What Stretch Film Thickness Is Best for Pallet Shipping?

Choosing the right stretch film thickness is the single biggest lever you have over freight damage. Too thin and the load shifts in transit; too thick and you waste money on every pallet. This guide explains the common pallet wrap gauges, what loads they handle, and how pre-stretch changes the math.

Why Thickness Matters

Stretch film holds a pallet by tension. When film is too thin, it elongates permanently, punctures on sharp corners, and loses holding force — the classic "load shift" that causes crushed cartons and damaged goods.

Common Thickness Ranges

17–20 micron — Light Duty

Short-distance, stable, lightweight loads on flat floors. Lowest cost, best for light boxes.

20–23 micron — General Purpose

The most common specification for warehouse and road shipping of cartoned goods. Balances cost and strength.

23–25 micron — Heavy Duty

Irregular loads, heavy bags, sharp-edged goods, or intercontinental shipping.

25–36 micron — Machine / Extreme

High-speed automated wrappers and very heavy or unstable loads.

Don't Forget Pre-Stretch

Pre-stretch units elongate the film 200–400% before it touches the load. That means a 20 micron film delivered to the pallet can behave like a much thinner, lighter film while still holding — reducing film use per pallet by 30–50%. Always quote thickness after pre-stretch, not before.

Thickness vs. Load Type

Other Factors That Beat Thickness Alone

• Load containment test results, not just gauge
• Film puncture resistance (LLDPE outperforms LDPE)
• Double-sided cling to stop layers slipping
• UV stabilization for outdoor storage (1–5 years available)

The Bottom Line

Start at 20–23 micron for general pallet shipping, move to 25+ micron for heavy or sharp loads, and invest in pre-stretch to cut cost.

Need pallet wrap that survives shipping? Muguan supplies LLDPE pallet stretch film, 8–36 micron, custom width, UV-stabilized, factory direct. View pallet stretch wrap. Request a quote.