How to Properly Load and Unload Products Using Roll Cradles
Did you know that 85 million packages arrived damaged at consumer doorsteps in the United Kingdom in 2024? The staggering findings highlight the challenges of the supply chain and showcase the necessity for manufacturers, shipping companies and handlers to take precautions to ensure products arrive at their destination intact.
One of the main reasons products become damaged is poor packaging. A solid packaging process is key to enhancing product protection and ensuring supply chain efficiency. This guide highlights how to use roll cradles, an innovative packaging solution for rolled or cylindrical goods that simplifies transportation and storage.
How to Choose Roll Cradles
Keep the following factors in mind when selecting roll cradles for efficient shipping or storage.
Find the Right Size
The correct roll cradle size promotes product stability and safety during transit. You want to choose a size that matches the weight and dimensions of your product. High-quality cradles are designed to match standard pallet sizes, allowing you to determine the appropriate roll diameter and configuration for an excellent fit. If you are unsure about what size roll cradles you need, take advantage of the product configurator tool from Rollguard to generate custom sizes.
Prioritize Material
Roll cradles come in different materials designed to support different products. The ideal option is roll cradles made from recyclable corrugated fiber pulp. Fiber-based cradles offer reliable strength and are suitable for heavy and light products. If you are dealing with lightweight, delicate products, you could opt for the alternative expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam roll cradles.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Loading Roll Cradles
Follow these steps to load your products on roll cradles safely:
- Separate the roll cradle: Flex the cradles two to three times along the perforated edge before separating them into singles. Always separate cradles from left to right, not front to back.
- Create a base: Position the single cradles parallel to each other near the ends of the deck board to form a base with maximum support.
- Stack the rolls: Once the first layer of cradles is in place, begin stacking the first layer of rolls.
- Arrange the second layer: Do not tear the cradles for the second and subsequent layers. Instead, fold them in half and align them vertically. Alternate the product layers and cradles until you reach the top layer of the products.
- Secure the top layer: For the top layer, repeat the process you did with the bottom layer. Separate the roll cradle pairs into singles, then invert the cradles. Then, place a wood lattice, slightly larger than the cradles, on top of the inverted cradles.
- Finalize the load: Securely band the load over the wood lattice to hold everything in place. Use a stretch wrap to cover the entire pallet, and start at the base to ensure maximum stability during transit.
Stick to these simple steps for loading roll cradles. You can also watch our video demo to see how we do it.
How to Unload Roll Cradles Safely and Efficiently
Stacking rolls on cradles is a more tedious process than unloading. Still, when using roll cradles, it is important to follow best practices to avoid damaging products during unloading. Here are unloading tips to ensure safety and efficiency:
- Prepare to unload: Ensure the unloading area is well lit, clean and free from obstructions. Inspect unloading equipment to ensure functionality, and wear appropriate gear before you proceed.
- Inspect the load: Confirm that the load has no signs of shifting or damage and that the straps are secure. If you suspect the stack is unstable due to excess weight or damage, take the necessary precautions.
- Use appropriate equipment: When loading and unloading heavy rolls and pallets, always use the correct lifting equipment for the job, such as forklifts and pallet trucks.
- Remove cradles systematically: Begin unloading the products from the top layer. Doing so allows you to remove one product at a time, reducing the risk of tipping, roll-offs or injury.
- Stacking: Stack the cradles only if they are designed for stacking. Always place them on a flat and stable surface.
Benefits of Using Roll Cradles
Why should you use roll cradles instead of other packaging solutions for your cylindrical products? Here are the advantages of roll cradles from Rollguard:
- Sanitary: Our cradles are strong, reliable, and free from plant diseases and insects.
- Soft material: Our fiber cradles offer the best of both worlds regarding strength and cushioning. While you can count on their ability to hold your rolls intact, you can rest easy knowing our materials are soft enough to cushion your products.
- Space saving: Space has cost implications in warehousing. Roll cradles are a compact solution and take up less floor space during packaging. Unlike wooden structures that limit your arrangement to pyramid stacking, our cradles allow you to stack products in stable cubes that go as high as needed.
- Efficient and lightweight: Our cradles are made from lightweight materials. The cardboard construction improves efficiency by eliminating the need for nailing, cleaning or pest control.
- Environmentally friendly: Roll cradles are made from molded fiber pulp, which is 100% recyclable and better for the environment. We also source our materials locally in Germany, which makes our production more sustainable.
- Accessible: Roll cradles make storing, moving and accessing products easy. The improved accessibility translates into time savings and enhanced productivity in warehouse operations.
- Stable: Cylindrical items are some of the most challenging to package, especially when they are heavy. Our roll cradles provide optimal stability from the base to the topmost layer, preventing the products from rolling away when moved.
Find High-Quality Roll Cradles at Rollguard
It is challenging to move and store cylindrical products, and the implications of inefficient processes can be low warehouse productivity and a higher rate of damage. Roll cradles have emerged as a reliable solution for packaging and securing rolled items. They have many industrial applications and can help improve safety and efficiency in your warehouse.
At Rollguard, we aim to help you choose the right roll cradle for your products and can guide you in proper handling techniques. With our roll cradles, you can streamline your logistics operations, minimize product damage and ensure your goods arrive intact every time.
Ready to transform your company’s logistics? Use our product configuration tool to select the ideal roll cradle for your needs. You can also complete a contact form for assistance in securing your inventory in storage or shipping.
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