Plastic pallets are used for more than just industrial shipping applications. Sometimes they are also considered for fun (and a little protection from flying paint).
Paintball ranges offer lots of hiding spots and shelters. We once had an inquiry for the cheapest plastic pallets offered by Nelson Company to use as bunkers.The paintball range had tried wood pallets. Unfortunately, the wood pallets have too much space between boards and players taking cover were getting splashed by paintballs through the cracks.
We recommended a low-cost closed deck plastic pallet, but the total cost still exceeded this customer's budget. Our lightest-weight and inexpensive pallet would have fit the paintball range's budget, but the cheaper plastic pallets have a very ventilated deck.
To protect the paintball players better than wood, the plastic pallets would need to be solid. While we couldn't assist this particular customer, we still think a solid deck plastic pallet would make a great paintball bunker.
Plastic Pallets - A Collection of Unique and Unusual Applications
Plastic Pallets
Friday, December 9, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Plastic Pallets Unit Load Design Expert Answers
Sometimes our experts in unit load design must tell a potential customer that his or her idea for using plastic pallets simply won't work. In this case, it was also a safety concern.
A horse barn was having issues with their horses getting wet feet and developing hoof rot. Their thought was to line the floor of the stables with plastic pallets so any liquids would flow through the deck of the pallet and the horse's feet would stay dry. Seems reasonable, right?
Well, here's the issue. Plastic pallets have weight capacities based on evenly distributed loads.This stable owner thought surely that a pallet designed for a 2200 lbs load should be able to adequately handle the horses because a horse only weighs 1200 lbs.
It took more than an hour of patiently explaining that four 6-8" round points of hoof contact (supporting 1200 lbs of continually shifting horse weight) did not make for an evenly distributed load. In the end, the stable owner agreed that the plastic pallets would be an unsafe solution for solving the issue of hoof rot.
A horse barn was having issues with their horses getting wet feet and developing hoof rot. Their thought was to line the floor of the stables with plastic pallets so any liquids would flow through the deck of the pallet and the horse's feet would stay dry. Seems reasonable, right?
Well, here's the issue. Plastic pallets have weight capacities based on evenly distributed loads.This stable owner thought surely that a pallet designed for a 2200 lbs load should be able to adequately handle the horses because a horse only weighs 1200 lbs.
It took more than an hour of patiently explaining that four 6-8" round points of hoof contact (supporting 1200 lbs of continually shifting horse weight) did not make for an evenly distributed load. In the end, the stable owner agreed that the plastic pallets would be an unsafe solution for solving the issue of hoof rot.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Plastic Pallets and Halloween? Yep...
It's October and soon it will be Halloween. If you thought plastic pallets and Halloween couldn't possibly go together, we're about to change your mind.
Our first spooky story started one early October with an order for several hundred lightweight, nestable plastic pallets. The pallets had to hold a few hundred pounds - but most importantly - they had to be black. Come to find out, the customer set up an annual pumpkin stand every Halloween. He used the black plastic pallets to keep pumpkins off the ground (similar to how some farmers use plastic pallets to control mold and moisture in hay bales). Why black? The orange pumpkins and black pallets created the perfect Halloween color scheme, of course.
Next, a popular amusement park located in Central Florida purchased several hundred, black plastic pallets for use in their annual Halloween haunted houses. Wait... what? Unlike more practical uses for plastic pallets, these pallets were to be hung in various locations throughout multiple creepy haunted houses. Intrigued? We were too. Turns out, the theme park planned to create bizarre shadows on the ceiling, walls and floors by casting light beams through several different plastic pallet designs. Next time you're in a haunted house, better tread carefully. You never know what types of plastic pallets could be lurking around the next corner - BOO!
Perhaps we should add "makes for great Halloween decorations" to our list of plastic pallet benefits!
Our first spooky story started one early October with an order for several hundred lightweight, nestable plastic pallets. The pallets had to hold a few hundred pounds - but most importantly - they had to be black. Come to find out, the customer set up an annual pumpkin stand every Halloween. He used the black plastic pallets to keep pumpkins off the ground (similar to how some farmers use plastic pallets to control mold and moisture in hay bales). Why black? The orange pumpkins and black pallets created the perfect Halloween color scheme, of course.
Next, a popular amusement park located in Central Florida purchased several hundred, black plastic pallets for use in their annual Halloween haunted houses. Wait... what? Unlike more practical uses for plastic pallets, these pallets were to be hung in various locations throughout multiple creepy haunted houses. Intrigued? We were too. Turns out, the theme park planned to create bizarre shadows on the ceiling, walls and floors by casting light beams through several different plastic pallet designs. Next time you're in a haunted house, better tread carefully. You never know what types of plastic pallets could be lurking around the next corner - BOO!
