Pallet Unit Load Shipping Checklist (Free, PDF)

0%

0 of 27 items complete

11 critical items still open - these are the highest-risk gaps.

Download checklist:

Pallet condition

Pallet type and size match the customer or carrier requirementCRITICALPallet free of broken boards, protruding nails or splitsCRITICALHeat treatment or ISPM 15 mark present for export wood palletsCRITICALPallet clean, dry and free from odour or contaminationSlip sheets or top frames used where specified

Load build

Cartons stacked in the approved pallet patternCRITICALNo carton overhang beyond the pallet edgeLoad height within the carrier and customer limitCRITICALGross weight within pallet and carrier limitCRITICALCartons undamaged, no crushed corners or bulging sidesCorner boards used where requiredMixed SKU pallets have heavier cartons at the bottom

Securing

Stretch wrap anchored to the pallet and applied with the specified layersCRITICALStrapping tight and not cutting into cartons where usedTop cover or cap applied where requiredLoad does not move when pushed gentlyWrap tail secured, no loose film catching on forklifts

Labels and marking

Pallet label affixed on two adjacent sidesCRITICALSSCC barcode scans and matches the ASNCRITICALHandling marks such as fragile or this way up shown where requiredLot and date information visible for traceabilityOld labels from previous use removed or covered

Documents and systems

Packing list matches pallet content and quantityCRITICALShipment and pallet records confirmed in the ERP or WMSCRITICALASN sent only after the pallet is closed and scannedPhoto taken of the load for claims evidence where requiredCarrier signs for the correct pallet count

A pallet with any unchecked critical item should be held at the dock until it is corrected.

Dock checks tied to your ERP

Optional review of linking pallet closure, labels and ASN data in your ERP.

Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.

How to use it

Use it as a sampling check at the dock, or as a full check for new customers, export loads or after a damage claim. Tick the critical items first, then the rest. Export it to PDF or Excel to adapt the list to your customer routing guide and to store the result with the shipment record.

Check critical items on every pallet type at least once
Use customer routing guides as the final authority
Photograph a defect before correcting it
Record corrections in the shipment file

Why each section matters

Pallet condition affects forklift handling and import inspections, with ISPM 15 marking required for many export wood pallets. Load build and securing control transit damage, since cartons that overhang lose a large share of their compression strength. Labels and documents decide whether the receiving warehouse can scan and book the pallet without manual intervention.

Connecting to systems

Pallet closure should create a handling unit or SSCC in the ERP or WMS, and the ASN should be generated from that record. When the label, packing list and system record disagree, receiving DCs may charge back. Capture the check result and the fix in the shipment record to support later disputes.

Common mistakes

Checking only the first pallet of a shipment. Relying on stretch wrap alone for tall or heavy loads. Printing labels before the pallet is finalised and then adding cartons. Ignoring customer-specific pattern and height rules. Review chargeback data to find which checks to tighten.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 is an international standard for treating wood packaging material used in international trade. Compliant pallets carry a mark showing heat treatment or fumigation and the country and producer code.

How many layers of stretch wrap should I use?

There is no single answer. It depends on load weight, height, film type and carrier requirements. Test with your own loads and document the wrap pattern in the packaging specification.

Why do pallet labels go on two sides?

Two adjacent sides let the receiving team scan the pallet from either side without turning it. Many retailer routing guides specify the label position, so follow the customer document.

Does this replace a pallet test standard?

No. It is an operational dock checklist, not a laboratory test. Transit testing under ISTA or ASTM methods is a separate activity done by packaging engineering.

Netray can help link pallet closure, SSCC labels and ASN generation in your ERP so documents match the physical load.

Talk to an Expert Explore More Free Tools

Related Tools

Developer Tools

More Supply Chain & Inventory tools

See all

Palletized Unit Load Shipping Readiness Checklist