A blue-painted block pallet owned by CHEP and rented to shippers in the worldwide pool program.
Detailed Definition
The blue paint is how a CHEP pallet is recognized at a glance in a mixed pallet yard. CHEP, part of the Brambles group, keeps ownership of every pallet; users rent them, and the pallets carry markings that identify CHEP as the owner. In the US the standard CHEP pallet is a 48 x 40 inch wood block pallet with four-way entry, and CHEP offers other sizes and formats in various markets. Because the pallets remain CHEP property, receivers and recyclers are expected to return them to the pool rather than keep, sell or scrap them.
Identifying a pooled blue pallet
Blue paint, CHEP markings stenciled or branded on the blocks or stringer boards, and the block construction together identify the pallet. Other pools use their own colors, such as red for PECO, so color is the first thing yard staff sort by. A blue pallet without CHEP markings, or one that has been repainted, should still be checked before anyone treats it as purchasable stock. When in doubt, contact the pool operator rather than guessing.
Handling blue pallets you did not rent
Distribution centers and stores often receive blue pallets under goods from their suppliers. Good practice is to:
- Keep pooled pallets separate from white-wood pallets as soon as loads are broken down
- Stack empties by pool and footprint so they are ready for collection
- Arrange returns or pickup through the pool operator's process
- Avoid repairing, cutting, painting over or selling pooled pallets
- Tell pallet recyclers not to take pooled pallets mixed in with your own
Blue pallets and pallet recyclers
Pallet recyclers that collect mixed pallets from stores and distribution centers are expected to separate pooled pallets and return them to the pool operator rather than process them. If you sell or give used pallets to a recycler, agree in writing how pooled pallets will be handled so your site is not held responsible for pallets that go missing.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy CHEP blue pallets?
Generally no. CHEP rents its pallets and keeps ownership of them throughout their life, which is why they carry ownership markings. Blue pallets offered for sale by third parties should be treated with caution, because the seller usually does not own them. Businesses that want pooled pallets set up a rental agreement with the pool operator; businesses that want to own pallets buy white-wood or other pallets instead.
What should a receiver do with empty CHEP pallets?
Separate them from other pallets, store them neatly by footprint, and return them through the pool operator's process, which may be a scheduled pickup or a drop at an approved location. Receivers should not burn, scrap, sell or repair them. If your site regularly accumulates pooled pallets, contact the operator to set up a collection arrangement so empties do not take up dock space or get mixed into recycling.