In short
Wholesale meat is packed in cartons, stacked onto pallets and shipped in refrigerated trailers that carriers price by pallet space. A pallet space is a unit of floor area on the trailer, not a pallet: depending on the carrier's rules, stacked pallets can share a space, and oversized or overweight pallets can take more than one. The dimensions and gross weight of your freight decide the count.
Cartons
Most wholesale meat is packed into cartons of a set nominal weight. The pack format on a listing tells you the carton size and how the product is packed inside it, such as vacuum-packed pieces or bulk-packed.
Pallets
Cartons are stacked onto pallets for freight. How many cartons fit depends on the carton size and the height and weight limits that apply. Pallets are usually wrapped to keep the stack stable in transit.
Pallet spaces
A refrigerated trailer has a fixed floor area, divided into pallet spaces. Carriers commonly charge per space. The space is the billing unit, not the pallet itself.
Why spaces and pallets are not the same
- Some carriers allow stacked pallets to share one space, subject to their stacking and loading conditions
- An oversized pallet can take more than one space
- Overweight freight can take extra spaces
- Carriers set their own limits for height and gross weight per space
Dimensions and gross weight decide the count
Because limits are applied to dimensions and gross weight (product plus pallet and packaging), declare them accurately when freight is booked. Gross weight is always more than the net product weight printed on the cartons.
Declare accurately
Carriers can adjust a booking after measuring the freight. Under-declaring can mean extra charges or delays, and over-declaring can mean paying for space you did not need. Measure and weigh before booking where you can.
Chain of Responsibility and loading
Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, packers, loaders, consignors and consignees all have duties for the safety of their transport activities, including mass, dimension and loading. Packing pallets to the declared dimensions and weight is part of that.
How this shows on Protein Link
Listings state pack format and volume, and freight for each shipment is quoted once the supplier accepts and confirmed before the buyer pays. See refrigerated meat freight in Australia for the wider freight picture.
Sources
- Chain of Responsibility (CoR) · National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
- Parties in the CoR · National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
General information only, not legal, food-safety or tax advice. Check current requirements with the relevant regulator for your state and product.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pallet space the same as a pallet?
No. A pallet space is a unit of trailer floor area. Depending on the carrier's rules, stacked pallets can share a space and oversized or overweight pallets can take more than one.
What is gross weight?
Gross weight is the total weight of the freight, including the product, the cartons, wrapping and the pallet itself. It is always more than the net product weight.
Why did my freight need more spaces than I expected?
Usually because the pallets were taller, wider or heavier than the carrier's limits for one space. Measure and weigh before booking to avoid surprises.
Who is responsible for loading pallets correctly?
Under the Chain of Responsibility, the packer, loader and consignor each have duties for their part of the transport task, including loading, mass and dimensions.
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