Buying Beer By The Pallet: Is It Possible?

Buying beer in bulk can be a great way to save money and ensure you always have a drink to hand for parties or events. While it may be hard to find a supplier that sells by the pallet, it is possible. Sam's Club, for example, offers bulk beer cases and pallets for sale online and in-store. You can also try your local distribution center, but they may not sell to people outside the business. If you're looking for a specific type of beer, you may need to order it through a retailer, but this may not save you much money due to low margins on beer for retail.

Sam's Club sells beer by the pallet

When it comes to bulk purchases, Sam's Club is a great option. Their beer prices are competitive, and you can save money by buying in large quantities. Plus, you can order everything you need for your party and pick it up at your convenience, saving you time and the hassle of checkout lines.

Sam's Club also provides a great selection of snacks to accompany your beer, including chips, pretzels, and snack mixes. You'll also find all the essentials for your gathering, such as paper plates, plastic utensils, and napkins.

In addition to beer, Sam's Club offers a large liquor section, allowing you to create a well-stocked home bar without breaking the bank. You can find popular liquors like vodka, whiskey, rum, and tequila, as well as mixers and non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling water, juice, and soda.

So, whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or just want to keep your home stocked with your favorite beverages, Sam's Club is a one-stop shop for all your needs, offering convenience, variety, and great prices on pallets of beer and other drinks.

Shipping beer pallets is a complex process

Determining Freight Size

Firstly, it is important to determine whether your shipment will be a full truckload (FTL) or less-than-truckload (LTL). If your products occupy an entire truck, it is considered FTL. Conversely, if they do not fill the truck, it is classified as LTL. Typically, a shipment qualifies as LTL if it has fewer than ten standard-sized 48 x 40-inch pallets or weighs less than 15,000 pounds. However, different carriers may have varying standards for FTL and LTL designations, so it is advisable to confirm with your chosen shipping carrier.

Type of Truck

The type of truck used for shipping beer also plays a crucial role in cost and product quality. Small breweries delivering beer to local restaurants may opt for a dry van, a truck without climate control, as it is more cost-effective. However, fluctuations in temperature can cause issues, especially in warm climates, as moisture can accumulate in cardboard cases, leading to potential damage during transport. For longer distances or to maintain consistent quality, a refrigerated trailer, known as a reefer, is recommended. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that a reefer weighs more when empty and may not accommodate as heavy a load as a non-refrigerated truck.

Pallet Selection

The choice between wood and plastic pallets is another critical aspect of shipping beer. While wood pallets have been the traditional choice due to their low initial cost, plastic pallets offer several advantages. Plastic pallets are sturdier, reducing delays caused by breakage. They are also more sanitary, non-porous, easier to clean, and less likely to damage packaging due to their smoother sides. Additionally, plastic pallets are more sustainable, lighter, and longer-lasting, resulting in reduced freight costs and improved handling ease.

Securing the Load

Whether shipping cases or kegs of beer, it is essential to secure the load properly to prevent damage and ensure the safety of shipping personnel. Cases of beer should not be stacked too high to avoid load shifts during transit. Kegs, on the other hand, can be stacked two pallets high, but the weight limit of the bottom pallet must be considered. Shrink wrapping is crucial for both cases and kegs, and banding for kegs is preferable, although it is less common due to the lack of banding machines among brewers.

Weight and Volume Considerations

When calculating the number of pallets needed, it is vital to consider the weight and volume of the product, packaging, and pallets themselves. Overweighting the truck or overstocking can lead to issues, so careful calculations are necessary. Additionally, the weight balance of the load may shift during transit, increasing the risk of damage and posing a danger to shipping personnel and other loads.

Temperature Control

Temperature control is another critical aspect of shipping beer. While there are no universal rules, each brewery sets its own guidelines regarding temperature requirements. For shorter transit times, a dry van may suffice during summer or winter. However, for longer distances or to maintain product quality, a reefer is necessary to protect the beer from extreme temperatures.

