According to Orbis, bigger isn't always better. This week at ProMat, the plastic pallet and container manufacturer is highlighting its series of products developed for delivery to small stores.

For example, its small-format pallet carries the same size load as a standard pallet, while occupying a smaller footprint of just 42 by 30 inches.

"We've found that with the small pallet, you can go higher," says Curt Most, the company's senior product manager. "It ends up cubing out nicely."

The 30-inch width allows delivery drivers to move the pallet through narrow front doorways and tight store aisles. Its contoured corners won't damage product, and its solid construction allows the pallet to handle a variety of load sizes and weights.

The Orbis "pally" also features a small footprint, measuring just 31.4 by 23.6 inches. This pallet on wheels essentially functions like a combination pallet-dolly. It comes with a detachable handle that can be used to steer the pallet through tight spaces when it's in motion. When it's not moving, the pallet can be locked in place.

These solutions are especially well suited for deliveries to stores in urban environments.