Pallet Placement: Getting the Load onto the Beams Properly
Direct answer: Load goes on the beams, not the deck: pallets must sit fully on both beams with even overhang, and the load must be centred over the beam span. Uneven placement, broken pallets and loads wider than the beam span are the everyday causes of beam deflection and collapse.
How position changes the load
A pallet rating assumes the pallet sits centred on both beams, bearing evenly. A pallet pushed forward or sideways concentrates load on fewer beam sections and can exceed the local capacity even when the total bay load is legal. Off-centre pallets also overload one beam of a pair, which is the failure mode inspections most often catch.
Overhang is the other common mistake: a pallet wider or deeper than its bay rubs neighbours, gets clipped by trucks, and transfers load where the beam was never designed to take it.
Rules that are easy to keep
Mark beam centres with load signs and keep pallets inside them. Train drivers to square up before placing, and make repositioning badly placed pallets part of daily housekeeping rather than a special task.
Mixed pallet sizes deserve a fixed plan: dedicate bays or levels to each footprint instead of letting every level become a mixture.
FAQ
How much overhang is acceptable?
As a working rule, none: pallets should fit inside the bay with a small clearance on each side. Even small overhangs cause contact damage and uneven beam loading over time.
Does an off-centre pallet really risk the beam?
Yes. Beam ratings assume even bearing across the pair; a heavily skewed pallet can load one beam beyond its design even when the pallet weight itself is within limits.
What is the cheapest fix for poor placement?
Clear bay markings, load signs at eye level, and five minutes of daily housekeeping. Most placement problems are habit problems rather than equipment problems.
All figures above refer to standard product data sheets; final confirmation is subject to written quotation.