Pallet collars, crates and dunnage

Go beyond the pallet base

Packing teams may introduce more timber after the pallet is chosen: collars around loose items, blocks beneath machinery, battens inside a case or wedges used for restraint. Include all of it in the review. A well-specified pallet does not establish the status of separate pieces added during packing.

Create a packaging bill of materials

List each wooden component, its purpose, approximate dimensions and who supplies it. State whether it is a permanent part of the packaging unit or a separate loose item. Give the list to your packaging provider early, particularly for machinery, irregular loads and one-off projects. Ask them to confirm the appropriate treatment and marking arrangements.

Keep spare timber under control

A pile of spare boards in the packing area can undermine an otherwise controlled process. Separate material approved for an export job from general workshop timber. Label stock clearly and brief anyone who may help with late packing changes. If extra support is needed, stop and obtain suitable material rather than improvising from an unknown source.

A specialist exception needs specialist advice

UK guidance includes a specific category of associated controlled dunnage for certain timber consignments. It is not a general exemption for loose wood used around ordinary goods. If you export timber itself, refer the consignment and dunnage details to the Forestry Commission guidance or a qualified specialist rather than relying on a generic pallet checklist.

Separate packaging dunnage from special timber-trade cases

Loose timber used to support cargo is a frequent omission from pallet enquiries. UK guidance also describes associated controlled dunnage for specified timber consignments, with particular conditions. That specialised case should not be treated as a general exemption for timber blocks used with ordinary manufactured goods. Check the official guidance for the actual timber movement.

Cut lengths and marking visibility

A packing operation may cut loose timber into shorter pieces. Discuss how the finished pieces will meet the relevant marking requirements with the authorised provider before cutting. A mark on one end of a long board should not be assumed to identify every unmarked offcut.

Keep treated packaging components identifiable during storage and packing. Mixing them with miscellaneous workshop timber makes later verification difficult.

Assign responsibility for additions

Name who supplies blocking, wedges, braces and collars. Include the final materials in the order or packing scope. If a freight or packing operator adds timber after collection, make sure it knows the destination requirement and records what was used. A compliant pallet purchase cannot cover unreviewed additions automatically.