Skids

Skids are load platforms with a top deck but no bottom deck. They’re used for the transportation and storage of materials, and since they don’t have a bottom deck, they’re easier to move around due to less friction. Skids are commonly confused with pallets and the two are often incorrectly used interchangeably. The key difference is that a skid is a load platform with a top deck but no bottom deck, while a pallet has both a top and bottom deck.

Attributes

38

Capacity

Performance

The maximum weight a skid can support.


There are three common ways to measure capacity:

  • Dynamic Load Capacity - maximum weight capacity for a skid while moving.
  • Static Load Capacity - maximum weight capacity for a skid while stationary.
  • Rackable Capacity - maximum weight capacity for a skid 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 skid on the floor and a dynamic load is a loaded skid on moving equipment.

37

Entry

Style

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


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

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

41

Height

Dimension

The overall height of the skid from floor to surface.

39

Length

Dimension

The overall length of the skid from edge to edge.

42

Material

Style

What are the different skid materials?

There are three primary materials used in skids:

  • Wood – the most common type of skid. Cheap and easily customizable sizes and strengths. Note that if wood skids get wet, they’re prone to bacteria build-up, so it’s best not to use them for transporting food, beverages, chemicals, or other substances that can’t be contaminated.
  • Metal – the strongest type of skid, 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 skid, 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 your items are less likely to be damaged during transportation. Recyclable.

36

Type

Use Case Specific

What types of skids are there?

  • Single-Deck – traditional skid. 
  • Nestable – can be stacked. Take up less space, decrease freight costs, and lower unit cost.

40

Width

Dimension

The overall width of the skid from edge to edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

We’re always working to improve the quality of our knowledge base. If there’s anything you think we’re missing or needs changing on this page, let us know.

What is a skid? 

A load platform with a top deck but no bottom deck.


What are skids used for?

Skids are used for the transportation and storage of materials. Since skids don’t have a bottom deck, they’re easier to move around due to less friction.


What's the difference between a skid and a pallet?

A skid has no bottom deck, while a pallet does. This makes skids easier to move due to lower friction and also less expensive. 


Is skid another word for pallet?

No. The two are often confused and used interchangeably, but they’re different. A skid has no bottom deck, while a pallet does.


What are freight skids?

A load platform with a top deck but no bottom deck.

Compare prices on Response.

Response is the single store for your top vendors. Book a demo to see it in action and get early access to our beta.

Book a Demo
Questions? Talk to us.
Attributes

38

37

41

39

42

36

40