Thermal pallet covers for air cargo: names and types
A thermal pallet cover is an insulated sleeve that you place over a pallet or air cargo container, so that temperature-sensitive goods are less exposed to heat, cold and moisture during air freight. The same product goes by many names. This guide explains the names, the types and the sizes, and it shows how to choose.
One product, many names
Suppliers use different words for what is essentially the same item. You may see an insulated pallet cover, a cargo blanket, a pallet shroud, a thermal blanket for cargo or a thermal cover. All of these names describe a reusable insulating cover that protects the load against temperature fluctuations. What matters more than the name is what the cover does and whether it fits your pallet.
A short guide to the terms you will meet:
- thermal pallet cover and insulated pallet cover: a cover for a standard pallet;
- cargo blanket and thermal blanket for cargo: the air freight wording for the same type of cover;
- pallet shroud: another word for a cover that goes over the loaded pallet;
- ULD thermal cover: a cover made for an air cargo container, such as the PMC size.
What an insulated pallet cover does
An insulated pallet cover protects temperature-sensitive goods from heat, cold and moisture. It reduces temperature fluctuations during transport and storage. The result is a more stable environment around the load, so that the product arrives in better condition.
It is passive insulation. The cover does not produce cold and does not control temperature. The result depends on the starting temperature of the load, the duration of transport, the outside temperature and the use of ice packs or cooling elements in the load. We do not state hours or temperature ranges. For the reasoning, see our article on how long a thermal pallet cover keeps a load at temperature.
Types and sizes of cargo blankets
Our range covers the common pallet and container formats used in air freight. All covers are reusable and made from sturdy materials. Here is an overview:
| Cover for | Size |
|---|---|
| Small pallet | 80 x 60 x 150 cm |
| Euro pallet | 120 x 80 x 150 cm, also double layer |
| Block pallet (freight pallet) | 120 x 100 x 150 cm, also double layer |
| Block pallet, larger | 120 x 120 x 150 cm |
| Pallet, higher | 120 x 100 x 160 cm |
| ULD, PMC format | 320 x 240 x 150 cm |
| IBC container | 120 x 100 x 120 cm |
| Drum | 60 x 60 x 90 cm |
| Roll container | 85 x 70 x 155 cm with flap door, or 85 x 70 x 150 cm without opening |
The full range is listed in our insulated pallet covers collection. If you work with air cargo containers, the ULD cover is described in our article on ULD cover: sizes and how it works in air freight.
How to choose a thermal blanket for cargo
A thermal blanket for cargo comes in these versions.
- Pallet type: covers exist for Euro pallets, block pallets and a smaller pallet.
- Container type: covers exist for a PMC, an IBC and a roll container.
- Access: a roll container cover with a flap door gives access to the load, the closed version has no opening.
- Layers: the double layer exists for block pallets and Euro pallets.
- The base: an insulated pallet base insulates the underside.
Warm air rises, and that is why the underside of a pallet needs good insulation too. Our insulated pallet bases are made from bubble film laminated with aluminum. They protect against external temperatures, reduce damage from rain and theft, and are easy to fit. They exist for Euro pallets (110 x 150 cm) and block pallets (130 x 150 cm), also in a double layer version of 8 mm thickness. Many customers buy base and cover together.
Choosing a pallet cover supplier
As a pallet cover supplier, Cooled Solutions has made these covers in its own production since 1972, and they are available from stock. For more on this, see our article on Pallet cover supplier: insulated pallet covers from our own production.
We make no promises about certification of the cover. If your goods are medicines, read our article on the thermal pallet cover for medicines and pharma transport. For foods, see thermal pallet covers for food transport.
Frequently asked questions about thermal pallet covers
What is the difference between a cargo blanket and a thermal pallet cover?
They are names for the same product: an insulating cover for a pallet. Cargo blanket is the air freight wording.
Is a pallet shroud the same as an insulated pallet cover?
Both names are used for a cover that goes over the loaded pallet.
Can I reuse a ULD thermal cover?
Yes. Our covers are made from sturdy materials for repeated use.
Order a thermal pallet cover
Choose the size that fits your pallet or container in our thermal pallet cover range. If you are unsure which version suits your shipment, contact us for advice before you order.
You will find all names in our glossary.
