Start with the actual load
Packaging businesses may ship bulky but relatively light goods, dense reels or nested products. Volume, contact pattern and customer automation can matter as much as gross mass.
The requirements to settle first
Give dimensions of the finished packed stack and any limits on compression or contact. For repeat lines, supply pallet tolerances and conveyor requirements. Discuss moisture expectations where paper or board products are involved.
An illustrative planning example
A change from flat-packed cartons to assembled packaging can increase volume without the same increase in mass. Review loaded dimensions and securing rather than automatically keeping the old pallet arrangement.
Information for the supplier
Packed format; height; support pattern; moisture criteria; equipment tolerances. Give dimensions in millimetres and distinguish product weight from the gross packed weight. Include the quantity and a drawing or loading plan where available. Identify which requirements are mandatory and where you want the supplier to propose an option.
ISPM 15 and the complete packing assembly
For an export movement using regulated raw-wood packaging, confirm the applicable treatment and marking. Include timber blocks, collars, cases and dunnage added during packing. A pallet specification does not certify the cargo or replace destination, customer or handling requirements. Check the final assembly before dispatch, particularly if anything has changed after the order.
Discuss supply and delivery
Contact the team with the specification, delivery postcode, unloading equipment and the date pallets are needed for packing. New or used condition, exact construction, availability, price and delivery are confirmed against the enquiry. For repeat requirements, describe the expected frequency and how specification changes will be controlled.
Sources & further reading
Forestry Commission: wood packaging material for import and export (opens in a new tab)HSE: pallet safety, PM15 (opens in a new tab)References reviewed 7 October 2026. Confirm the current rules for your shipment with the relevant authority or freight adviser.