How to prepare a pallet for shipping in Canada

Measure the finished load, secure it to a suitable base and settle pickup and delivery access before comparing quotes.

Quote the finished pallet

Before requesting a rate, record the number of handling units, full outside dimensions and packed weight. Include the pallet and packaging. For example, a load on a 48 × 40-inch base is not a 48 × 40 × 40-inch shipment if the finished height is 52 inches. Keep different-sized pallets as separate lines in your enquiry.

Choose a base that fits the load

Inspect the pallet for damage, adequate capacity and usable forklift access. Keep the load within its footprint and distribute weight evenly. UPS’s pallet guide recommends avoiding broken boards, projecting nails, overhang and loads above the pallet’s capacity; it also describes securing the load, edge protection and consistent shipping labels. These are preparation principles, not a universal acceptance specification. UPS pallet preparation guide (PDF).

Keep it stable and protected

Use packaging suited to the product and the journey. FedEx’s pallet guidance describes column stacking for compression strength and warns against overhanging or pyramid-shaped loads. Rigid contents may support other stacking arrangements, but appearance alone does not establish strength. Secure the product to the base and ask the chosen carrier which wrapping, banding or bracing it requires. FedEx pallet guidance.

Tell the provider how it will be loaded

• Is the pickup a commercial dock, a shop without a dock, a residence or a terminal drop-off?
• Is a suitable forklift available at both ends, or is a liftgate needed?
• Can the receiving location accept the vehicle and safely unload the actual load?
• Are appointment, limited-access, inside-delivery or non-stackable services needed?
• Can the freight stay upright, and can anything safely be placed on top?

Ask the provider to put the included accessorial services in the quote. A low base freight price is not enough to compare two different scopes. Keep photographs and your final dimensions with the request so the quoted load is unambiguous.

What changes for an overseas pallet?

Check the destination’s wood-packaging requirements before selecting pallets, crates or dunnage. CFIA’s outbound-shipment guidance explains that international wood packaging must meet the relevant importing-country rules and ISPM 15 treatment/marking requirements where applicable. Use a qualified packaging supplier and confirm the destination requirements; a domestic pallet is not automatically export-ready. CFIA guidance for exporters.

Find a pallet-shipping provider Packing used automotive parts

Sources checked 26 October 2026. Requirements can change; confirm the shipment with the provider before tendering it.