Supply chain

Timcon, the timber packaging and pallet confederation, has warned pallet buyers against the dangers of using the wrong pallet specification.

"It's reached the stage in recent years where people are driving for cost savings in all areas and pallets are an easy target," said former Timcon president Gil Covey.

According to Covey, many companies are failing to check they are receiving the pallets they ordered.

Companies that do not use pallets that correspond to their needs leave themselves no margin for error, he said.

Some companies have cut their specification to the absolute minimum so "if anyone cheats a little bit on the specification they are in danger".

Pallet buying is often carried out at a junior level within in an organisation, meaning the dangers of incorrect pallet specifications can be overlooked.

The problem has worsened over the last 18 months, with the 50% rise in world timber prices increasing the temptation to cut costs, said Covey.

Timcon members must adhere to a code of conduct. The association provides a technical hotline if further information about pallet specifications is required.

Click here for more information from Timcon.