In conclusion, shipping beer pallets involves navigating various complexities, from freight size and truck type to pallet selection and temperature control. Careful planning, attention to weight and volume considerations, and proper load securing are essential to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

Plastic pallets are better than wood

While wooden pallets have traditionally been the go-to option, plastic pallets have emerged as a superior alternative with many benefits.

Plastic pallets are more durable, robust, and have a longer lifecycle, lasting 10 years or more. They are resistant to moisture, bacteria, and other contaminants due to their smooth and non-porous surface, making them ideal for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This also makes them easier to clean and sanitize, reducing the risk of contamination and increasing product safety. They are also lighter than wood, reducing the risk of injury and making them easier to handle, transport, and stack. Their lighter weight also reduces transportation costs. Additionally, plastic pallets are more environmentally friendly, as they are made from recycled plastics and can be 100% recycled at the end of their life. They also do not contribute to deforestation, a problem associated with wooden pallets.

Plastic pallets are also more cost-effective in the long run. While they may have a higher initial cost, they are more resistant to damage and can be reused for a long time without breakage, saving money on replacements. They also save on labour costs, as wooden pallets often leave behind splinters and debris that require additional clean-up.

In summary, plastic pallets offer many advantages over wooden pallets in terms of durability, hygiene, weight, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. They are a more sustainable and efficient choice for businesses, especially those requiring pallets with a longer shelf life and those in industries where hygiene is critical.

A pallet of beer weighs 6,000-7,000 lbs

Yes, it is possible to buy beer by the pallet, and doing so can be a great option if you're looking to purchase beer in bulk for a large event or if you're a business owner stocking up for a busy period. A pallet of beer typically contains between 60 and 72 cases, with each case holding 24 beers. This means that a single pallet can hold up to 1,728 beers!

When it comes to weight, a pallet of beer weighs in at a substantial 6,000-7,000 lbs. This weight includes the beer and the pallet itself, and it's important to note that this weight assumes that the pallet is stacked no more than two high. The bottom pallet in the stack has a weight limit, so any more than two high would be unsafe.

The weight of a pallet of beer is a critical consideration when it comes to shipping and transportation. In general, a full truckload is denoted as TL, while a partial load is referred to as LTL. A pallet of beer typically falls into the LTL category, as it doesn't take up an entire truck. This means that shipping costs can be reduced by sharing the truck with other companies, but it also means there may be additional stops before the final destination.

When shipping beer, it's also important to consider the type of truck used. For shorter distances or local deliveries, a dry van (a truck with no climate control) may suffice. However, for longer distances or to maintain the highest quality, a refrigerated trailer, or "reefer", is recommended. It's worth noting that a reefer weighs more when empty, so it may not be able to carry as much beer while still complying with legal weight limits.

Overall, buying beer by the pallet can be a great option for those in need of large quantities, but careful consideration must be given to the weight and shipping logistics to ensure safe and efficient transportation.

Beer can be shipped in a dry van or reefer

Beer can be purchased by the pallet from retailers and wholesalers. Some retailers that sell beer by the pallet include Sam's Club and Costco.

When it comes to shipping beer, dry van and reefer trucks are the two most common methods. Beer can be shipped in a dry van, which is the most common type of trailer for shipping. Dry vans are versatile, as they can carry a variety of cargo types, including beer, over short or long distances. They are fully enclosed, protecting the cargo from weather damage and theft. Additionally, they are more affordable than other hauling methods. However, dry vans are not suitable for shipping perishable goods that require temperature control.

On the other hand, reefer trucks, or refrigerated trailers, are designed for shipping perishable goods that need temperature control. They are equipped with a portable HVAC system to maintain specific temperatures. While reefer trucks are in high demand for shipping perishable goods, they come with additional responsibilities, such as cleaning and maintenance, and are more expensive to operate due to higher fuel consumption.

Both dry van and reefer trucks have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two depends on the specific needs of the shipment. For shipping beer, dry van trucks are commonly used as they provide a cost-effective and versatile solution. However, if temperature control is required, such as during hot summer months, a reefer truck may be a better option to ensure the beer stays fresh. Ultimately, the decision is based on the shipping lanes, cargo type, and budget.

Frequently asked questions