Glossary—pallet

GISTnet Glossary—pallet

A moveable platform onto which cargo is placed in order to facilitate efficient handling and protect cargo. A pallet or skid is the enabling feature of most unit loads. Pallets come in many variations as to material, size, weight capacity, configuration, durability and reusability. Many pallets are constructed of wooden boards, although plywood, steel, molded fiber, plastic and aluminum, and combinations thereof are also common.

Standard pallet sizes have been adopted by both ISO and ANSI, the dimensions of which are designed to fit efficiently into trucks, intermodal containers and other modes of transport such as air and rail. Two of the most common such standard dimensions are 32"(800 mm) x 48"(1200 mm) and 40"(1000 mm) x 48"(1200 mm). Smaller pallets are commonly used for unit loads of smaller packages or very dense cargo, 32"(800 mm) x 40"(1000 mm) being one such standard. Larger pallets are used by carriers and others wishing to efficiently handle assorted cargo; the so called "stevedore pallet" is such an example, with standard dimensions of 48"(1200 mm) x 72"(1800 mm).

The structure of a pallet is provided by a combination of stringers (or blocks) creating the separation of the upper "deck" from the lower "deck" (or floor/ground if there is no lower deck). The deck can be formed by slats or a solid material (e.g., plywood, OSB, etc.). The load-bearing capacity of a pallet is determined by the dimensions of the lumber used; for example, oak is stronger and more durable, all things being equal, than an otherwise identical pallet made of soft wood. Pallets are also either 2-way or 4-way, which described the number of sides into which forks can be placed for lifting/moving. Pallets with "wings" can be lifted by spreader-bars rigged to an overhead hoist, as well as by a forklift truck or pallet jack. Here are examples of typical types of wood pallets:

single-deck, 2-way, stringer pallet
double-deck, 2-way, reversible stringer pallet
double-deck, 2-way, non-reversible stringer pallet
double-deck, double-wing, 2-way, non-reversible stringer pallet
double-deck, 4-way, non-reversible stringer pallet
double-deck, 4-way, non-reversible block pallet

Most pallets are designed and purchased to facilitate storage and distribution of specific merchandise. Such pallets must be very durable when intended for long-term reusability (i.e., "stevedore," "warehouse" and "carrier" pallets), or they may be low-cost units designed for only one cycle of use, in which case they are termed "one-way" or "expendable." Although virtually all pallets are designed for handling by forklift trucks, either two-way or four-way entry, some may also be configured for handling by pallet jacks (open slat bottom) or sling bars (i.e., a "stevedore pallet" with open side "wings"). For more information about pallets, including standards, illustrations and methods for export treatment, refer to the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (http://www.nwpca.com/), and to NWPCA Uniform Standards for Wood Pallets.

See also definitions for expendable pallet, also known as a one-way pallet, and stevedore pallet.

Note: When a shipper places a pallet, skid, crate or other other packaging under or around cargo to facilitate handling and/or better protect the cargo, the pallet, skid or additional material becomes part of the total cube and weight of the cargo, and hence is included in the freight charge computation.

Soft wood pallets (i.e., containing coniferous wood) used in international commerce, must conform to the ISPM-15 wood treatment and marking standard.