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When a business ships boxes, product, spare parts or industrial material on pallets, transport isn't solved just by giving an address and a time. A clearly prepared load lets us choose the right vehicle, make better use of space, and run the collection with no improvisation.
Pallet count, total weight and tail-lift capacity
Count and weight must be checked separately. Our van carries 2–3 Euro pallets depending on L3/L4, up to 1,300 kg in total. The box van is listed for 8 Euro pallets, but only up to 1,000 kg. Both rigid trucks are listed for 18 Euro pallets: the 12 t truck carries up to 5,000 kg and the 18 t truck up to 9,000 kg.
Include the pallet and packaging in each unit’s weight, and measure the complete loaded unit, including any overhang. Pallet count alone does not confirm that the load will fit.
An 800 kg pallet: body capacity is not enough
An 800 kg loaded pallet is below the box van’s 1,000 kg payload, but exceeds its 700 kg tail-lift limit. If unloading requires a tail lift, this combination does not work. We must assess a different vehicle or suitable loading equipment at both ends.
The 12 t truck’s tail lift is rated at 1,500 kg and the 18 t truck’s at 2,000 kg. These are maximum equipment capacities, not an automatic allowance for a pallet of the same weight: we also check the handling equipment, load position and the lift’s operating limits.
Photos that help us prepare a collection
- The complete load, with all pallets visible.
- Any weight labels, dimensions and fragile or protruding parts.
- The goods entrance and the loading/unloading area at each address.
Information to send with your enquiry
Origin and destination; date and time; pallet count; dimensions and gross weight of each pallet; total weight; whether stacking is allowed; dock or forklift availability at each end; tail-lift requirement; access restrictions and a contact person.
Request a pallet collection →The pallet needs to be stable before loading
A pallet isn't just a base for grouping boxes: it's the unit that will be moved with a pallet truck, lifted into the vehicle, and travel secured for the whole route. Boxes need to sit evenly, with the weight distributed and the packaging in good condition.
It's important that the goods don't overhang the base of the pallet. A box sticking out to one side can hit other cargo, block the aisle, or stop all the planned pallets from fitting in. It also makes it harder to use straps and can increase the risk of damage during transport.
- Use a sturdy base with no damaged boards.
- Put heavy boxes at the bottom and light ones on top.
- Keep the sides aligned with the pallet's perimeter.
- Avoid large gaps that let the load shift.
- Protect corners and use film, strapping or the appropriate packaging system.
- Don't stack a second pallet if the goods or packaging don't allow it.
Dimensions and weight: the data that determines the load
Saying just "two pallets" isn't enough to plan a collection. A pallet can vary a lot in height, weight, shape and stability. Real measurements let us check the usable volume, the available capacity and the best layout inside the vehicle.
Before requesting a quote, prepare the length, width and height of each pallet, the approximate weight per unit, the total number of pallets, and whether they can be stacked. A general photo of the load helps us spot irregularities, overhanging boxes or items that need extra protection.
Distribution and securing inside the truck
Once inside the body, pallets need to be spread out so the weight isn't concentrated at one point. The load is secured according to its characteristics, the vehicle and the planned operation. So it's not safe to assume a load that's stable in the warehouse is already ready to travel without a review.
Anchor rails and straps help limit movement during braking, turns or manoeuvres. If there are gaps between pallets, fragile material, unusual height or irregular shapes, it's important to flag this before confirming the service.
Pallet truck: what it solves and what needs confirming
A pallet truck can move a pallet over firm, level ground. It's useful between the staging area and the vehicle, but it needs room to slide under the base, turn, and pull the forks back out. Kerbs, gravel, steep slopes, steps and narrow doors can all get in the way.
It's also worth confirming whether a pallet truck is available at origin and destination, or whether it needs to be included in the service. For deliveries that require lifting the pallet between the body and the ground, a 3,500 kg box body with tail lift (Spanish-language page) may be needed, depending on weight and access conditions.
What to prepare before the truck arrives
- Pallets finished, packed and ready at the loading point.
- Number of units, dimensions and approximate weight per pallet.
- General photos if there's fragile, tall or irregular cargo.
- The actual goods-entrance address and access, not just the registered office address.
- Loading hours, parking restrictions and a contact person.
- Confirmation of the dock, forklift, pallet truck or tail lift needed.
- Whether the recipient needs delivery at the vehicle, at street level, or inside a premises.
Palletised-goods collection in Barcelona and the Vallès
On Set Transporte organises one-off collections and routes for businesses with goods in the Vallès (Spanish-language page), Barcelona and the rest of Spain. We review the volume, weight, access and loading equipment to propose a proportionate solution, from a light vehicle to a rigid truck when the job requires it.
Have pallets ready for collection?
Send us the origin, destination, date, number of pallets, dimensions, weight and photos of the load. We'll review the job before confirming the vehicle.
Request a collection quote →Published by On Set Transporte · ONSET TRANSPORTE, S.L. — goods transport from Barcelona and the Vallès throughout Spain. Vehicle capacities refer to our fleet; availability is confirmed for each job.