Could timber pallets put your export shipments at risk?

We have noticed there are increasing reports about how timber pallets have lately been contributing to container rain. Container rain happens when high moisture levels in a sealed container (or trailer) cause condensation on the roof which then falls like rain on the cargo below.

This moisture can leads to all sorts of nasty damage to your cargo, such as deteriorated packaging, caking of powders, corrosion, and mold.

How can we explain this sudden increase?

The reason is actually quite simple…

The current timber shortage has seen prices of pallets skyrocket by 60% so far this year. The price increase is driving pallet manufacturers to using newer timber to meet the rise in demand. In the past, the average time taken to turn a tree into a pallet was 30 days. Today, this process takes as little as 7 days.

Kiln drying removes some of the moisture from timber, but the moisture content of freshly cut green timber is around 100%. Estimates suggest that 90% of pallets are delivered in “green condition”. A typical 120cm x 100cm newly manufactured hardwood pallet can contain as much as 11ltr – 15ltr of water.

A simple solution

Without disruption of your supply chain

Strategic use and placement of desiccants can completely control the moisture levels in sealed containers and trailers. Moisture and temperature levels greatly depend on the route the cargo is travelling.

Cordstrap’s online moisture risk assessment tool can quickly assist you to determine the level of moisture damage your cargo could be exposed to. Of course our expert team is happy to assess the specific risks for your cargo and transportation route as well.

Once the risk factor is established we offer an extensive moisture control portfolio which exists of the latest calcium chloride and starch technology. Our products will absorb up to 350% of their weight in water. The highest absorption in the market!

Our desiccants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, to make sure they can be placed at any location inside a container, such as boxes, blankets, sachets and hooked bags.

Moisture problems?

We are here to help!

If you are using new timber pallets in your supply chain and want to avoid the risk of moisture damage, or like to resolve existing moisture damage, without major disruption to your supply chain, get in touch.

Our cargo protection experts will be more than happy to put your mind at ease. Give us a call at 1300 4 strap (1300 478 727) today!