Updated at: 21-07-2023 - By: John Lau

Up to 60 cases of beer can be stored on a pallet at any given time.. On a pallet, there are usually six levels and ten cases each layer. Pallets in the United States and Canada are commonly as broad as they are tall. A pallet’s typical size is 36 inches wide by 36 inches high.

For the sake of comparison, a case of beer is equivalent to 24 12-ounce bottles or cans of beer. There are six globally recognized pallet sizes, thus some pallets can store more than 60 cases while others couldn’t handle anything like that. As a result of pallets, supermarkets, liquor shops, and convenience stores may refill their shelves more quickly. Pallets are used to carry beer easily.

While good beer is the foundation of any successful brewery, no brewery can stay on top without figuring out the most effective means to distribute their product for distribution. Learn about the fundamentals of beer and logistics with the help of this tutorial.

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How Many Pallets Will I Need?

Beer is commonly shipped in pallets, which are the most frequent transport method. This means that before you begin, you’ll have to figure out how many pallets you need. When a freight carrier talks about a “full load,” they usually mean how many pallets are in it. A standard-sized pallet is 48 by 40 inches.

So, let’s figure out how many pallets you’ll need for your delivery. Various keg sizes will be discussed, as will beer cans and bottles shipping.

Kegs

To get an idea of how many kegs will fit on a typical 48×40 pallet, consider this guideline:

  • 1/6 bbl – 20 per pallet
  • 1/4 bbl – 14 per pallet
  • 1/2 bbl – 8 per pallet

The weight of a pallet of full kegs is between 1,200 and 1,400 pounds. Because the pallet at the bottom can only support so much weight, pallets can only be stacked two high.

You will need five pallets to carry 70 1/4-barrel kegs, which will be between 6,000 and 7,000 pounds in weight. Two 2×2 pallets would be stacked, and then one unstacked pallet would be used.

If you’re returning empty kegs, you’ll also have to account for freight. Empty kegs weigh around the following amount:

  • 1/2 bbl keg – 30lbs.
  • 1/4 bbl keg – 22lbs.
  • 1/6 bbl keg – 16lbs.

Bottles and Cans

About 20 pounds is the weight of a 12-pack of 12-ounce beer cans. If you’re transporting beer in cases that are likely to move, don’t overfill them. Most brewers limit the amount of beer that may be stored on a pallet to roughly 100 cases, which is equal to 2,200 pounds.

Pallet Weight

You must remember to add the weight of the pallets when calculating the overall weight of your freight. According to Sea Dog Brewing Company’s Production Manager, Sean Higgins, “a lot of people forget to include the pallet weight.” We can deliver a complete truckload with up to 44 pallets, and with 20-25 pound pallets, you’ll be far above the weight limit.” Always weigh an empty pallet to ensure you’re using the correct amount of freight.

What Type of Pallets Should I Use?

How Many Cases of Beer Are on a Pallet 2

It used to be that wood pallets were the only option owing to their low price. Plastic pallets, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly popular because of their long-term use. Plastic pallets are more cost-effective than wood pallets since they are lighter. Pallets that are both lighter and more durable can also benefit your warehouse employees by making their jobs simpler. According to Sea Dog Brewing’s Higgins, “With wood pallets, [kegs] will shatter if they are not correctly balanced.” You’ll waste more time and become more irritated as a result. Damage to trucks is possible if it occurs during transportation.

Because plastic pallets are nonporous and won’t absorb liquids that spill, they’re ideal for food service environments where mold and mildew can’t flourish. Plastic pallets’ smooth surfaces also make them less damaging to the packaging.

Some pallets are even designed to make loading and unloading faster and to keep your alcohol safe while in transport. Characteristics like interlocking feet, tie-down points, and solid tops that equally distribute weight are examples of these features in action.

How Far in Advance Should I Order Pallets?

It’s advisable to order your pallets well in advance because there are so many options. This will allow you to figure out how much merchandise you can put on a pallet, how high you can stack the pallets, and how much a pallet loaded with your goods weighs exactly. Allow yourself some time to see whether another sort of pallet would be more appropriate for your use than one that is the conventional size. Just like in life, the more time you have to plan, the better your chances are. Fortunately, because plastic pallets come in so many different sizes and configurations, you’re likely to find one that meets your demands.