Pallet Wrap / Stretch Wrap

Securing Your Shipment

When you send a large shipment (LTL), you can't just stack boxes and hope for the best. You use stretch wrap. This is a thin, very strong plastic film that you wrap around the pallet. It pulls the boxes together into one solid block so they don't slide off or get damaged during the bumpy truck ride.

The 'Three Times' Rule

Amazon and other retailers have strict rules about how you wrap. A good rule of thumb is to wrap the pallet at least three times. You should also wrap around the wooden base of the pallet itself to make sure the boxes are actually 'locked' to the wood. If they aren't, the whole stack could slide off during a sharp turn.

• Use clear wrap (Amazon usually forbids black or colored wrap).
• Ensure the wrap is tight and has no loose 'tails'.
• Must be strong enough to hold the weight of the boxes.

Labeling and the Wrap

The most important rule: never put your labels *under* the stretch wrap. The plastic reflects light and makes it impossible for warehouse scanners to read the barcode. Always wrap the pallet first, then stick your four shipping labels on the *outside* of the plastic.

Protection from the Elements

Besides holding things together, stretch wrap protects your boxes from dirt, dust, and a little bit of rain. If you're shipping items that can be easily damaged by moisture, a few extra layers of wrap can provide a lot of extra security for just a few cents.