A well-wrapped pallet arrives intact; a poorly wrapped one shifts, leans or collapses. Good technique uses less film and keeps loads stable on trucks and in containers. This step-by-step guide shows how to wrap a pallet properly, with our free Pallet Wrap Calculator to estimate film.
Before wrapping
- Stack cartons squarely with no overhang; see the Pallet Loading Calculator.
- Put heavy cartons at the bottom.
- Add corner boards for fragile or tall loads.
Step-by-step
- Attach the film: tuck the film end between the pallet deck and the bottom layer of cartons, or tie it to a corner of the pallet.
- Wrap the base: do 3 to 4 tight wraps around the bottom, including the pallet itself, to lock the load to the pallet.
- Spiral up: move upwards with about 50% overlap between wraps.
- Wrap the top: do 2 to 3 wraps at the top layer. Optionally add a top sheet to keep out dust and rain.
- Spiral down: for heavier loads, spiral back down to the base for a second layer.
- Finish: cut the film and press the tail firmly onto the load.
Tension
Pull the film firmly so it stretches and grips the load, but not so hard that it crushes boxes or tears.
How much film?
| Load | Wraps (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Light, stable cartons | 8 to 10 |
| Standard mixed cartons | 10 to 14 |
| Heavy or unstable | 14 to 20 |
Read stretch film gauge and pre-stretch for film choices.
Common mistakes
- Not wrapping the pallet base, so the load slides off
- Too little overlap, leaving weak bands
- Overhanging cartons that tear the film
- Loose film tails that catch on forklifts
Safety
Wear gloves, keep the area clear and walk forward where possible. Consider a turntable machine for frequent wrapping.
Checking stability
Gently push the load; it should move as one unit with the pallet.
For costs, read pallet wrap cost per pallet.
Frequently asked questions
How many times should I wrap a pallet?
Usually 10 to 14 wraps for a standard load, more for heavy loads.
Should I wrap the pallet itself?
Yes, wrapping the base locks the load to the pallet.
What overlap should I use?
About 50%.