Perhaps we should add "makes for great Halloween decorations" to our list of plastic pallet benefits!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Plastic Pallets Used For Driveway Design
Although our typical customers are businesses, we sometimes receive requests for our plastic pallets from homeowners. One of the more common uses of plastic pallets by homeowners is for protecting household items from minor flood damage. In fact, several requests came in recently after Hurricane Irene marched up the east coast in August dumping lots of rains.
The unfortunate result of the storm, of course, was rivers overflowing banks and homes flooding. Many of those homeowners were already using wood pallets to elevate appliances and other home goods. After floods soaked the wood, homeowners turned to plastic pallets as an alternative.
So... while we are used to homeowners using plastic pallets in basements, we had a much more unique request - pallets for a driveway. This particular homeowner came up with the very creative idea of using pallets as a pattern for his driveway. To be specific, he liked the top deck design of our 100 ACM plastic pallet.
We're not exactly sure how he put the pallets to use. He mentioned something about burying the pallets in the ground beneath the driveway. We can imagine possibly using the plastic pallet as a "concrete stamp" for creating a stamped concrete driveway or patio. Either way, we were happy to supply plastic pallets for this homeowner's driveway project.
The unfortunate result of the storm, of course, was rivers overflowing banks and homes flooding. Many of those homeowners were already using wood pallets to elevate appliances and other home goods. After floods soaked the wood, homeowners turned to plastic pallets as an alternative.
So... while we are used to homeowners using plastic pallets in basements, we had a much more unique request - pallets for a driveway. This particular homeowner came up with the very creative idea of using pallets as a pattern for his driveway. To be specific, he liked the top deck design of our 100 ACM plastic pallet.
We're not exactly sure how he put the pallets to use. He mentioned something about burying the pallets in the ground beneath the driveway. We can imagine possibly using the plastic pallet as a "concrete stamp" for creating a stamped concrete driveway or patio. Either way, we were happy to supply plastic pallets for this homeowner's driveway project.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Trickling Filter System Uses Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets for a filtration system? We were surprised too, but it worked.
A company that builds filter systems had a unique idea. They wanted to use HDPE plastic pallets in a trickling filter system. Trickling filter systems often use a fixed bed of rocks, gravel, polyurethane foam and other material that allow wastewater to flow through and down. They are sometimes referred to as roughing filters or alternative septic systems. These systems can be used for treating residential sewage, municipal sewage systems or industrial wastewater.
To get a better idea of how this company used plastic pallets, think of a concrete structure like a large septic tank. The plastic pallets were laid on the floor of the tank and covered with poly mesh sheeting. The sheeting and the holes in the top of the pallets allowed the liquid to filter through the plastic pallets and be separated in a salt brine solution to be pumped away.
The plastic pallets and sheeting allowed an unimpeded passage for air, wastewater, biomass and solids. Together, the plastic pallets and sheeting virtually eliminating the risk of ponding or blockage.
While rocks and gravel are popular components of trickling filter systems, used tires have also been used along with plastic materials. In general, materials that can resist plugging and degradation over time are the most desirable. In this case open deck plastic pallets provided a cost-effective alternative to traditional filter material.
A company that builds filter systems had a unique idea. They wanted to use HDPE plastic pallets in a trickling filter system. Trickling filter systems often use a fixed bed of rocks, gravel, polyurethane foam and other material that allow wastewater to flow through and down. They are sometimes referred to as roughing filters or alternative septic systems. These systems can be used for treating residential sewage, municipal sewage systems or industrial wastewater.
To get a better idea of how this company used plastic pallets, think of a concrete structure like a large septic tank. The plastic pallets were laid on the floor of the tank and covered with poly mesh sheeting. The sheeting and the holes in the top of the pallets allowed the liquid to filter through the plastic pallets and be separated in a salt brine solution to be pumped away.
The plastic pallets and sheeting allowed an unimpeded passage for air, wastewater, biomass and solids. Together, the plastic pallets and sheeting virtually eliminating the risk of ponding or blockage.
While rocks and gravel are popular components of trickling filter systems, used tires have also been used along with plastic materials. In general, materials that can resist plugging and degradation over time are the most desirable. In this case open deck plastic pallets provided a cost-effective alternative to traditional filter material.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Plastic Pallets Save Household Items from Minor Flooding
In commercial industries, moisture problems and resulting mold can have a negative impact on everything from inventory in big corporate warehouses to hay bales at local farms. The loss from moisture penetration and mold can be devastating.
