Pallet Shipment Guide: Types, Preparation, and Business Quotes
Moving bulky goods requires more than standard parcel shipping. With our professional pallet shipment services, you can transport goods securely and reliably, whether you’re sending a single pallet, managing larger, multi-pallet shipments or planning an oversized pallet delivery.
Whether you need to send a pallet across Ireland or you’re shipping a pallet internationally, we’re here to help you choose the right service based on size, urgency and destination.
Complete Pallet Shipment Solutions
Pallet delivery involves transporting goods stacked and secured on a pallet. This helps ensure safe handling during transit. Pallet freight is widely used across industries such as automotive, chemical, retail and healthcare.
Shipping goods on pallets also improves load stability, simplifies forklift handling and helps reduce the risk of damage compared to loose cargo. This means pallet delivery provides you with a structured and efficient way to move heavier or bulk goods.
DHL supports pallet shipment services in Ireland and internationally through three specialised business units:
- DHL Express for time-definite shipments, including palletised goods that fall within Express size and weight limits.
- DHL Global Forwarding for larger, heavier or multi-pallet shipments via air, rail, ocean and road freight, including customs brokerage and documentation support.
- DHL Freight for European overland freight — providing flexible and scalable transport solutions tailored to your shipment volume, with expert handling and quality-assured road and rail services throughout Europe.
Reliable Pallet Shipment Across Ireland
For domestic pallet shipments within Ireland, we offer reliable options that fit your schedule, shipment size and business priorities:
This means, when you choose DHL for your pallet shipment you gain access to:
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How to Send a Pallet with DHL?
If you’re sending a pallet internationally, we’ll help you choose the right freight option and prepare the required customs documentation upfront. Sending a pallet with us follows a clear and reliable process:
- Prepare your pallet: Ensure your goods are securely stacked, balanced and wrapped so they don’t move around during transit.
- Book your shipment: Use our online tools to get an instant pallet quote to estimate shipping costs for pallets or consult a freight specialist to find the right service for you based on urgency, destination and cargo type.
- Transport and handling: Depending on your needs, we transport your goods using our road, rail, air or ocean freight services. International shipments include customs documentation and regulatory coordination.
- Delivery and confirmation: We provide tracking and coordinated delivery to your destination, so you always know where your shipment is.
How to Prepare Your Pallet for Shipping
A successful shipment starts with preparing your pallet correctly. We’re here to help you:
Choose a pallet size that properly supports your cargo and keeps it stable whilst in transit. In Ireland, 122cm x 102cm pallets are commonly used for freight handling.
Distribute the weight evenly across the pallet to keep your shipment balanced during transport. Stable stacking helps reduce the risk of shifting or damage.
Secure your goods tightly using stretch wrap and, where needed, additional strapping. This keeps items firmly in place throughout handling and transit.
Label your pallet clearly with accurate destination details, shipment references and handling information. Clear labelling helps prevent delays and misrouting.
For international pallet shipment, ensure all customs documentation is complete and accurate before shipping. Proper paperwork helps avoid clearance delays and keeps your cargo moving smoothly.
Choose a pallet size that properly supports your cargo and keeps it stable whilst in transit. In Ireland, 122cm x 102cm pallets are commonly used for freight handling.
Distribute the weight evenly across the pallet to keep your shipment balanced during transport. Stable stacking helps reduce the risk of shifting or damage.
Secure your goods tightly using stretch wrap and, where needed, additional strapping. This keeps items firmly in place throughout handling and transit.
Label your pallet clearly with accurate destination details, shipment references and handling information. Clear labelling helps prevent delays and misrouting.
For international pallet shipment, ensure all customs documentation is complete and accurate before shipping. Proper paperwork helps avoid clearance delays and keeps your cargo moving smoothly.
For more information on preparing pallet shipments, download our packing guide here: DHL Express Large and Palletized Packing Guide
Reliable International Pallet Shipment
Shipping Options for International Pallet Delivery
Looking to ship outside of Ireland? Our international pallet delivery solutions keep your goods moving across borders with confidence and control.
Why Ship Your Pallets Internationally With DHL
When you ship pallets across borders, you need confidence and not just transport. With DHL, you benefit from:
- Simpler cross-border shipping: Work with one trusted partner instead of coordinating multiple carriers in different countries.
- Fewer customs surprises: Get support with documentation and clearance so your shipment keeps moving.
- Specialised cargo expertise: Ship temperature-sensitive, high-value or regulated goods with experienced handling.
- Clear shipment visibility: Stay informed at every stage of your international pallet shipment.
- Support as you expand: Enter new markets without rebuilding your logistics setup from scratch.
Connect With a Pallet Shipping Expert
In just few easy steps, tell us a little more about your pallet shipment needs. Your answers let us connect you to the right expert to answer your questions.
Specialised Pallet Shipment Services
We understand that not all shipments are the same. That’s why we offer tailored solutions designed to meet your specific needs:
- High-value cargo: Ship valuable goods with secure handling and added protection.
- Temperature-controlled cargo: Move temperature-sensitive goods safely with controlled transport options.
- Oversized cargo: Transport large or unusually shaped shipments with the right freight capacity.
- Dangerous goods: Move hazardous materials safely, with proper handling and documentation to meet international requirements.
- Sustainable shipping options: Choose Emission Reduced Logistics to help reduce the carbon emissions associated with your pallet despatch.
Scaling Your Despatch Needs
If you despatch pallets regularly, partnering with DHL helps you simplify your pallet delivery service. You benefit from streamlined booking, structured processes and dedicated support for every pallet despatch.
If you operate across multiple locations, we help centralise your pallet courier service under one network. This gives you greater visibility, consistency and control across domestic and international despatches.
Connect With a Pallet Shipping Expert
In just few easy steps, tell us a little more about your pallet shipment needs. Your answers let us connect you to the right expert to answer your questions.
FAQ - Common Questions About Pallet Shipment
Getting started is simple. Use our Get a Quote tool to review your pallet despatch options and pricing in just a few steps upfront, then book your despatch or connect with a DHL freight expert for support.
You can track your pallet shipment in real time using our Track & Trace service. This gives you full visibility into shipment status from pickup through to delivery.
Delivery times depend on your origin, destination and chosen service. Air freight offers faster transit for urgent shipments, whilst ocean and road freight provide reliable options for larger or cost-focused pallet freight. You can see estimated transit times when requesting your quote.
If you need help, our freight experts are on hand to assist you. From documentation and customs questions to choosing the right service, we’re here to ensure your pallet shipment arrives quickly and reliably.
If you ship pallet freight often, becoming a frequent shipper helps streamline your pallet delivery service. You benefit from simplified booking, structured processes and dedicated business support.
A pallet typically includes both a top and bottom deck, allowing forklifts to lift the load from multiple sides. Pallets are designed for stability, stacking and warehouse efficiency. A skid shipment refers to freight placed on a single-deck platform without a bottom base. Skids are often used for machinery or lighter loads that do not require stacking. Whilst both support freight transport, pallet shipment generally offers greater load security and compatibility with warehouse handling systems.