Pallet purchasing costs are far higher than for solid fibre, corrugated or plastic slipsheets. Since the implementation of the new worldwide FAO ISPM 15 (Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade) standard, wooden pallet producers have had to raise their prices to cover additional handling costs. Additional costs can vary anywhere from 5% to 10% of the selling price and are paid by the pallet user. In many countries, insurance companies have imposed strict requirements in response to fire department safety measures. Rules are becoming increasingly stringent and in some cases, insurance premiums have increased by as much as 300%.
More information about slipsheet handling