Pallets

The maximum weight a pallet can support.

There are three common ways to measure capacity:

• Dynamic Load Capacity - maximum weight capacity for pallet while moving.
• Static Load Capacity - maximum weight capacity for pallet while stationary.
• Rackable Capacity - maximum weight capacity for a pallet while on a pallet racking system.

What’s the difference between static load and dynamic load?

The primary difference is that static loads don’t move and dynamic loads do. Typically a static load is a loaded pallet on the floor and a dynamic load is a loaded pallet on moving equipment.

A pallet class refers to the structural design of a pallet. 

‍

There are two common classes:

• Block – named for the 9 blocks that are placed in corners and centers of each side of the pallet. Commonly thought to be stronger than stringer pallets, but results vary by manufacturer. Also referred to as a “four-way” pallet for its four entries. ‍
• Stringer – named for the stringers (typically three planks that run parallel and lengthwise down 2 sides and the center of the pallet) used to support the load. Also referred to as a “two-way” pallet for its two entries, but can be modified for 4-way entry.

A pallet entry is an opening on the side of a pallet for inserting the forks from a forklift or similar moving equipment.

What’s the difference between a 2-way pallet and a 4-way pallet?

• 2-way – entries on two sides for forklifting.
• 4-way – entries on all four sides. 

The overall height of the pallet from floor to surface.

The overall length of the pallet from edge to edge.

What are the different pallet materials?

There are three primary materials used in pallets:

• Wood – the most common type of pallet. Cheap and easily customizable sizes and strengths. Note that wood pallets get wet and are prone to bacteria build-up, so do not use them for transporting food, beverages, chemicals, or other substances that can’t be contaminated.

• Metal – the strongest type of pallet, typically available in aluminum or galvanized steel. Expensive, but useful for heavy loads, extremely durable, and high weather-resistance. 

• Plastic – the most versatile type of pallet, available in ACM, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and PVC. Used in nearly every industry for any type of load, subject to weight constraints. High durability (don’t need to be discarded often) and protection to ensure items are less likely to be damaged during transportation. Recyclable.

There are three common types of pallets:

• Nestable – for nested stacking. Reduce space, decrease freight costs, and lower unit cost. 
• Stackable – for stacking on top of one another. Save floor space, provide a solid platform, and suitable for racking. 
• Rackable – for storage on supported or edge rack systems.

What’s the difference between nestable and stackable pallets?

Nestable pallets “nest” inside one another, while stackable pallets “stack” on top of each other. Due to their design, nestable pallets save more space in comparison to stackable pallets when empty.

The overall width of the pallet from edge to edge.