The pallet, typically a form of tertiary packaging, is a flat structure used as a base for the unitization of goods in the supply chain. The MH1-2016 standard defines the pallet as a “portable, horizontal, rigid, composite platform used as (a) base for assembling, storing, stacking, handling and transporting goods as a unit load; often equipped with (a) superstructure.”  The superstructure is the assembly that is attached to the supporting base of the pallet.

Pallets are used to stack, store, protect, and transport materials in the course of being handled by materials handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or conveyors, being stored in racking or bulk storage, or being positioned in transport vehicles. The pallet is the most common base for the unit load, which includes pallet and goods stacked atop it, typically secured by stretch wrap, strapping, shrink wrap, adhesive, pallet collar, or other means of stabilization, including reusable wraps, straps, and nets.

Pallet Selection Considerations

Expendable or Reusable   

As a site dedicated to reusable packaging, one important differentiator is between durable or reusable pallets versus expendable or single-use pallets. Where pallets can be reused, they provide a lower cost per trip and less environmental impact than pallets which can be used only once, subject to the cost of reverse logistics. In reusable pallet applications, an investment in a better quality pallet usually lasts longer, providing a lower cost per use than cheaper alternatives.

Pallet Materials

Pallets are manufactured from a variety of materials. The wood pallet dominates the marketplace, providing an excellent value regarding price and performance. Wood is a stiff material, inexpensive, and easily fabricated into various sizes as required. Pallets manufactured from other materials also play important roles. Plastic pallets are prized for several reasons, including durability, ease of cleaning, exemption from ISPM 15 requirements, and other benefits.  Paper pallets are popular due to their lightweight, cleanliness, ISPM 15 exemption, and ease of recycling.  Wood composite pallets are also ISPM 15 exempt, providing a stiff, competitively priced product that can be readily recycled, and which are typically nestable to improve cube utilization in transport and storage.  Metal pallets also have a presence, especially in applications where pallet strength and durability are requirements. Block or Stringer, Directions of Entry

 Pallets can be classified as block or stringer pallets. Block pallets provide more options for pallet entry by material handling equipment. Pallets with solid stringers typically allow two-way entry (at each end of the pallet) while notched stringers allow partial four-way entry (by forklifts through the notches, as well as full access from the ends), while block pallets typically allow full four-way entrance.

Pallet Style    

Pallet style relates to features such as a single or double face (single or both top and bottom deck), and whether a pallet is reversible (either side can be used for the top deck) or non-reversible (having top and bottom deck but only one intended for use as a top deck). Various bottom deck configurations are also considerations in pallet style.  A single-faced pallet is also commonly called a skid.