Pallet shroud or pallet cover: what is the difference? (English)
A pallet shroud and a pallet cover can differ in one thing: whether the cover insulates. A thermal pallet shroud, as we make it, is an insulating cover that slows down temperature change around the load. It is not a plastic pallet cover against rain or dust. This article sorts out the terms.
Pallet shroud vs pallet cover: what the words mean
Both words describe something that goes over a palletised load. In air freight you will hear thermal cover, air cargo cover, ULD cover, cargo blanket, thermal pallet cover, insulated pallet cover and reflective pallet cover. These are names for the same kind of product.
Thermal pallet shroud: an insulating cover against temperature
A thermal pallet shroud works as a passive insulation layer. The reflective outer layer keeps out radiant heat and the insulating inner layer keeps the cold inside the load. It does not cool actively. It slows down temperature change, but does not stop it. This is not a plastic pallet cover against rain or dust, but an insulating cover against temperature.
The result of an insulated pallet shroud depends on the starting temperature of the goods, the duration of transport, the outside temperature and sunshine, the use of gel packs or cooling elements and how tightly the cover fits. A thermal cover also protects against rain, humidity and condensation.
Insulated pallet shroud or shrink film?
Shrink film is for single use. A thermal cover is reusable and tear resistant. Compare them in our article on thermohoes or shrink film (Dutch). The table summarises the difference.
| Type | What it does |
|---|---|
| Plastic pallet cover | Protects against rain and dust |
| Shrink film | Single use |
| Thermal pallet shroud or cover | Slows down temperature change and protects against rain, humidity and condensation, reusable |
Which sizes of thermal pallet shroud exist?
We make standard sizes for euro and block pallets and covers to measure for a different build. Alongside the pallets there are covers for roll containers and the ULD formats; covers for PAG, AKE and LD3 are on quote.
| Load | Size of the cover |
|---|---|
| Euro pallet | 120 x 80 x 150 cm |
| Block pallet | 120 x 100 x 150 cm |
| Larger block pallet | 120 x 120 x 150 cm |
| Small pallet | 80 x 60 x 150 cm |
| Roll container | 85 x 70 x 155 cm with flap door, 85 x 70 x 150 cm without opening |
| ULD, PMC | 320 x 240 x 150 cm |
For euro pallets and block pallets there is also a double layer version of the same size. An insulated base completes the pallet: the base for euro pallets is 110 x 150 cm and for block pallets 130 x 150 cm. For the names in detail see our English article on thermal pallet covers for air cargo.
Pallet shroud, cover or blanket: one more name
You may also meet blanket or iso deken. In our product texts, thermal blanket, thermal cover, thermo cover and cargo cover are listed as names for the same product. Our article on the cargo blanket, thermal blanket and iso deken (Dutch) goes into that. Ice packs can be used in the load.
These names in our range
Several products in our range carry one of these names. The product page for the Thermal Cargo Blankets for pallets lists insulation cover, thermohoes, thermal pallet cover, thermal blanket, thermal cover, thermo cover and cargo cover as names for the same product. It adds that what the product does matters more than the name: the covers reduce temperature fluctuations during transport, and a higher quality of the transported product on arrival is a direct result of the more stable temperature environment.
| Product name | Size | What the product page says |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Cargo Blankets for pallets | 120 x 100 x 150 cm | For air freight pallets with temperature sensitive goods |
| Thermal Pallet Cover | 120 x 80 x 150 cm | Suitable for air freight; designed to fit standard Euro pallets |
| ISO Blankets for Freight Pallets | 120 x 100 x 150 cm | For controlled chilled shipping; shields goods from heat, cold and moisture |
| Insulated Cargo Blankets for pallets | 120 x 100 x 150 cm | Specially for air freight; designed to safeguard temperature sensitive goods during transport |
| Thermal insulation covers | 120 x 100 x 160 cm | Protects temperature sensitive products during air freight |
Where a pallet shroud is used
About 95% of our thermal covers go by air, on ULD and pallet shipments. A smaller part goes to road transport and city distribution, where no refrigerated vehicle is available or where frequent door movements make the temperature in a refrigerated truck rise. Thermal covers are also used for temporary outdoor storage or when active cooling fails.
Frequently asked questions about a pallet shroud
Is a pallet shroud the same as a pallet cover?
Both words describe a cover over a pallet. The difference lies in the function: protection against rain and dust, or insulation against temperature.
Does an insulated pallet shroud keep goods cold?
It makes temperature change slower, but it does not cool. How long the effect lasts depends on product, route and weather, so we give no fixed hours.
Can I use a thermal pallet shroud more than once?
Yes. It is made from strong materials for repeated use, unlike shrink film.
Is a thermal blanket the same as a pallet shroud?
In our product texts, thermal blanket, thermal cover, thermo cover, cargo cover and thermohoes are listed as names for the same product.
Is a pallet shroud only used in air freight?
No. About 95% of our covers go by air, but a smaller part is used in road transport and city distribution.
Does a thermal pallet shroud protect against moisture?
Yes. It forms a barrier against rain and high humidity and limits condensation on the load.
Want a cover that insulates, not only covers? Browse our pallet shroud range in sizes for pallets, roll containers and ULDs, made in house since 1972. Contact us if you need a different size.
You will find all names for this product in our glossary (in Dutch).
