Not every load fits on an ordinary pallet. Standard sizes such as EUR and FIN pallets work extremely well for many storage and transport needs, but in practice you often come across products that are too long, wide or narrow, or otherwise unsuited to a standard pallet. In that case the right option may be long pallets or other custom-size pallets.
Suomen Lavacenter’s range also includes custom-size pallets. This is an important advantage when a company needs a solution that does not fit standard dimensions. A well-chosen custom pallet makes the load easier to handle, reduces unnecessary adjusting and makes the whole delivery safer and more practical.
What is a long pallet?
In practice, a long pallet is a pallet whose dimensions differ from ordinary standard-size pallets so that its length or other structure is adapted to a product that is longer than usual. A long pallet is therefore not one single standard product, but a solution chosen to suit the need in situations where an ordinary pallet is not enough.
This kind of need arises, for example, when handling long items, building materials, pipes, profiles, panels, trims or other goods that cannot sit safely on an ordinary pallet. If too much of the load overhangs the pallet, handling becomes harder and the load easily becomes unstable. A long pallet is then a much more sensible solution than forcing the load onto a standard pallet that is too small.
What are custom-size pallets?
Custom-size pallets are pallets whose size, structure or use differs from conventional standard pallets. Suomen Lavacenter’s custom pallets come in several different sizes and can also be supplied heat-treated. This shows that a custom-size pallet does not mean just one unusual dimension, but a broader way of solving situations where an ordinary EUR, FIN or one-way pallet is not the best option.
In practice, a custom-size pallet can be longer, wider, narrower or lower than usual, or otherwise adapted to its application. The most important thing is that the pallet supports the load properly and makes handling as smooth as possible. When the size is chosen to suit the product, the whole supply chain works better.
When is a standard-size pallet not enough?
Standard-size pallets work well for most ordinary deliveries, but not all products follow standard dimensions. If the goods are particularly long, unevenly distributed or otherwise awkward to handle, a standard solution can cause more problems than it solves. The load may then overhang the pallet too much, handling becomes awkward and the stability of the load suffers.
In many companies a standard-size pallet goes a long way, but it is precisely the unusual loads that make a custom-size pallet important. If the shape or dimensions of the product do not fit an ordinary pallet without compromises, a custom-size pallet is often the most sensible solution.
What are the benefits of a long pallet?
The biggest benefit of a long pallet is that it matches the actual dimensions of the load better. This sounds simple, but in practice it makes a big difference. When the load rests on the right base, it stays more stable, it is easier to move and the whole handling process is safer.
A long pallet can also reduce the need for temporary or impractical workarounds. Instead of trying to fit the load onto a pallet that is too small, the right size is chosen from the start. This can save time, reduce damage and make storage and transport easier.
Long pallet or ordinary one-way pallet?
A one-way pallet is a good and cost-effective solution in many situations, but its typical standard sizes are also usually 800 x 1200 mm and 1000 x 1200 mm. If the load is considerably longer or otherwise unusual, these dimensions may not be of much use. In that case a long pallet or another custom-size solution may be better in practice.
A one-way pallet works well when the delivery is simple and a standard solution is enough. A long pallet is needed when the size or shape of the load makes an ordinary solution awkward. So the question is not which one is better in general, but which one works better in your particular application.
Long pallet or EUR and FIN pallet?
The EUR pallet and the FIN pallet are well-known and practical standard options, but their strength lies precisely in standardisation. When the load fits these standard dimensions, they are often very sensible options. If, however, the load clearly differs from the usual dimensions, the same standardisation can become a limitation.
EUR and FIN pallets are a good choice when the goods fit on them naturally and you want to keep handling as uniform as possible. A long pallet or another custom-size pallet is better when the product itself dictates the dimensions. In that case the right solution is not to fit the load to the standard, but to fit the pallet to the load.
When should you choose a custom-size pallet?
A custom-size pallet is worth choosing when you need:
- a solution for a long or unusually shaped product
- a pallet that supports the load better than a standard model
- a safer and more stable handling solution
- a pallet made to measure for special transport or special storage
- a solution where a standard size would mean too many compromises
In practice, a custom-size pallet is the right choice when the dimensions or structure of the goods make a standard solution awkward. A correctly sized pallet can then save time, reduce damage and improve load handling considerably.
What is a long pallet suitable for?
