Lids for Pallet Containers

Does Your Plastic Pallet Container Really Need a Lid?

The lid question gets asked all the time. Especially when we're talking about stacking industrial plastic containers.

So you've been shopping for plastic pallet containers. You've pinned down the footrpint and functional needs. But you've noticed that nearly all of these industrial bulk containers have open tops. Are lids an option? Do you even need a lid? The answer (as you probably already guessed) is that it depends.

Does Your Plastic Pallet Container Really Need a Lid?

Lids are molded with an inset to allow stacking. Optional hinges and locks aid in loss prevention.

Stack Pallet Containers with or without a Lid

I'll cut to the chase. Plastic pallet containers can stack without lids.

These plastic bulk boxes are designed to stack safely. The bottom is inset to nest about a half inch into the container below it. This nesting feature allows you to move stacked containers without concern of a container slipping off the stack. You may still want a lid (they're molded for stacking). Reasons for and against lids are below:

Reasons for a Lid

If your product needs to stay protected from damage or environmental elements like dust, a lid is in order. You may also want to use lids to prevent theft when shipping pallet containers. Many customers band the lid and container together. Others add modifications including hinges and padlocks for beefing up their loss prevention efforts. Lids also make the container resistant to weather damage. While not all containers are waterproof, your contents should be safe during transit if moved in inclement weather.

Choose a lid if you need:

  • product protection

  • security

Reasons for NO Lid

Some plastic bulk containers are designed with a drop gate for easy access to contents. Unfortunately, when you put a lid on your container, you can no longer open the drop gate. The lid waterfalls over the outside edge of the container by about two inches. If the container will be in transit, however, the waterfall (or overhang) is an advantage because it provides security. You don't have to worry about someone accessing your contents while the container is moving.

Further, agricultural users concerned about moisture and mold will benefit from using pallet containers with vented walls and no lid. A vented container allows moisture to escape, reducing environmental conditions conducive to mold and decay. This helps to keep the produce fresher longer. This is explained in more detail in a previous post about using plastic containers for agriculture.

Skip the lid if you need:

  • easy access to contents

  • better air flow

Hold onto those Lids

Lid loss can be an issue so you'll want to come up with a system for keeping track of your container toppers.

Companies that use a lot of pallet containers have the option to emboss lids with their name or company logo. This helps to claim ownership and prevent loss of the lid itself. To qualify, you must be a heavy container user. The minimum order for containers with customized lids is two truckloads (about 200-500 containers depending on size).

Need Pallet Containers (with or without a Lid)?

Shopping for pallet containers? Let's connect. Tell us about the pallet containers currently in your system and how you use them. We'll help you decide if buying lids is the way to go.

Updated: 06/09/2025 | Published: 08/09/2018
by Hartson Poland on Containers