Loss of personal household items is equally (if not more) devastating for families living in homes prone to minor flooding. Does your basement or garage occasionally flood? Are you concerned about the items stored in those areas becoming destroyed by small amounts of standing water?
At Nelson Company, homeowners plagued by minor flooding have contacted us to buy plastic pallets for stacking and storing household items. Most of these residential customers buy just a few low cost plastic pallets at a time.
These homeowners have found our plastic pallets to be perfect for basement, garage or shed storage - keeping valuable household items a few inches off the floor in case of minor flooding.
While not all companies are willing to process small orders, Nelson Company will try. If our plastic pallets (or one of our strategic pallet partners) can provide a homeowner or small business owner with a unique solution or a little peace of mind, we're happy to oblige.
Loss of personal household items is equally (if not more) devastating for families living in homes prone to minor flooding. Does your basement or garage occasionally flood? Are you concerned about the items stored in those areas becoming destroyed by small amounts of standing water?
At Nelson Company, homeowners plagued by minor flooding have contacted us to buy plastic pallets for stacking and storing household items. Most of these residential customers buy just a few low cost plastic pallets at a time.
These homeowners have found our plastic pallets to be perfect for basement, garage or shed storage - keeping valuable household items a few inches off the floor in case of minor flooding.
While not all companies are willing to process small orders, Nelson Company will try. If our plastic pallets (or one of our strategic pallet partners) can provide a homeowner or small business owner with a unique solution or a little peace of mind, we're happy to oblige.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Pallet Fire Hazards
Pallets burn easily and in many parts of the country, both backyard burning and bonfires are popular activities that sometimes erroneously include wood pallets. These controlled outdoor fires are often designed to burn quickly, and in the case of bonfires, can become extremely large.
Bonfires are often planned in advance as part of celebrations, but can also be more impromptu events with contents being gathered haphazardly with anything burn-worthy found nearby - like wood pallets. This is exactly what was happening to the owner of a farm that contacted us about replacing wood pallets with plastic pallets.
The farmer wanted low-cost plastic pallets to replace the inexpensive wood pallets he had been using on the farm. His farm was located near the shore. On the weekends, local high school kids would sneak on the farm late at night and steal the wooden pallets for bonfires on the beach.
Not only were the kids costing this farmer money, but they were likely putting themselves and others nearby at harm.
You see, wood pallets are often treated with preservatives, fungicides and pesticides to deter pests, prevent mold on pallets and to meet ISPM 15 regulations. Plastic export pallets are exempt from these regulations.
If the wood pallets had previously been used for import or export, they were very likely fumigated with highly toxic pesticides. When burning wood pallets, the harmful effects of these treatment products are released in the smoke and ashes of the fire. Wood pallets should never be burned at home or in bonfires unless they have been verified as untreated.
Since switching to plastic pallets, none of the farmer's pallets have been stolen and we're happy to say he calls back every year at harvest time to order another truckload of plastic pallets.
Bonfires are often planned in advance as part of celebrations, but can also be more impromptu events with contents being gathered haphazardly with anything burn-worthy found nearby - like wood pallets. This is exactly what was happening to the owner of a farm that contacted us about replacing wood pallets with plastic pallets.
The farmer wanted low-cost plastic pallets to replace the inexpensive wood pallets he had been using on the farm. His farm was located near the shore. On the weekends, local high school kids would sneak on the farm late at night and steal the wooden pallets for bonfires on the beach.
Not only were the kids costing this farmer money, but they were likely putting themselves and others nearby at harm.
You see, wood pallets are often treated with preservatives, fungicides and pesticides to deter pests, prevent mold on pallets and to meet ISPM 15 regulations. Plastic export pallets are exempt from these regulations.
If the wood pallets had previously been used for import or export, they were very likely fumigated with highly toxic pesticides. When burning wood pallets, the harmful effects of these treatment products are released in the smoke and ashes of the fire. Wood pallets should never be burned at home or in bonfires unless they have been verified as untreated.
Since switching to plastic pallets, none of the farmer's pallets have been stolen and we're happy to say he calls back every year at harvest time to order another truckload of plastic pallets.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Plastic Pallets Resist Mold Growth Better than Wood
Plastic pallets are growing in popularity because mold and mildew on wooden pallets is becoming more and more of an issue for shippers and packagers throughout North America. Mold spores are everywhere in the air all the time - as many as 10,000 per cubic yard.
