Understanding Pallet Loading Techniques: Static vs Dynamic

September 12, 2024

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A truck is loaded with boxes and pallets in a warehouse.

Because warehouses are often filled with countless pallets, it can be understandable for a novice to assume that one is "just as good as any other." However, this is rarely ever the case. What you place on those pallets (and how those items are transported) are just as important as the pallets themselves.

Case in point: static vs dynamic pallet loads. They may seem similar, but they actually have a number of important differences you need to be aware of moving forward.

What is Static Loading?

Static loading is a term used to describe situations where the force applied to a load remains constant. The load itself is non-varying, and it is positioned on an object while it is at rest.

What is Dynamic Loading?

Dynamic loading, on the other hand, happens when weight gets applied to an object before that object is put into motion. You may sometimes hear this referred to as a "live load," because the load itself could change position, magnitude, or even direction as a result of this action.

Key Differences Between Static Load and Dynamic Load

To get a better understanding of how static loading and dynamic loading apply to real world conditions, it is important to learn more about the chief differences between the two.

Again, a static load involves weight that will remain constant. You can depend on this fact and make decisions as a direct result of it. No external forces will change these conditions after loading has occurred. This is unlike a dynamic load, where the weight while in motion is subject to additional forces.

Because of this, dynamic loads can exert more force on a structure compared to their static counterparts. Weight shifts and even acceleration could change how something is positioned or how much it "weighs" depending on the situation, and you need to plan for that to avoid issues.

The explanation for this ultimately comes down to how force is calculated. When you take the mass of an object and multiply it by the acceleration, you get the force. Dynamic loads are subject to more force than static ones - hence the additional considerations.

Load Rating

When you're working in a warehouse environment, it's critical to pay close attention to the load ratings of pallets and other types of objects. A pallet will have a load rating, which roughly equates to a maximum weight rating. This means that whatever you stack on the pallet should not exceed the listed weight.

A warehouse filled with lots of boxes and pallets.

Load ratings will be printed for static and dynamic loads for an important reason - assuming that there is a 1:1 translation between the two could immediately lead to a dangerous situation. You don't want to exceed the load rating because the pallet itself could become damaged and unsafe. If that happens while something heavy is being transported, anyone in the area could be at risk.

How to Choose the Right Load Rating

Choosing the right load rating for something like a pallet will ultimately come down to what it is that you're trying to move.

A wood stringer pallet, for example, has a load rating of 2,500 pounds for both dynamic and static loads. A wood block, on the other hand, has a load rating of 5,500 pounds for a static load and 4,600 pounds for a dynamic one.

The differences become truly stark when you talk about plastic pallets. They can hold 30,000 pounds for a static load... but only 5,000 pounds for a dynamic load.

Because of this, you want to start with the item you're transporting and work your way back to the logistics solution with the load rating to match. If external forces are applied to the object in any way, you need to carefully consider what that means in terms of safely moving a dynamic load.

Safety

Again, the number one reason that you should focus on understanding static and dynamic pallet loading techniques is safety. Consider the example of plastic pallets above. If you load a plastic pallet with 25,000 pounds of static load without moving it for several weeks, you might not realize you have a problem. The minute someone goes to meaningfully change its position, however, it could fall and potentially crush people in the immediate area.

Making an effort to understand static versus dynamic loads, as well as the best practices to follow when safely handling them, goes a long way towards mitigating risk from accidents, injuries, and damage as well.

Efficiency

In a larger sense, understanding static vs dynamic loads also helps you make smarter choices when it comes to operational efficiency. It takes more care - and thus more time - to move dynamic loads safely. Once you know this, you can put certain items in strategic locations where they can be easily retrieved without problems.

Regulations and Standards

A man is pushing a pallet truck with boxes on it.

As is true with so many other parts of logistics, there are strict standards and regulations that you must adhere to when it comes to static vs dynamic loads. This isn't just a legal matter, mind you - you have an ethical responsibility to operate safely as well.

These regulations will often vary depending on the state that you're operating in, so make sure that you understand them (or have someone on staff who does) for the best results moving forward.

Load Management Inspection and Maintenance Tips

Overall, pallets should always be maintained and inspected on a regular basis to check for signs of normal wear and tear, excess damage, and any issues that may compromise the structural integrity. Never let yourself forget that a damaged or weakened pallet is more than just a minor inconvenience. It could create an incredibly dangerous situation if you're not careful.

Pallet inspection and maintenance when required are pivotal components of load management. It isn't just about storing items when in transit and at rest. It's about making sure you're as prepared as possible for both of these conditions.

If you'd like to find out more information about pallet loading techniques as they relate to a static load vs dynamic load, or if you have any additional questions that you'd like to go over with someone in a bit more detail, please don't hesitate to contact the team at Advance Pallet today.