Canada's ports receive over $200 billion worth of goods, and 340 tonnes of cargo every year. And that number is expected to double over the next 15 to 20 years.
With so much cargo being transported in and out of Canada, it's essential to keep freight safe during transit. That's where pallets, skids, and crates come in.
What the difference between a pallet, a skid, and a crate? Should I invest in custom skids for my Toronto business?
Keep reading for the answers to all of your shipping questions.
What Is a Pallet or Skid?
A pallet or skid is essentially the same item. It is a portable platform. It's used to package items for smooth transportation.
What do pallets/skids do? Most importantly, they protect the cargo. The platform supports goods when being moved via machinery, such as a forklift or pump truck. The pallets ensure the freight is safe and unharmed during the loading, transit, and unloading process.
Traditional pallets are wooden. But today, you may find pallets made from metal, plastic, and even recycled materials.
Today, skids can be customized to better fit the shipping company's needs.
The platforms date back several hundred years. They got their name from shipping professionals who used the devices to skid materials over dry land.
Skids were popular during World War II. The platforms safely transported large amounts of supplies to soldiers across the world. Since skids do not have a bottom platform, they could easily move across different types of terrain.
What Is a Crate?
Essentially, a crate is a box with four sides. They are usually made from wood. Shipping crates are effective in protecting cargo during transit.
In Canada, there are over 3,000 vehicles in UPS's road fleet. And more often than not, the vehicles are filled to capacity. Crates prevent heavy freight from damaging small or fragile packages during the delivery process.
Crates are very stable and can hold large volumes. On the downside, crates are bulky and heavy, making them more difficult and expensive to transport.
Skids vs Crates
Skids/pallets and crates are common shipping tools. They increase efficiency and keep cargo safe during transit. However, each one has its advantages and disadvantages.
Skids/Pallets are the most frequently used tool for shipping bulk items, and they are easy to move via forklift or pump truck. The bottom deck on a pallet makes it easy to stack and store.
Crates are fully enclosed boxes that protect freight throughout transit. They secure supplies, so freight companies can guarantee damage-free delivery.
Find Custom Skids in Toronto
So, now that you understand the difference between skids and crates, which one are you going to use for your next shipment?
Pack-All International is Canada's go-to shipping company. We provide custom skids for Toronto industrial and commercial customers. Our team can accommodate shipments of all shapes and sizes, including military spec packaging.
Rely on Pack-All International's custom skids to keep your materials safe during transit. Our unique lifting devices reduce freight damage and enhance the shipping process.