Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Pallets

1. Pallets are ancient. While modern pallets as we know them were developed in the early 20th century, the concept of using pallet-like structures dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, used primitive pallet-like platforms to move and store heavy objects.
2. Pallets are useful year-after-year. Wooden pallets have an average lifespan of about 3 to 7 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Plastic pallets, on the other hand, can last for 10 years or more due to their resistance to weather and degradation.
3. Pallets are part of the circular economy. Through pallet pooling and sharing systems, pallets are rented or leased rather than bought. This helps reduce costs and ensures efficient use of pallets throughout the supply chain.
4. Pallets are out of this world. Pallets have even been used in space missions. NASA has used specially designed pallets for transporting equipment and supplies to space shuttles and the International Space Station (ISS).
5. Pallets are patented. The earliest patent for a pallet design was filed in 1924 by Howard T. Hallowell, who is often referred to as the “Father of the Pallet.” His design closely resembles the modern pallet we use today.
6. Pallets can be upcycled into pyramids! In 2017, a Guinness World Record was set for the largest pallet pyramid in the world. It consisted of 17,106 pallets stacked to form a massive pyramid in Brazil.
7. Pallets don’t take holidays off. Pallets are always moving goods from here to there. But they’re especially useful after holidays. Once the rush is over, pallets assist in the organization and transportation of unsold merchandise or items designated for clearance sales. This process helps stores clear out holiday-themed items efficiently and prepare for the next seasonal transition.

We hope you enjoy a fun and safe Labor Day holiday with family and friends. And when it’s time to get back to work, contact the pros at Rose Pallet for all your pallet and crate needs.