The buying brief for packaged pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical shipments can have strict receiver policies for timber, cleanliness and traceability. Obtain those policies before choosing a pallet condition or grade.
Match the base contacts to the handling equipment. Small differences in underside geometry or damage can affect movement through automated equipment.
What needs particular attention
A receiving site can reject an otherwise sound timber base if its written policy excludes it. Obtain the equipment owner’s pallet specification, identify roller or chain contacts and compare the proposed construction. Arrange a controlled trial if the site requires one.
| Load to describe | Sealed pharmaceutical cartons sent to an approved receiving site |
|---|---|
| Product-specific details | Timber acceptance; cleanliness criteria; packaging barriers; lot identification |
| Order-specific details | Equipment specification; contact rails; dimensional tolerances; trial requirements |
| Pallet footprint | Confirm 1200 × 800 mm and any additional construction or pool requirements. |
| Handling route | State how the loaded pallet moves, is stored and is accepted by the receiver. |
Prepare the enquiry
- Include a photograph or drawing of sealed pharmaceutical cartons sent to an approved receiving site, with the packed dimensions and loaded mass.
- Explain timber acceptance; cleanliness criteria; packaging barriers; lot identification so the proposed base can be compared with the load.
- Add equipment specification; contact rails; dimensional tolerances; trial requirements and distinguish confirmed requirements from items awaiting a decision.
- Send the delivery postcode and unloading arrangements. Ask for availability, suitability and delivery to be confirmed in the quotation.
Use the Euro pallet quotation checklist to bring those details together. For a condition comparison, see new versus recycled Euro pallets.
Before agreeing the order
Review the proposed base against the packed goods, the handling equipment and the receiver’s written policy. If an eligible exchange pallet is required, state that separately from the 1200 × 800 footprint. Confirm treatment and marking requirements for export where relevant.
Keep the agreed specification with the dispatch instruction. If the packaging, load pattern or handling route changes, revisit the enquiry rather than assuming the previous base remains suitable.
