Harvest time is one of the busiest and most demanding periods in the farming year
Whether you’re working in a vineyard, picking soft fruit, or transporting root vegetables, the speed and efficiency of your operations can make a significant difference to both crop quality and your bottom line.
That’s why more growers are turning to plastic pallets, crates and containers designed specifically for harvest operations. Unlike traditional wooden alternatives, these products are durable, lightweight, hygienic and designed to perform better when out in the field.
Here, we take a look at the most common harvest logistics challenges and recommend a selection of our most effective pallet, pallet box and crate options.
The unique demands of harvesting and vineyard operations
Every harvest comes with its own set of logistical challenges. Fruit and vegetables are often delicate and perishable, so any delay in cooling or rough handling can lead to damaged goods and lost profits.
In outdoor environments, equipment is exposed to moisture, UV rays and repeated heavy use. What’s more, many growers now rely on automated systems and require containers that are consistent in size and robust enough for machine handling over long periods of time.
When you also factor in the need for faster blast chilling and improved hygiene, as well as more efficient return logistics, it’s clear why the right pallet or box makes all the difference.
Why plastic is the smart choice
There are plenty of reasons why plastic pallets, containers and crates are a smart choice during harvest season.
Durability in the field: Built for tough field conditions. These products cope well with repeated use, sunlight, changing temperatures, and rough handling
Lightweight and ergonomic: Easier for teams to handle, helping to reduce strain and potential injuries
Improved ventilation: Perforated designs allow for faster cooling and better preservation
Easy to clean: Non-porous surfaces prevent mould and bacteria build-up
Optimised for automation: Uniform sizing works seamlessly with automated systems
Space-saving: Nestable and foldable options improve efficiency on return journeys
Key Products: Designed for every stage of the harvest
We supply a variety of crates, boxes and pallets that are well-suited for every part of the harvest – from picking in the field to cooling and storage. Here are some of the most popular choices being used by existing customers across the sector:
Pallet boxes for bulk handling
GoPalletBox 1311P 3R Blue
This ventilated pallet box holds up to 1400 litres, making it a reliable choice for collecting big harvests out in the field. It’s incredibly strong and performs well in automated systems.
GoPalletBox 1210LS 2R
With a capacity of 400 litres and a reduced height of 580mm, this pallet box is a popular choice for grape harvesting. Its shallower profile helps reduce the risk of damage from overfilling.
GoPalletBox 1210S 3R Grey
A 610-litre solid-wall pallet box, ideal for protecting harvested crops during storage and transport. This model sits on 3 runners for added strength and is made from 100% HDPE, offering enhanced durability.
GoPalletBox 1060S 4C
This 300-litre pallet box is fitted with castors, making it easy to move around farms, packhouses or cool stores without the need for mechanical handling.
Small boxes and crates for picking and stacking
GoEuro 6480P
A compact 15-litre container with straight walls, ideal for transporting delicate items like grapes and berries. Its design allows for safe stacking and easy cleaning.
GoS&N 64200P Blue
This durable stack and nest container offers excellent internal volume, smooth sides and strong construction. It’s space-saving when not in use and easy to clean.
GoFold 64200P
A perforated folding container designed to save space on return trips. Easy to deploy during peak season and available in different colours depending on your needs.
GoMaxi 64199P
A perforated bale arm crate that nests and stacks. Its design supports efficient airflow and space saving in transit or storage.
Plastic Pallets for moving and cooling
SF 1210 M5R
A best-seller for soft fruit harvesting, this ventilated pallet is perfect for blast cooling and secure transport. It features a 22mm lip option to keep picking trays in place.
APB 1210 Pool Open 5R Blue
Built for high-volume use, this durable, automation-friendly pallet is perforated for ventilation and easy cleaning. It holds up under repeated handling without damage.
APB 1210 Pool Closed 3R
A solid top-deck pallet designed for compatibility with Euro boxes and crates. Strong, hygienic and made from 100% recycled plastic.
Proven in the field: Success stories from UK and Europe
The New Forest Fruit Company
This premium UK-based strawberry grower faced repeated breakages using wooden pallets and inefficient cooling times for freshly picked fruit. Switching to the SF 1210 M5R pallet helped reduce blast chill time from 75 minutes to just 45 minutes. The new pallets were lighter to handle and more hygienic, with better airflow and tray stability during transport.
One of Europe’s Largest Potato Producers
Their manual setup was slowing things down, pushing up labour costs, and making the supply chain harder to manage. The business needed a reliable container solution that could integrate seamlessly with a fully automated processing and packing line. After a consultation phase, we supplied 1,200 GoPalletBox 1311S 3R containers. As a result, the company saw a 90% drop in manual handling and a 60% increase in throughput. The new containers also improved hygiene and supply chain consistency.
Looking ahead to the harvest season
Ae you looking to future-proof your harvest operations? From soft fruit and vineyard logistics to heavy-duty root crop transport, we’ve got options to suit every kind of operation.
Do you need help choosing the right option? Our team can recommend the best solutions and get them to you quickly. Speak to us today on 01323 744057, or feel free to email sales@goplasticpallets.com
For more information, visit goplasticpallets.com
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