with customers

Daguer Logistics handles these requirements for you, from booking the right truck to coordinating delivery windows.

Palletized Shipping for B2B Fulfillment

Many of our clients at Daguer Logistics use palletized freight to supply:

• Retail partners (Target, Walmart, local boutiques)

• Wholesale accounts

• Corporate customers ordering in bulk

With our intelligent routing and network of US fulfillment centers, we help brands get B2B orders out faster and cheaper.

How Daguer Logistics Simplifies Palletized Shipping

1. We Manage Carrier Communication

No more back-and-forth with freight brokers. Daguer Logistics:

• Books the best LTL/FTL carriers

• Negotiates competitive rates

• Provides real-time tracking and status updates

2. We Handle Proper Freight Classification

Misclassification is a leading cause of surprise fees. We:

• Ensure accurate NMFC classification codes

• Resolve disputes and contest carrier mistakes

• Save clients from reclassification penalties

3. We Provide Verified Weighing & Photos

To prevent reweighing charges, we:

• Photograph each pallet on a certified scale

• Record and archive every shipment’s weight

• Share documentation with carriers on your behalf

4. We Pack for Safety & Efficiency

With thousands of pallet shipments under our belt, our team:

• Uses industry-best packing techniques

• Optimizes space to reduce costs

• Adds protective packaging based on fragility and product type

Additional Tips for Smoother Pallet Freight

• Share destination details with your 3PL (e.g. residential, dock access, gate codes)

• Communicate past issues to prevent repeat problems

• Ask about insurance options for high-value goods

• Ensure SKUs are labeled clearly for efficient receiving at the destination

Conclusion

Palletized shipping is an essential part of efficient eCommerce logistics for businesses scaling into wholesale, retail distribution, or oversized product delivery. With the right strategy, you can lower costs, improve delivery success, and protect your products in transit.

By partnering with Daguer Logistics, your business gains a trusted 3PL that knows how to streamline pallet freight, avoid costly missteps, and deliver both D2C and B2B shipments with confidence.

Ready to optimize your palletized shipping?

Contact Daguer Logistics today to learn how we can simplify and scale your freight fulfillment operations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between LTL and palletized shipping?

LTL shipping typically uses pallets to consolidate multiple packages for freight shipping. So palletized shipping is a common method used within LTL freight.

2. How many pallets fit in a truckload?

A standard 53-ft trailer fits up to 26 standard 48x40” pallets single-stacked, or more if double-stacked.

3. How do I avoid reclassification fees in LTL shipping?

Work with a 3PL like Daguer Logistics that properly classifies freight and disputes carrier misclassifications on your behalf.

4. Can I ship pallets to residential addresses?

Yes, but you’ll need liftgate service and possibly a smaller truck. Daguer Logistics arranges these details for you.

5. How long does pallet shipping take?

Most domestic LTL freight shipments take 2 to 5 business days, depending on distance and destination.

6. Can I ship internationally with palletized freight?

Yes. Palletized shipments can be sent via air, sea, or intermodal freight, depending on destination and urgency.

7. Does Daguer Logistics handle both D2C and palletized freight?

Absolutely. We specialize in hybrid fulfillment models, combining D2C parcel delivery with B2B pallet shipping from the same warehouse.