# Palletisation Rules

# Palletisation Rules – Dispatch SOP

This page defines the business rules used to determine when an order should be dispatched on a pallet rather than via standard parcel packaging. These rules are applied after `BoxPacker` has calculated the optimal packages for the order.

## 1. Purpose

To ensure consistency, cost-efficiency, and safe transport of large or high-value orders by automatically determining when palletisation is required.

## 2. Overview

All orders are first processed through the **DeliveryCalculator** and **BoxPacker** to find the most efficient fit using available packaging (boxes, wrappers, tubes, or custom packages). The rules below are then applied to determine whether pallet delivery is required or recommended.

## 3. Palletisation Decision Rules

<div class="rule" id="bkmrk-rule-1-%E2%80%93-mandatory-p"><span class="priority">Rule 1 – Mandatory Pallet (10×5 Jobs)</span>  
Any product marked as “10×5” or exceeding **3050 mm width** or **1520 mm height** must always be shipped on a pallet.  
*Reason:* Size exceeds courier handling limits.</div><div class="rule" id="bkmrk-rule-2-%E2%80%93-high-value-"><span class="priority">Rule 2 – High Value Orders (£1000+)</span>  
Any order with a total value of **£1000 or more** should be palletised by default.  
*Reason:* Reduces risk of damage or loss for high-value shipments.</div><div class="rule" id="bkmrk-rule-3-%E2%80%93-quantity-th"><span class="priority">Rule 3 – Quantity Threshold</span>  
If the order contains **6 or more packages** (boxes, tubes, or wrappers), pallet delivery is preferred.  
*Reason:* More efficient and secure bulk transport.</div><div class="rule" id="bkmrk-rule-4-%E2%80%93-custom-pack"><span class="priority">Rule 4 – Custom Package Threshold</span>  
If the order includes **4 or more custom packages**, pallet delivery is recommended.  
*Reason:* Custom packages are typically larger or irregular; combining them increases handling risk.</div><div class="rule" id="bkmrk-rule-5-%E2%80%93-large-forma"><span class="priority">Rule 5 – Large Format Escalation</span>  
If any single package exceeds **1200 mm width** and **800 mm height**, a pallet should be used.  
*Reason:* Size approaches courier limits; palletisation ensures stability and protection.</div><div class="rule" id="bkmrk-rule-6-%E2%80%93-volume-base"><span class="priority">Rule 6 – Volume-Based Recommendation</span>  
If total combined package volume exceeds roughly **70% of the smallest pallet volume** (0.67 m³), escalate to pallet delivery.  
*Reason:* Predictive optimisation to avoid multiple parcel shipments.</div>## 4. Pallet Type Selection

<table id="bkmrk-condition-pallet-typ"><thead><tr><th>Condition</th><th>Pallet Type</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Width ≤ 1200 mm and Height ≤ 800 mm</td><td>Euro Pallet – 800</td></tr><tr><td>Width ≤ 1220 mm and Height ≤ 1000 mm</td><td>4×4 Pallet</td></tr><tr><td>Width ≤ 2440 mm and Height ≤ 1220 mm</td><td>8×4 Pallet</td></tr><tr><td>Width &gt; 2440 mm or Height &gt; 1500 mm</td><td>10×5 Pallet</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 5. Decision Summary

<table id="bkmrk-trigger-action-conta"><thead><tr><th>Trigger</th><th>Action</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Contains 10×5 item</td><td>Mandatory pallet (10×5 Pallet)</td></tr><tr><td>Order value ≥ £1000</td><td>Use pallet</td></tr><tr><td>≥ 6 packages total</td><td>Prefer pallet</td></tr><tr><td>≥ 4 custom packages</td><td>Prefer pallet</td></tr><tr><td>Any package &gt; 1200×800 mm</td><td>Use pallet (choose based on size)</td></tr><tr><td>Volume &gt; 70% of smallest pallet</td><td>Recommend pallet</td></tr></tbody></table>

<div class="note" id="bkmrk-note%3A-these-palletis">**Note:** These palletisation rules are applied automatically within the `DispatchPolicyEvaluator` service after `BoxPacker` has generated the list of packages. The system records the reasoning for each pallet decision for auditing and optimisation.</div>