How to Build a Stable Pallet: A Practical Checklist

A well-built pallet protects your product and makes a refused delivery much less likely. Run through this checklist before freight leaves your dock.

Start with the pallet

• Use a pallet in good condition, with no broken boards.
• Make sure it suits the weight of the load.

Stack with care

• Put the heaviest cartons at the bottom.
• Keep cartons within the edge of the deck, with no overhang.
• Stack corners over corners, since carton corners carry most of the weight.
• Keep the top level so that nothing sits in a pyramid shape.

Secure the load

• Wrap from the bottom, catching the pallet itself in the first few turns.
• Overlap each layer and keep tension consistent.
• Add banding or edge protection for heavy or fragile freight.

Label it

• Check the receiver’s labeling requirements before shipping.
• Put labels where they can be seen and won’t be covered by wrap.

If freight has already shifted, our restacking team can rebuild it.