Broken pallet but goods intact: what should we do?
Withdraw the broken pallet from use, mark it and isolate the load even if the goods look intact. Have a competent person plan a controlled transfer to a suitable pallet before normal handling resumes. Check ownership marks before arranging repair or disposal. Share the arrival evidence with Cambridge China Bridge.
Stop normal handling and isolate the load
HSE guidance says damaged pallets should be marked, isolated and withdrawn for repair or disposal. Intact-looking cartons do not establish that the broken pallet can support another lift. Pause put-away, picking and onward dispatch involving that pallet.
Keep people and vehicles away from the affected load. If it is still on the delivery vehicle, ask the warehouse supervisor and driver to agree a safe unloading plan before proceeding. Isolation does not mean moving an unstable load to a quarantine bay without assessment.
Have a competent person assess the situation
Ask someone with relevant pallet, load and handling experience to assess the visible damage, load stability and available equipment. Record broken boards, displaced blocks, exposed nails, leaning cartons and damaged wrapping from a safe position. Do not reach beneath the load or remove wrapping just to improve the view.
The assessment should decide how the goods can be supported during transfer, where the work can take place and who will control it. If the team cannot establish a safe method, keep the load isolated and obtain specialist help. Treat this as a handling decision, separate from deciding whether the goods are saleable.
Plan a controlled transfer to a suitable pallet
Choose an undamaged replacement with a confirmed load rating and compatibility with the intended handling equipment and storage arrangement. HSE advises inspecting pallets whenever they are used and using pallets suitable for the racking concerned. Matching dimensions alone is not enough.
Use the assessed method, suitable equipment and trained staff in a controlled area. Do not improvise by lifting the broken pallet onto another pallet or pulling cartons from beneath an unstable stack. Preserve the packing pattern where appropriate, secure the transferred load and check its stability before release. For onward delivery specifications, use our retailer pallet preparation guide.
Check ownership before repair or disposal
Look for an owner's name, trademark or pool marking and photograph it. HSE says owner-marked pool pallets needing repair should first be returned to the owner or the trademark owner's authorised representative. Contact them to arrange collection or return.
Keep the empty damaged pallet identified and separate from usable stock. Do not authorise an improvised repair or disposal while ownership remains unresolved. Where repair is proposed, ask who will approve its suitability before reuse. Our wooden pallets and crates guide covers purchasing specifications and timber checks.
Release the goods and prevent a repeat
Inspect the goods as they become safely accessible during transfer. Record damaged packaging, contamination, missing items and any product checks still needed. Keep uncertain stock on hold. Retain photographs of the original pallet and load, delivery references, the transfer method and the replacement pallet used.
For delivery records and a possible claim, follow our damaged shipment arrival checklist. Send Cambridge China Bridge the evidence so our staff in China can discuss pallet construction, packing and loading with the factory. Ask the warehouse to record who authorised release of the goods and what happened to the damaged pallet.
Frequently asked questions
Can we use a broken pallet if the goods look fine?
Withdraw it from use and isolate the load. Carton appearance does not establish pallet strength. Have a competent person assess a safe transfer before normal handling resumes.
Should we move the damaged load to quarantine?
Restrict access where it stands first. Move it only under an assessed safe method. A quarantine location does not make lifting an unstable load safe.
Can we put another pallet under the broken one?
Do not treat this as a routine fix. The broken pallet and load may shift during lifting. Ask the competent assessor to specify a supported transfer method and suitable equipment.
Can we repair an owner-marked pallet ourselves?
Contact the owner or authorised representative first. HSE guidance directs owner-marked pool pallets needing repair back to them. Keep the pallet isolated while arrangements are made.