A long pallet is particularly suitable for products that do not fit safely on an ordinary pallet. These may include long building supplies, metal profiles, pipes, trims, panel products, timber or other products where the load is longer than usual.
It also works well when the goods are fairly light but awkwardly shaped. Not all load challenges come from weight; they also come from dimensions. In such cases a long pallet can be far more important in practice than a heavier or sturdier structure.
How do you choose a custom-size pallet?
Choosing a custom-size pallet starts with the product. The most important thing is to understand what goes on the pallet, how long or wide the load is, how it is moved and in what environment it is handled. Length alone does not decide everything: weight distribution, stability, lifting method and storage also affect what kind of pallet works best.
That is why, when choosing a custom-size pallet, it pays to think through the whole chain of use: how the goods are packed, lifted, transported and unloaded. When these things are taken into account before the pallet is chosen, the end result works much better.
Does a long pallet need to be heat-treated?
In some cases, yes. At Suomen Lavacenter, all pallets are also available heat-treated. This is an important point especially when wooden packaging material is used for export or international deliveries.
If a long pallet or custom-size pallet is leaving Finland, always check in advance whether heat treatment is needed. This ensures that the pallet meets the requirements of the delivery and does not cause problems later on.
New or used custom-size pallet?
For custom-size solutions, a new pallet is often the natural choice because the requirement is usually precisely defined. On the other hand, a brand-new pallet is not the only sensible option in every situation. If the application allows it and the dimensions match the need, a used pallet may also be an option.
Suomen Lavacenter sells both new and used pallets and also makes pallets to order. This is a useful starting point when a company is looking for a more specialised solution and does not want to narrow down its options too early.
When is a long pallet better than an ordinary pallet?
A long pallet is better when using an ordinary pallet would require too many compromises. If the load extends beyond the pallet so clearly that stability, safety or ease of handling suffers, the right solution is usually to switch to a custom-size option.
Many companies first try to get by with standard-size pallets in every situation, but that is not always sensible. When the load is genuinely unusual, a pallet made to measure can be both safer and more economical than constantly adapting the load to the wrong base.
Long pallets and custom pallets in brief
Long pallets and other custom-size pallets are the right solution when an ordinary EUR, FIN or one-way pallet does not properly suit the load. They are useful especially for long, unusually shaped or otherwise non-standard products that need a base of the right size.
When the pallet is sized to the load, the goods are easier to handle, the load stays more stable and the whole delivery works better. A custom-size pallet is therefore not special for the sake of being special, but a practical tool for real situations.
Why get a long pallet or custom pallet from Suomen Lavacenter?
Suomen Lavacenter’s strengths are practical service, fast delivery and a wide range. In addition to custom-size pallets, the range includes EUR pallets, FIN pallets, one-way pallets, half pallets, forklift pallets, display pallets and pallet collars.
When a company has both standard and custom-size needs at the same time, it helps to get the solutions from the same place. This makes purchasing easier and simplifies managing the whole pallet fleet.
Summary: when should you choose a long pallet or custom-size pallet?
A long pallet or another custom-size pallet is worth choosing when the size or shape of the load does not fit an ordinary pallet without compromises. If the products are long, wide, awkwardly shaped or otherwise unusual, the right pallet solution can often be found outside the standard dimensions.
The best solution always depends on the need. When the pallet is chosen to suit the product, its handling and its transport, the work also goes more smoothly. A pallet of the right size is often a small detail with a big impact in practice.
Need a long pallet or custom-size pallets quickly? Suomen Lavacenter helps you choose the right solution and delivers pallets to suit your needs.
Frequently asked questions about long pallets and custom-size pallets
A long pallet is a pallet sized to suit the need, used when an ordinary pallet is not enough for a long or otherwise unusually shaped load.
Custom-size pallets are pallets whose size or structure differs from ordinary standard pallets. They are used when the dimensions of the load or the way it is used require a non-standard solution.
A long pallet is worth choosing when the load is too long or otherwise does not sit safely on an ordinary EUR, FIN or one-way pallet.
Yes. At Suomen Lavacenter, all pallets are also available heat-treated, which is important especially for international deliveries.
A custom-size pallet is chosen based on the product’s dimensions and weight and on how it is handled, transported and stored. The most important thing is that the pallet supports the load properly and works in practice.
A custom pallet is better when using an ordinary pallet would mean too many compromises in the stability, safety or ease of handling of the load.
