When we issue a System RMA, we encourage and aggressively push for your shipment to be shipped back via Palletized Freight.
Below is an example of a complete Freight Shipment, complete with an appropritely sized box that is securely strapped to the pallet.
What is Palletized Freight?
Palletized Freight from our standpoint is shipping your system strapped/secured on a pallet. Packages that are not palletized are expected to be tossed around or mishandled like any other that go through any distribution center conveyer belts.
What you will need:
- A box, to safely package your system
- A pallet
- Strapping/fastener tool(s), which can be either (but prefer to use both):
- Pallet Strap
- Shrink Wrap
System Box
You can generally use any box to package a system, with the obvious requirement that the box is larger than the system. That said, our systems are rather large, and not many customers keep their very large original system box around (although it is highly encouraged and stated in your System Info Fliers that is included in your initial shipment contents).
If you need a System Box
The box used for your initial shipment is typically the chassis manufacturer's box. Exxact does not produce these boxes. If you absolutely need a box from Exxact, one may be quoted and sold to you at a cost depending on availibility.
The box dimesions is roughly ~37 x 28 x 13" - ~20lbs. Exxact may provide fitted foam protection depending on availibility (we want the best protection for the system as well); large quantities of air pillow/bubbles may be sent to you if no fitted foam is available at the time.
Pallet
Exxact does not provide pallets. Pallets are provided to us from a local wholeseller and are ONLY for outgoing system shipments (e.g. newly built systems, or returning System RMA's). Exxact is not allowed to ship ONLY pallets. If you absolutely need a pallet, then Exxact will need to quote BOTH a Box and Pallet at a cost. Availibility for pallets and large system boxes is not guarenteed, we may deny this request at our discresion.
The Pallet used must be larger in Width and Length than the System Box. Failure to meet this pallet condition will result in Freight pick-up rejection from the Freight pick-up driver (rescheduling a pick-up date will result in additional costs).
(Wooden and Plastic pallet)
If you need to acquire a Pallet
Ask your shipping/receiving department/area for obtaining a pallet, or to assist with the freight shipping process overall. If you do not have access to these resources, then you may need to purchase a pallet.
If you need to purchase a Pallet (locally)
Pallets come in many materials and costs ($30-$150). Here are some options:
- Quick search online for anyone local to you that can sell INDIVIDUAL pallets; most searches may result in bulk-sales
- Call or inquire with local hardware stores
Notes:
- Material doesn't matter too much, a pallet is needed to meet minimal requirement for scheduling Palletized Freight pick-up/shipment services. What mainly matters is how safely the box is strapped to the pallet to prevent any unnecessary movements or shifting to the system and the components installed within during shipment.
Straps and Fasteners
Below is an example of a disposable Pallet Strapping method used for a majority of our Palletized Freight Shipments. We use cardboard corner guards and 'do-not-stack' stickers/deterrents to keep the box in perfect condition even when securely strap the box tightly to the pallet.
Highly recomended tools and methods:
- Shrink Wrap (~$20 for a single roll)
- Pallet Strap Kit (~$200)
Alternatives:
- Rachet tie-down straps (~$20-$50)
Strap may loosen during shipment