Pallets have been an essential part of logistics and supply chain management for nearly a century, and we can thank the invention of the forklift for their modern form. In 1925, the first patent for a pallet was filed under the name "Lift Truck Platform." Since then, pallets have become a cornerstone of global trade, with an estimated five billion pallets in use worldwide, two billion of which are in the United States alone. Despite their simple design, the importance of pallets in moving goods cannot be overstated
Although the basic design of the pallet has remained largely unchanged over the years, advancements in material choice have seen some innovation. Today, around 90% of pallets are made from wood, with the remaining percentage primarily crafted from plastic. The durability and flexibility of pallets have stood the test of time, but it’s the machines that move them—and the systems in which they operate—that are undergoing significant transformation. As global trade continues to expand, the demand for more efficient pallet handling systems grows
Enter Airtech Innovations LLC, a company making waves with its modular pallet conveyor systems. Known for their expertise in air cargo handling equipment, Airtech Innovations has diversified their product range to include pallet conveyors designed to optimize cargo operations. Their modular pallet conveyor systems are designed to streamline the movement of goods, enhancing productivity and reducing manual handling in warehouses and distribution centers.
The Growing Need for Pallet Conveyors
As global trade and the transportation of goods continue to increase, so does the demand for pallets. Modern supply chains, driven by e-commerce and globalization, require faster, more efficient methods of moving goods from one location to another. Airtech Innovations recognizes that the future of pallet handling lies in automation.
The emphasis is now on the machines and systems that move pallets, rather than on the pallets themselves.
Airtech Innovations’ pallet conveyor solutions are available in modular sections, allowing for high customization to meet different operational needs. Each module is equipped with photoelectric cells at both ends, enabling the automatic detection of pallets and allowing for automated accumulation. This technology is vital in high-throughput environments, where reducing labor costs and minimizing downtime are essential for operational efficiency.
Complementing Air Cargo Operations
In addition to their role in warehouses and distribution centers, pallet conveyors are an excellent complement to Airtech Innovations’ air cargo handling range. Pallets play a significant role in air cargo operations, where goods are often loaded onto specialized air cargo pallets or broken down into palletized units for easier handling. Airtech’s pallet conveyors help facilitate this process, seamlessly moving goods between air cargo pallets and regular warehouse pallets, improving the efficiency of cargo build-up and breakdown.
By incorporating pallet conveyors into air cargo operations, Airtech Innovations enhances the ability to efficiently handle both palletized goods and air cargo unit load devices (ULDs). Their solutions enable smooth transitions between the different types of pallets used in air cargo, improving productivity in both air and ground operations. This flexibility makes Airtech’s pallet conveyors an ideal addition to airports, logistics hubs, and cargo terminals where goods need to be handled quickly and efficiently.
A Century of Pallets – Looking Toward the Future
2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of the first pallet patent, which dates back to 1925. Despite the passing of time, pallets remain an essential part of global trade. As Airtech Innovations continues to grow its product offerings, the future of pallet handling will be shaped not by changes to the pallets themselves, but by innovations in the machines and systems used to move them.
At the forefront of these developments, Airtech Innovations LLC provides American businesses with cutting-edge pallet conveyor systems that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety. With a forward-thinking approach, the company is setting new standards for pallet handling and air cargo logistics.
As global trade expands, companies require faster and more reliable ways to move goods. Airtech Innovations is well-positioned to meet these demands, delivering innovative technology that ensures pallets—whether made from wood or plastic—continue to play a critical role in the logistics industry.
