Thermal pallet covers

Thermal Pallet Covers

Thermal pallet covers protect temperature-sensitive cargo during air freight. The cover fits over the built-up pallet and keeps the cold in between the cold store, the apron and the cargo hold.

Standard sizes

We supply insulated pallet covers for Euro pallets (120 x 80 cm) and block pallets (120 x 100 cm), in various heights up to 150 cm. We also have standard sizes for roll containers and drums. If your load build is different, we produce to size.

Why over the pallet and not just around it

A cover that fits over the whole load closes off the top. That is exactly where most radiant heat gets in while a pallet waits on the apron. Wrapping only the sides leaves the top open.

With an insulated base

For longer journeys, combine the cover with an insulated base plate. The pallet is then fully enclosed, including underneath, where heat rises from the tarmac or the floor.

Insulated Covers

An insulated cover is a flexible, reflective cover that protects temperature-sensitive cargo from external heat. In air freight it is the standard solution for perishables on pallets and ULDs.

How it works

The outer surface is reflective and bounces radiant heat back. The inner layer insulates and keeps the cold with the cargo. Together they limit the temperature rise during the hours a shipment stands outside the chilled environment: on the apron, during loading and in the cargo hold.

What it is for

Fruit and vegetables, flowers and plants, fish and seafood, meat and pharma shipments. In short, everything that counts as perishables in air freight.

Reusable

An insulated cover lasts for many journeys. In the long run that makes it cheaper than disposable film, and it reduces waste for the receiver.

Made to measure

Besides standard sizes for Euro pallets, block pallets and roll containers, we produce to size for unusual load heights or specific ULD shapes.

Reusable Thermal Covers

A reusable thermal cover replaces disposable shrink wrap in temperature-sensitive transport. You use it again, journey after journey. Please note: this is not a plastic pallet cover against rain or dust, but an insulating cover against temperature.

How it differs from shrink wrap

Shrink wrap holds a pallet together, but it does not insulate and does not reflect heat. For cargo that has to stay at temperature, film therefore adds nothing. A thermal cover does both: it covers the load and keeps the cold in.

Weighing up the cost

For one-off use, film looks cheaper. Once you use the same cover dozens of times, the sums reverse. Base your calculation on the number of journeys per year and the cost per pallet, not on the purchase price alone.

When disposable still makes sense

If the shipment goes to a receiver who does not return the cover, the advantage disappears. If you run fixed routes or the packaging comes back, reusable is almost always the cheapest choice.

Versions

Standard sizes for Euro pallets and block pallets, various heights, and made-to-measure covers for unusual loads. Request a quote with your dimensions and annual volume.

Air Cargo Covers, Thermal Covers and ULD Covers

In air freight, a thermal pallet cover goes by many names. In the cargo department, in the booking and on the apron, people say: thermal cover, air cargo cover, ULD cover, thermal pallet cover, insulated pallet cover, reflective pallet cover or cargo blanket. All these terms refer to the same product: an insulating, reflective cover that protects temperature-sensitive cargo between the cold store, the tarmac and the cargo hold.

One product, seven names

Note two terms that do not belong here: a plain pallet cover is usually a plastic cover against rain and dust, and a thermal blanket with no qualifier is an emergency blanket. Neither insulates cargo.

What the cover is for

During handling, an air cargo pallet sometimes stands outdoors for hours, on hot asphalt in summer and below freezing in winter. The reflective outer layer keeps out radiant heat, and the insulating inner layer keeps the cold in the cargo. Around 95% of our covers go on ULD and pallet shipments via KLM, Lufthansa and Emirates routes, with perishables and pharma as typical cargo.

Sizes for pallets and ULDs

Available in standard sizes for Euro pallets (120 x 80 cm), block pallets (120 x 100 cm), roll containers and the common ULD formats PMC, PAG, AKE and LD3. We make unusual load builds to size, from our own production since 1972.