Strapping & Banding Supplies — Securing Pallets and Large Shipments
Strapping (also called banding) secures large boxes, bundles, and pallet loads against the forces of freight transit. A poorly secured pallet load becomes a carrier damage liability and a warehouse safety hazard. The right strapping material depends on load weight, transit method, and whether it's a one-way or reusable application.
Types of Strapping & Banding Supplies
Polypropylene (PP) strapping
Lightweight plastic strapping — the most common for light-to-medium loads.
Best for: Carton bundling, light pallets under 1,000 lbs, box reinforcement
Polyester (PET) strapping
Stronger than PP, maintains tension over time and through temperature changes.
Best for: Heavier pallets 1,000–3,000 lbs, outdoor storage loads, long-distance freight
Steel banding
Metal strap — highest breaking strength, doesn't stretch.
Best for: Very heavy loads (3,000+ lbs), metal/lumber bundles, rail and sea freight
Cord strapping / composite strap
Polyester cord-reinforced strap — flexible and absorbs impact shock better than rigid strapping.
Best for: Vibration-sensitive freight, fragile loads that need tension without rigidity
Practical Tips
- •PP strapping is for securing cartons; PET or steel is for pallet loads going through freight handling — match the material to the force it needs to resist
- •For hand tensioning, use a strapping tensioner tool — under-tensioned strapping is nearly useless and over-tensioned strapping crushes boxes
- •Seal strapping with friction-weld sealers (PP) or metal buckles (polyester/steel) — never just tie it
- •Apply at minimum 2 straps around a pallet: one near each end; add a third in the middle for tall loads
- •Combine strapping with stretch wrap for maximum pallet stability — strapping alone without stretch wrap still allows individual boxes to shift
Frequently asked questions
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