In the world of logistics and supply chain management, pallet selection plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of operations.
Usually, most businesses rely on pallets of custom sizes that are typically specified to their needs. While they are effective today, there is an emerging trend of GMA pallets.
Luckily, it’s not just a trend; it is for all good reasons.
If you are still contemplating, let us help you out.
Here is why switching from custom-sized pallets to GMA could be a game changer for your business.
Understanding Pallets
Before we begin, let’s understand what pallets mean and what they actually do.
In simpler words, they are a flat wooden structure to lift, transport, and store goods.
Now, a standard pallet typically consists of three parts:
- top deck,
- a bottom deck,
- wood boards or blocks sandwiched between the two decks
The dimensions of the wood significantly depend on the quality of the pallets. Usually, the higher-quality pallets have thicker dimensions and vice versa.
GMA pallets, however, are specifically designed to meet the standardized guidelines for food industry pallets. Their name follows the developer Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA)
These pallets follow a distinctive top and bottom board pattern with specifications like:
- 1 x 6 x 40 lead board top & bottom,
- 5 pieces of 1 x 4 x 40 fill boards on top,
- 3 pieces of 1 x 4 x 40 fill boards on the bottom
For anyone who wants to grow their food business significantly, this is a classic choice.
Reasons to Get GMA Pallets
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most compelling reasons to switch to GMA pallets is the cost-effectiveness. Custom-sized pallets often come with higher production costs due to their customization, non-standard dimensions, and materials.
GMA-type pallets are generally mass-produced according to standard specifications. It lowers the per-unit cost, thereby significantly impacting the business’s total price.
Improved Storage and Space Utilization
GMA Pallets, with their standard dimensions, allow better storage, stacking, and space optimization. Be it a warehouse rack or a shipping container, these types of pallets maximize available space, all while reducing the need for additional storage and shipping costs.
Easier Handling and Transport
These pallets are specifically designed for easy handling with materials like forklifts and pallet jacks. This compatibility ultimately reduces the risk of any damage during handling and transport.
On the other hand, custom-size pallets are commonly at risk due to unusual dimensions.
Moreover, this ease of handling leads to seamless loading and unloading, contributing to faster turnout times and increased productivity.
Environmental Benefits
This isn’t all; switching to GMA pallets can also contribute to your business’s sustainability goals. Since these pallets are standardized, it is easier to recycle, reuse, and reduce the need for new materials.
Doing so not only reduces waste but also saves a lot of additional cost and time spent on extra materials.
Greater Flexibility and Scalability
Last but not least, as the business grows, flexibility and scalability become significant. Luckily, GMA pallets can adapt to your business needs and changing environment.
Whether you are expanding your market or simply increasing your production volume, these pallets have your back by providing a consistent and reliable platform to support your business growth without any external need.
The list can go on and on, but we hope you got the hang of it.
Decide for your business growth now!
