Pallet wrappers are specialized stretch wrapping machines designed to secure your pallet load for shipping. There are many reasons why you should consider investing in a pallet wrapper and avoid the many risks that come with hand-wrapping pallets. Here are some of the reasons you should invest in a pallet stretch wrapper:
- Improved Load Containment
Load containment is always a top priority for shipping products on a pallet. Your pallet may be placed on a less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment, which means there is more room for the pallet to shift. Even full loads may allow for product movement on a truck, train, or ship. A pallet wrapping machine provides a more secure wrapping solution. Not only are the product cases wrapped better together, but the load is secured completely to the pallet. This allows for minimal shifting during shipping.
- Reduced Product Loss
Improved load containment leads directly to the second benefit, which is reduced product loss during shipping and distribution. More securely wrapped pallets minimize damaged cases and products. This can save you a great deal of money over time, while providing fewer headaches for loss prevention personnel.
- Consistent Uniformity
One major advantage of pallet wrapping machines is the consistency and uniformity of the stretch wrapping. You no longer have to rely on hand-wrapping and all the human error involved. Hand-wrapping is like painting in an expressionist format. No two wraps are the same, even if you are wrapping the same set of products over and over again. Using a machine means more consistent results—pallet after pallet. Automated equipment removes the human element and often provides better quality.
- Versatility
Pallet wrapping machines can adapt to different packages, shapes, and shipping requirements. The machinery can be programmed to handle a variety of pallet configurations and provide the specific results you need for each and every pallet. In other words, there’s no more “eyeballing it” from hand-wrappers when there are different types of product pallets to be wrapped.
- Operational Efficiency
A pallet wrapping machine can wrap pallets in much less time than it takes for hand-wrapping. This frees those hand-wrappers to focus on other important operational needs and gives you a more efficient packaging system at the critical pallet wrapping and pre-shipment phase.
- Better Safety
What many packaging managers don’t realize (until it’s too late) is that hand-wrapping is one of the most dangerous activities that can be performed in a packaging facility. This is because the people doing the wrapping are walking backward. They may not be paying attention to their surroundings, or someone else may not see them coming from the side of a pallet. Accidents can happen and be costly to your business. Pallet wrapping machines do all the dirty work of stretch wrapping without putting your employees in harm’s way.
- Long-Term Cost Savings
Many packaging managers don’t believe they have enough pallet volume to justify a stretch wrapping machine. In most cases, plants with fewer than 10 pallets a day achieve a fairly rapid return on investment with this specialized equipment. You can usually see enough cost savings to justify the initial purchase within 24 months. Those facilities with higher numbers of pallets see the overall cost savings even sooner. Over time, the machinery pays for itself through the benefits mentioned above. A pallet wrapping machine may seem too expensive right now, but it can save you time, money, and headaches over the long run.
To learn more about pallet wrapping machines from the world’s leading manufacturers, contact First Packaging Systems today. The team at FPS knows this equipment inside and out, and we’ll find the right automatic or semiautomatic stretch wrapping equipment for your specific packaging needs and budget.
