Resources & Insights

The long, continuous boards (typically 2x4 or 3x4) that run the full length of a stringer pallet and provide the primary structural support. Stringers bear the load between the top and bottom deck boards. Most standard US pallets use three stringers spaced evenly across the width of the pallet.

A pallet design that uses blocks of wood (typically 4-6 inches square) at the corners and center instead of full-length stringers. Block pallets allow four-way forklift entry from all sides, making them more versatile for automated handling systems. The European EUR pallet is a block pallet design.

The most common pallet type in North America, using two or three long boards (stringers) running between the top and bottom deck boards. Standard stringer pallets allow two-way forklift entry, though notched stringers can provide partial four-way access for pallet jacks.

The flat boards that make up the top and bottom surfaces of a pallet. Top deck boards support the product load directly. Bottom deck boards (also called bottom boards or runner boards) provide a base surface when the pallet sits on the floor or on racking. Board width and spacing affect load distribution.

The 48 x 40 inch pallet standardized by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now the Consumer Brands Association). This is the most widely used pallet size in North America, accounting for approximately 30% of all new pallets produced. It is the default for grocery, retail, and general freight shipping.

International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, a set of guidelines developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) that governs the treatment of wood packaging materials used in international trade. The standard requires heat treatment (HT) or methyl bromide fumigation (MB) to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

A pest control process required under ISPM-15 in which wood is heated to a core temperature of at least 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat treatment eliminates insects, larvae, and pathogens without the use of chemicals. Treated pallets receive an HT stamp with the facility's certification number.

A cutout section carved into the bottom of a stringer to allow forklift tines to enter from the side. Notched stringers convert a two-way entry pallet into a partial four-way entry pallet, enabling pallet jack access from all four sides while maintaining the structural advantages of stringer construction.

A beveled (angled) edge cut on the leading edge of the bottom deck boards. Chamfering creates a slight ramp that allows forklift tines and pallet jack forks to slide under the pallet more easily, reducing snag points and speeding up material handling operations.

A pallet-like platform that has no bottom deck boards. A skid consists only of top deck boards and stringers (or runners), making it essentially a single-faced pallet. Skids are lighter and less expensive than full pallets but cannot be double-stacked and offer less stability on racking systems.

A pallet design that allows forklift tines or pallet jack forks to enter from all four sides. Block pallets inherently offer four-way entry. Stringer pallets can achieve partial four-way entry through notching. Four-way pallets are preferred for automated warehouses and high-throughput distribution centers.

A pallet that can only be accessed by forklifts from two opposite sides (the stringer ends). This is the default configuration for un-notched stringer pallets. Two-way entry pallets require more planning for warehouse layout and truck loading but are structurally stronger than comparable four-way designs.

The maximum weight a pallet can support when sitting stationary on a flat, solid, and level surface. This is the highest load capacity rating because all forces are evenly distributed. Static load is relevant for long-term warehouse storage where pallets remain in place for extended periods.

The maximum weight a pallet can safely support while being moved by a forklift or pallet jack. Dynamic loads are lower than static loads because movement introduces vibration, uneven forces, and acceleration stresses. This is the most important rating for pallets that are frequently transported within a facility.

The maximum weight a pallet can support when placed on warehouse racking with the pallet supported only at its edges by the rack beams. Because the center of the pallet is unsupported and spans open space, racking loads are the lowest of the three capacity ratings. This is critical for businesses using selective or drive-in racking.

A design feature where the top or bottom deck boards extend beyond the edge of the stringers or blocks. Winged pallets allow slings to be passed under the pallet more easily for crane lifting operations. They are common in the lumber, steel, and heavy manufacturing industries.

A pallet where the deck boards are cut exactly even with the outer edges of the stringers or blocks. Flush pallets have a clean, uniform appearance and fit snugly into standard racking without overhang. Most GMA pallets are flush-cut for compatibility with automated systems.

A pallet design feature consisting of one or more center boards running perpendicular to the top deck boards. Mullions add structural rigidity and prevent the pallet from twisting or racking under heavy loads. They are common on heavy-duty and custom-engineered pallet designs.

A hinged wooden frame that sits on top of a pallet to create a box-like enclosure for loose products. Multiple collars can be stacked to increase the height of the container. Pallet collars fold flat when not in use, making them space-efficient and reusable across many shipping cycles.

The 800 x 1200 mm pallet standardized by the European Pallet Association (EPAL). This is the most widely used pallet in European logistics and is recognized by a distinctive brand mark burned into the corner blocks. Euro pallets are strictly quality-controlled and can be exchanged through the EPAL pool system.

A pallet designed so that empty units can be stacked inside each other (nested) to save space during storage and return shipping. Nestable pallets typically have a nine-leg post design and are most commonly made from plastic or molded wood. They can reduce empty pallet storage space by up to 70%.

A logistics model where pallets are shared among multiple users through a managed pool rather than being owned by individual companies. Companies like CHEP and PECO manage pallet pools where users rent pallets per trip, and the pool operator handles collection, repair, and redistribution. Pooling reduces waste and simplifies pallet management.