Pallet collection

Streamline your logistics with our fast and secure pallet collection services.

Pallet collection dates and times

Every pallet delivery starts with a pallet collection. This may be loaded, unloaded, handled or stored a number of times before reaching its destination. It may travel by road, sea or air, arrive in bulk, be split into consignments for different destinations or stored ready for order fulfilment.

Pallet collection services are crucial to all kinds of businesses – from small local companies requiring extra storage space, to medium-sized enterprises retailing goods in the UK or trading internationally, to larger manufacturers producing or receiving essential components as part of a wider supply chain.

Whatever your business, you want your goods to be dealt with speedily, safely, smoothly – and cost-effectively.

Benefits of choosing our pallet collection service

IFL collects and delivers palletised freight all around the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. We offer networked door-to-door deliveries, with a range of different cost options, and flexible storage and warehousing should you need it. We handle most pallet sizes, including non-standard or oversized freight, and manage the entire pallet transport process for you. Pallet collections normally take place in the afternoon, ideally by 5pm. (Morning collections and cut-offs later than 5pm need to be arranged in advance.)

Our platinum membership of the Palletways network adds extra assurance and network coverage, with pallet collections that are:

  • Efficient – same-day collections usually available (book by midday).
  • Fast – next-working-day deliveries on UK express and premium road freight.
  • Cost-effective – groupage services and bulk storage rates available.
  • Secure – track your pallet and get proof of delivery in real time.
  • Flexible – set your preferred pallet collection date and time when you book.

A prime UK location for your pallet logistics

IFL offloads at its warehouse facility

For 35 years, we’ve been a safe pair of hands in UK pallet services and European groupage. Our European pallet deliveries range from 48 hours express up to five working days economy, depending on location, with 24-7 customs clearance services through our Dover agent for goods under our own control.

Our three large warehousing facilities in Birmingham are there for when you need secure short or long-term storage for your goods. Being located in the Midlands means we’re in the ‘Golden Triangle of logistics’, within easy reach of all mainland destinations in the UK.

As an independent forwarder in a world of large operators, you can be sure of more personalised customer support. If and when things go wrong, we’re there at the end of a telephone line ready to take your call and resolve any issues quickly and directly.

How our pallet collection works – in 3 easy steps

How UK pallet delivery works with a hub model

1 Book your pallet collection

You need to prepare your goods and contact us to book a collection slot. Just click on ‘Request a quote’ on this page or get in touch to discuss more complex collections. Depending on your location or collection postcode, an IFL driver or one of our fellow Palletways network members, will collect your pallet.

2 Transport hub and processing

Once your pallet is safely secured and loaded, we either deliver direct or take it to our nearest Palletways hub to be processed and assigned to the local network member.

3 Delivery to destination 

Your pallet is then dispatched for delivery to its destination. You can track your pallet and get proof of delivery in real-time. For UK freight, we also offer a two-hour ETA on pallet delivery, notified by SMS / email.

We also offer quotes for all-risks goods-in-transit insurance cover – this is to help claim for costs which can’t be recovered from the carrier.

Why choose IFL’s pallet collection service?

Mark Carolan, IFL driver, sitting in a Volvo cab

98% deliveries on time

We pride ourself on cost-effective, reliable freight and logistics. We handle around 8,000 UK and European consignments each month, delivering to 15-20 countries on average, with high-quality performance – 98% of our deliveries reach their destination on time.

Five-star service

We have 35 years’ experience in dependable pallet collection and delivery. We’re a platinum member of the Palletways network which offers deep network coverage and a UK-wide overnight delivery service. And our customers tell us they appreciate our more personal and human approach when it comes customer service and resolving issues quickly.

Flexible and competitive

Freight rates vary with the size and weight of your shipment, as well as the collection and delivery locations. If you’re flexible on pallet delivery times, the rates can be significantly cheaper. Similarly, if your goods need to be there yesterday, we have express and premium options to suit.

Bespoke 3PL solutions

For when you need extra logistical support that integrates smoothly with your business, we also offer:

A trusted transport partner

IFL delivers to all markets and destinations, and is a trusted transport partner for more than a thousand UK-based businesses, across a range of industries and sectors. We deliver pallets door-to-door, to and from Europe, both through our carefully selected transport partners and using the extensive Palletways network. Wherever you need to ship to, we can help.

Comprehensive guide to our pallet sizes and specifications

Pallets come is difference sizes with different weight limits. The UK standard full pallet is 1m x 1.2m and can take up to 1,200kg. Our guide outlines six options to suit different needs so that you can price your palletised goods more effectively. Pallets can be combined to allow for non-standard or oversized freight.

Frequently asked questions: pallet collection

What details do you need for a pallet collection?

For an accurate, competitive quote for your consignments, follow this checklist.

  • How many pallets are you sending?
  • What size and weight is your palletised freight?
  • What type of product?
  • Where is your consignment going to?
  • Do your require premium or economy delivery? Or both.
  • Which pallet delivery suits your needs (express delivery, groupage)?

Once we have all the requisite details and the job is booked, we’ll arrange to collect and deliver your palletised freight.

Can I ship personal effects?

IFL doesn’t handle personal effects as this involves different shipping terms, insurances and exclusions from commercial freight. We can refer these enquiries on to a specialist company.

What size do I need?

The size of pallet you need will depend on the dimensions of your shipment but also its weight. See our guide to pallet sizes and weight restrictions for further help on this. Note, if the width or length of the shipment goes over standard pallet size, this will often trigger an oversized pallet cost.

What time do I need to book for same-day collection?

Usually by 12pm.

Can I specify an exact pallet collection time?

You can specify AM or PM. Through our Palletways membership, you can also get a two-hour estimated delivery time – with notifications providing we receive an email or mobile number.

How do I track my pallet?

When you book with us you will have access to Palletways award-winning online portal, where you can book collections and track your shipments. Simply enter your tracking number and you’ll be able to see live tracking information throughout the delivery.

Our commitment to sustainable pallet collection

Being a longstanding member of the Palletways network enables us to transport goods as efficiently as possible, optimising capacity and reducing the empty running of trucks. We move a significant proportion of our UK and European freight through this network. This means that CO2 emissions are usually much lower per pallet since running at capacity maximises efficiency.

Measuring carbon emissions per pallet isn’t easy due to the variety of vehicles used and varying load volumes. At present, industry data reporting frameworks have a way to go before they can produce standardised emissions data.

To book a pallet collection, here’s how to contact us:

Request a quote

To allow us to provide a more accurate quotation, please fill in the form detailing your requirements.

Upon receipt of your enquiry one of our logistics managers will send over your tailored quotation within 1 hour.

Please note: we do not ship personal effects.