Floor loaded vs Palletized: What is the Difference?

Virginia Miller

May 25, 2024

In this article

Shipping containers are widely used to transport goods. They are known as full truckload or less than truckload freight in the shipping lexicon. There are two styles of loading shipping containers with goods. One is floor-loaded style, and the other is palletized style. The 3pl partners of sellers can use either of the two loading styles for shipping the goods.

Floor Loaded vs. Palletized Shipping: A Comparison

When preparing products for shipping, businesses must decide whether to use floor loaded or palletized loading styles. What do these terms mean and what are the pros and cons of each method?

What is Floor Loaded Shipping?

Floor loaded shipping involves stacking products directly on the floor of the shipping container up to the ceiling. Goods are loaded without pallets or other equipment. This method is also called floor stacking.

What is Palletized Shipping?

With palletized shipping, products are loaded onto pallets which are then wrapped together into a single unit. The loaded pallets are placed into the shipping container. Straps or shrink wrap are used to secure the products to the pallets.

Comparing Floor Loaded vs. Palletized Shipping

There are pros and cons to both floor loaded and palletized shipping methods:

Floor Loaded Shipping

Pros:

Fits more products into the container
Lower packaging costs since pallets aren't needed
Usually cheaper overall

Cons:

Risk of damage to delicate items
Longer loading/unloading times

Palletized Shipping

Pros:

Protects fragile goods from damage
Faster loading/unloading process
Elevates products from container floor

Cons:

Fits fewer items per container
Added expense for pallets
Higher cost overall

Choosing the Best Method

When deciding between floor loaded or palletized shipping, consider factors like:

Product type and durability
Number of items to be shipped
Cost and efficiency needs

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FAQs

What is the difference between floor loaded and palletized shipping?

Floor loaded shipping involves stacking products directly on the container floor, while palletized shipping means loading goods onto pallets which are then placed in the container.

When should you use floor loaded shipping?

Floor loading fits more items per container, so it works well for high volume shipments of durable products. It's also cheaper since pallets aren't needed.

When is palletized shipping the better option?

Use palletized shipping for fragile items needing more protection. It also allows faster loading and unloading. The pallets elevate goods above the container floor.

How do costs compare between floor loaded and palletized shipping?

Floor loaded shipping has lower costs overall. Palletized methods require buying pallets and palletizing equipment, adding expense. But floor loading takes more labor for loading/unloading.

What factors should you consider when deciding on a shipping method?

Consider product type, number of items, need for protection against damage, shipping costs, efficiency needs and other factors. Your fulfillment partner can provide recommendations.

What are some pros of floor loaded shipping?

Pros of floor loading include fitting more items per container, lower packaging costs, and overall cheaper shipping. Loading to the ceiling maximizes space.

What are some cons of palletized shipping?

Downsides of palletizing include higher costs for pallets and related equipment, as well as fitting fewer products per container since pallets take up space.

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