Quick Answer
Pallets fail in transit mainly from insufficient securing, poor load patterns, low film tension and inadequate strapping. Prevent it by stabilising with high pre-stretch stretch film, securing heavy items with PET or cord strap, applying correct tension, reinforcing the top and bottom of the load, and using edge protection. Greenstrix supplies the materials and advice to keep loads stable.
Why pallets fail
Most pallet failures in transit come from a handful of causes: loads that are not unitised tightly enough, poor stacking patterns that shift, stretch film applied with too little tension or too few wraps, strapping that is under-tensioned or wrong for the load, and sharp edges that cut into the securing material. The dynamic forces of road and ocean transport - braking, vibration, cornering - then do the rest, and the load shifts, leans or collapses.
Stabilise with the right film
Stretch film is the primary defence against load collapse. Use a multi-layer high pre-stretch film, set the pre-stretch ratio correctly, and reinforce the top and bottom of the load where stability matters most. Adequate wraps and tension lock the load to the pallet. Puncture-resistant film prevents tearing on sharp-edged goods.
Secure heavy items with strapping
Film alone cannot hold heavy or rigid items - those need strapping. PET strapping secures heavy loads up to 1,400 Kgf, and composite cord strap handles the heaviest cargo, anchoring items to the pallet so they cannot shift. Apply correct tension, form joints to specification, and use edge protectors on sharp corners.
A prevention checklist
To cut failures: build stable, interlocked load patterns; stretch-wrap with correct tension and enough wraps, reinforcing top and bottom; strap heavy or rigid items to the pallet; use edge protection; and match film gauge and strap grade to the load. Greenstrix supplies high pre-stretch stretch film, PET/PP strapping and cord strap, plus advice on tension and patterns - and samples to validate stability on your own loads before you ship.
| Key | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main causes | Weak unitising, low tension, wrong strap |
| Film fix | High pre-stretch, correct wraps & tension |
| Heavy loads | Strap to the pallet (PET/cord) |
| Greenstrix fit | Film + strapping + tension advice |
Related Guides
Losing goods to transit damage? Contact Greenstrix at sales@greenstrix.com or WhatsApp +49 176 85614141 for film and strapping samples, a bulk quote, or tensioning advice.