According to the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA), lawsuits claiming injuries from pallet-related injuries are on the rise.  Pallets are now being used in volume discount retail facilities to hold product, and the suits are claiming poor quality, improperly designed, damaged, or improperly repaired pallets as the basis.  

Another more important condition is called point loading. Plastican has conducted a study on the adverse effect of unequal load distribution upon load bearing strength (compression strength) of HDPE industrial pails. The principal cause of point loading is the wooden pallets upon which pails are stored and transported. Pallet design and condition, pail placement or location on a pallet, and the placement of upper pallets upon lower load bearing pallets will all affect compression strength of the pails.

Bottom line is to make sure pallets are in good condition and product is palletized correctly before shipping.  Plastican has a flyer available on proper palletization for its customers.