There are thousands of different species of molds that produce a variety of mold colors: blue, black, green, yellow, orange, red. Mold spores are constantly floating around and settling onto wood and other surfaces. Beyond damage to products at warehouses, mold problems at farms can ruin crops, hay and feed.
So... how does one work to prevent mold on wooden pallets?
First, work to reduce airborne spore density around your facilities. Second, consider the use of a fungicide dip treatment for your pallets or pallet parts. This dip treatment will not kill existing mold, but will act as a temporary barrier to any new mold growth. Third, store the pallets in a covered and well ventilated area. And fourth, keep pallets dry throughout the delivery and packaging processes.
There are also alternatives to the above mentioned steps. The use of kiln dried lumber that has a moisture content of 19% or below will not grow mold. Also, the use of other materials are becoming favorable alternatives. Both Plastic pallets and corrugated pallets are two potential options to utilize for both domestic and export shipments.
Remember that no wooden pallet can be guaranteed mold free. However, wooden pallets can be produced and maintained with no visible mold growth as long as the proper steps are taken. Plastic pallets, on the other hand, inherently resist mold growth better than wood.
There are thousands of different species of molds that produce a variety of mold colors: blue, black, green, yellow, orange, red. Mold spores are constantly floating around and settling onto wood and other surfaces. Beyond damage to products at warehouses, mold problems at farms can ruin crops, hay and feed.
So... how does one work to prevent mold on wooden pallets?
First, work to reduce airborne spore density around your facilities. Second, consider the use of a fungicide dip treatment for your pallets or pallet parts. This dip treatment will not kill existing mold, but will act as a temporary barrier to any new mold growth. Third, store the pallets in a covered and well ventilated area. And fourth, keep pallets dry throughout the delivery and packaging processes.
There are also alternatives to the above mentioned steps. The use of kiln dried lumber that has a moisture content of 19% or below will not grow mold. Also, the use of other materials are becoming favorable alternatives. Both Plastic pallets and corrugated pallets are two potential options to utilize for both domestic and export shipments.
Remember that no wooden pallet can be guaranteed mold free. However, wooden pallets can be produced and maintained with no visible mold growth as long as the proper steps are taken. Plastic pallets, on the other hand, inherently resist mold growth better than wood.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Plastic Pallets Control Mold for Farmer's Hay Bales
Moisture breeds mold. And, as many farmers know, too much moisture on the ground or in storage facilities can be a serious threat to their livelihood. Crops and other farming staples such as hay or feed can literally be destroyed by mold growth. Could this be a job for plastic pallets? A farmer in Florida thought so...
This particular farmer was searching for something to keep his rolls of hay up off the ground after they had been baled. He contacted Nelson Company to ask about solving his issue of mold with plastic pallets. Since plastic does not allow water absorption or the growth of bacteria we thought it was worth a try. We even saved the farmer money by suggesting used plastic pallets.
Did it work? You betcha! The farmer laid the plastic pallets out on the ground side-by-side to create a large platform. The platform kept the bottom of the hay rolls up off of the ground and dry.
The used plastic pallets worked so well for the farmer that so far he has ordered twice from Nelson Company!
This particular farmer was searching for something to keep his rolls of hay up off the ground after they had been baled. He contacted Nelson Company to ask about solving his issue of mold with plastic pallets. Since plastic does not allow water absorption or the growth of bacteria we thought it was worth a try. We even saved the farmer money by suggesting used plastic pallets.
Did it work? You betcha! The farmer laid the plastic pallets out on the ground side-by-side to create a large platform. The platform kept the bottom of the hay rolls up off of the ground and dry.
The used plastic pallets worked so well for the farmer that so far he has ordered twice from Nelson Company!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Nelson Company at SouthPack 2011
Did you see Nelson Company at SouthPack 2011 in Orlando, Florida. SouthPack. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about plus compare products and serivces in the packaging industry including material handling and logistics. Palletizers and racking systems, along with warehouse and inventory management systems were just some of the products and services on display.
As a vendor at the 2011 show, Nelson Company demonstrated the use of some of our most popular plastic pallets and plastic crates. In addition, visitors to our booth learned about Nelson-ART, our transaction processing software for managing the reverse distribution process.
As a vendor at the 2011 show, Nelson Company demonstrated the use of some of our most popular plastic pallets and plastic crates. In addition, visitors to our booth learned about Nelson-ART, our transaction processing software for managing the reverse distribution process.
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