Pallet exchange refers to the exchange of exchangeable load carriers – usually Euro pallets – between the sender and recipient. The goal is to maintain a balanced pallet inventory without additional costs.
Pallet exchange involves returning the number of pallets delivered. This occurs either immediately upon delivery or at a later time. The exchange ensures that neither party permanently loses or accumulates pallets.
As a rule, only undamaged Euro pallets that comply with the EPAL guidelines are exchangeable. Pallets with damaged deck boards or heavily soiled surfaces are not accepted. In practice, a distinction is often made between "1:1 exchange" (immediately upon unloading) and "delayed exchange."
A functioning pallet exchange is essential, especially in freight forwarding logistics. Without it, high costs for replacement pallets or delays in the flow of goods arise. Companies therefore often maintain pallet accounts to track bookings and outstanding exchange obligations.
Typical terms used in the context of pallet exchange are: Euro pallet, Industrial Pallet, Disposable Pallet and Load Securing
