Wood pallet maintenance keeps logistics systems running safely and efficiently. Many companies replace pallets too early because of small damage that could be fixed easily. If you want to extend pallet life and save money, read below — PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources (BMR) shares practical methods proven in industrial warehouses.
BMR has supplied and serviced wooden pallets across Indonesia for over ten years. The company’s research shows that proper maintenance can increase pallet lifespan by 30–40 percent while reducing repair costs by almost 25 percent. This guide explains how.
Why Maintenance Matters
Wood pallets work hard every day. Forklifts lift them, rain and dust hit them, and heavy loads press them. Without care, even strong pallets lose shape or grow mold. Regular wood pallet maintenance helps you detect problems early before they cause accidents or waste.
According to the International Pallet Association (2024), poorly maintained pallets cause 15 percent of product damage during transport. Good care prevents cracked boards, loose nails, and slippery surfaces that can harm workers or goods.
So, every warehouse should treat pallets as assets, not disposable tools.
Step 1: Clean Regularly to Avoid Decay
Cleaning looks simple but makes a big difference. Dust, spilled oil, and moisture can weaken wood if ignored. Start by brushing off debris after each use. Then, wash with mild soap and water once a week.
Use a dry cloth or air blower afterward to remove remaining moisture. Keeping pallets dry avoids mold growth and prevents bacteria from spreading to stored products, especially in food and pharmaceutical warehouses.
If your warehouse sits in a humid area like Surabaya or Cikarang, place pallets on elevated racks, not directly on the floor. This allows airflow and faster drying.
Step 2: Inspect Weekly for Damage
Inspection helps catch problems early. Focus on deck boards, stringers, and nail joints. Tap the boards gently; if they sound hollow, replace that section before it breaks under load.
Check the corners for splits or bending. Also, look at nail heads — if they pop out, hammer them back carefully.
PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources recommends doing a visual check every seven days and a full load test every three months. This simple routine keeps pallets safe for stacking up to 2,000 kilograms static load without failure.
Step 3: Repair Instead of Replace
Many pallets only need small repairs to work again. Instead of throwing them away, fix broken boards or add reinforcing planks.
BMR uses industrial-grade fasteners that hold tighter and longer than standard nails. This small upgrade can extend pallet life by 20–25 percent. For larger cracks, apply wood filler or replace damaged sections using the same wood type for balance.
Repaired pallets still meet ISPM-15 standards as long as they receive proper heat treatment afterward. That means you can reuse them safely for export.
Step 4: Protect from Water and Sun
Water and sunlight create the biggest enemies for wooden pallets. Too much moisture causes rot, while too much sun makes wood dry and brittle. To protect them, store pallets under a covered area or use waterproof tarpaulin.
PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources also offers protective coatings like clear sealant or resin-based waterproofing. A single layer can reduce water absorption by 80 percent, helping the pallet last longer in tropical climates.
For outdoor use, rotate pallets often so sunlight reaches all sides evenly. Balanced exposure prevents warping.
Step 5: Follow Proper Handling Procedures
Rough handling shortens pallet life. Forklifts often hit edges or enter unevenly, causing splits. Train operators to insert forks straight and lift slowly. Remind workers not to drop pallets or drag them across the floor.
Stack pallets evenly, with no overhanging boards. Leave small gaps between stacks for airflow and easy access. Also, avoid stacking higher than 15 units to prevent collapse.
According to BMR’s field data (2025), warehouses that implemented forklift training reduced pallet breakage by 32 percent in just six months.
Step 6: Schedule Heat Treatment Reconditioning
After long use, wood may attract insects or lose sterilization quality. That’s why regular heat treatment keeps pallets compliant for export and safe for storage.
BMR offers reconditioning services using ISPM-15 certified heat chambers. The process raises wood temperature to 56 °C for 30 minutes, killing pests and stabilizing internal moisture.
This service not only extends lifespan but also maintains legal export standards. Many clients from Bandung, Karawang, and Gresik use this routine every six months to keep their inventory ready for overseas shipment.
Step 7: Label and Rotate Inventory
Labeling pallets helps track age and usage cycles. Write or print manufacturing date and repair status on each unit. Then, use a rotation system — oldest pallets go out first.
This method balances wear evenly across all pallets, so none stay idle too long or get overused. It also simplifies maintenance planning because you know which pallets need inspection soon.
Digital inventory apps or simple spreadsheets can automate this process easily.
Smart Maintenance Builds Sustainability
Wood pallet maintenance also supports the environment. Reusing and repairing pallets means fewer trees cut and less waste sent to landfills. BMR estimates that extending a pallet’s life by one year can reduce wood demand by 12–15 percent for large-scale warehouses.
Moreover, clean and safe pallets lower contamination risk for exported products, helping Indonesia maintain its reputation for quality shipments.
When businesses take care of pallets, they take care of both profit and planet.
Choose PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources
With over ten years of experience, PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources not only supplies quality wooden pallets but also educates clients on maintenance and repair. The company’s engineering team provides site visits, inspection checklists, and training for warehouse staff.
Each pallet meets ISPM-15 standards and uses SVLK-certified wood from legal forests. Clients can also request recoating or customized repairs to extend service life even more.
That full support makes BMR a trusted partner for export, logistics, and manufacturing companies across Indonesia.
Conclusion
Effective wood pallet maintenance keeps operations safe, efficient, and sustainable. With regular cleaning, inspection, repair, and protective treatment, your pallets can last years longer and handle heavy loads with ease.
Contact PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources today to learn about maintenance programs, recoating options, and inspection services. Let’s make every pallet stronger, safer, and ready for the next shipment.
E-mail: info@bmr-pallets.com
WA: +62 8119-787-911
