When it comes to shipping and handling techniques for commercial loads, quality stretch wrapping is a must. Similar to shrink wrapping, stretch wrapping involves continuously wrapping pallets with a film material to protect from dust, moisture, etc. Many companies run into paying excessive damage and accident fees on their products due to improper wrapping and packaging. Since loads can become easily damaged due to constant shifting and moving, proper stretch wrapping pallets can determine how effective your loads are shipped and sent to their destinations. Use these tips to perfect your stretch wrapping before you ship a load off.
Tips on How to Stretch Wrap a Pallet Load
1. Prepare Your Load
Ensure that your load is properly stacked in a uniformed position and that they are supported by a durable pallet. Make sure that the contents in your load are as close as possible to avoid any spaces. Open spaces will make the stretch wrapping very difficult and ultimately ineffective.
2. Elevate
A pro tip to keep in mind; by wrapping your load on a raised surface it makes your stretch wrapping a much simpler process. This process involves much bending and squatting, and having an elevated surface is easier on the technician’s back and legs. An easier way to wrap the corners of your load is to have your pallet set an angle.
3. Preparing & Starting the Stretch Wrap
Now that your load is prepared and ready, it is time to start wrapping. Start by grabbing your stretch roll or roll tool a tie some of the film around one corner of the pallet. Continue to wrap the base while going in a forward motion to stay clear of any risks or hazards.
4. Start from the Base
This step is very pertinent in securing your base and avoiding content from falling off. Wrap your base several times for security and ensure that your edge of the film goes underneath the corners of the pallet.
5. Work towards the top, then back down.
Continue to wrap from the base upwards towards the top of the load. Each new layer should overlap the last layer by at least 50%. The weight of the load determines how many layers of film you use to wrap your load. Make sure that the amount of film stays consistent between at the base, middle, and top of your load. Once you have reached the top of your load, layer the film downwards. This will make the film pull down on the load and ensure more stability and eliminate the chance of the load shifting.
6. Finish Wrapping
Continue to wrap downwards back to towards the base of the load to stabilize your load. Again, overlap each layer by 50%. Once you are done the wrapping, tear the film off with a sharp object. Press it on firmly to the load and fold the end of the wrap under a corner of the pallet so that it will stick firmly. Once everything is done, tidy up your area and prepare the load for shipping.
