Pallet Industry Glossary
The pallet industry has its own vocabulary of technical, regulatory, and trade terms that can be confusing for newcomers and even experienced logistics professionals. This comprehensive glossary defines over 80 of the most important terms you will encounter when buying, selling, shipping, or managing pallets.
Whether you are researching pallet grades for a purchase decision, preparing for an ISPM-15 audit, or simply trying to understand what your pallet supplier is talking about, this reference guide has you covered. Bookmark it and come back whenever you need a quick definition.
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Most Common Terms Quick Reference
New to the pallet industry? These twelve terms come up in nearly every conversation about buying, selling, or managing pallets. Master these first and you will understand 90 percent of what your pallet supplier is talking about.
GMA Pallet
The standard 48x40 inch pallet used across North America. Also called the grocery pallet. Accounts for roughly 30% of all pallets produced.
Stringer
The long structural boards running the length of a pallet that bear the weight. Most pallets use two or three stringers.
Grade A / B / C
Quality ratings for used pallets. A is near-new condition, B has minor wear, and C is economy grade with cosmetic damage but structurally sound.
Heat Treatment (HT)
Heating wood to 56 degrees C for 30 minutes to kill pests. Required by ISPM-15 for international shipping.
Block Pallet
A pallet using 6 or 9 wooden blocks instead of stringers. Offers true four-way forklift entry and higher load capacity.
Dynamic Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can carry while being moved by a forklift or pallet jack. Typically 30-50% less than static capacity.
ISPM-15
International phytosanitary regulation requiring wood packaging to be treated before crossing borders. The global standard for export pallets.
Deck Board
The flat horizontal boards forming the top and bottom surfaces of a pallet. The most commonly replaced component during repair.
Four-Way Entry
A pallet that can be accessed by a forklift from all four sides. Block pallets and notched stringer pallets offer this feature.
Recycled Pallet
A used pallet that has been inspected, graded, and potentially repaired for reuse. Saves 40-60% versus buying new.
Stretch Wrap
Plastic film wrapped around a palletized load to secure products, prevent shifting, and protect against dust and moisture.
NWPCA
National Wooden Pallet and Container Association. The primary trade body for the wood pallet industry in North America.
Abbreviations Decoded
Industry Acronyms Table
The pallet and logistics industry is full of abbreviations. This quick-reference table decodes the most important acronyms you will encounter in purchase orders, shipping documents, regulatory filings, and supplier communications.
| Acronym | Full Name | Context / Usage |
|---|---|---|
| GMA | Grocery Manufacturers Association | Establishes the 48x40 inch standard pallet size used across North American grocery and consumer goods supply chains. |
| ISPM-15 | International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 | Global regulation governing wood packaging in international trade. Requires heat treatment or fumigation. |
| IPPC | International Plant Protection Convention | UN body that oversees ISPM-15 and the stamp applied to compliant wood packaging materials worldwide. |
| NWPCA | National Wooden Pallet & Container Association | Primary U.S. trade association for the wood pallet industry. Publishes the Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets. |
| EPAL | European Pallet Association | Manages the EUR pallet pool (800x1200mm) and licenses manufacturers across Europe. |
| HT | Heat Treatment | Phytosanitary treatment method heating wood core to 56 degrees C for 30 min. Marked on ISPM-15 stamp. |
| MB | Methyl Bromide | Chemical fumigation method being phased out due to ozone depletion. Still accepted in some countries. |
| PDS | Pallet Design System | Engineering software by NWPCA/Virginia Tech that calculates pallet load capacity and structural performance. |
| FTL | Full Truckload | Shipping mode where a single shipment fills an entire trailer. Most cost-effective for large pallet orders. |
| LTL | Less Than Truckload | Shipping mode for partial trailer loads. Higher per-pallet cost but suitable for smaller orders. |
| AGV | Automated Guided Vehicle | Self-navigating warehouse vehicle. Requires precise pallet dimensions and consistent construction. |
| ASRS | Automated Storage and Retrieval System | Robotic warehouse racking that demands exact pallet tolerances for safe automated handling. |
| FDA | Food and Drug Administration | U.S. regulatory body. Pallets used in food-contact environments must meet FDA cleanliness standards. |
| FSMA | Food Safety Modernization Act | U.S. law requiring preventive controls in food supply chains, affecting pallet hygiene requirements. |
| DEQ | Department of Environmental Quality | State-level agency overseeing waste management. Recognizes pallet recyclers for waste diversion efforts. |
| ESG | Environmental, Social, and Governance | Corporate reporting framework. Recycled pallet data contributes to environmental metrics in ESG reports. |
| WPM | Wood Packaging Material | ISPM-15 term encompassing pallets, crates, dunnage, and other wood used in shipping. |
| 3PL | Third-Party Logistics Provider | Companies that manage warehousing and transportation for other businesses. Major pallet consumers. |
| DOT | Department of Transportation | Federal and state agency regulating commercial vehicle operations, relevant for pallet delivery fleets. |
| CHEP | Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool | Major pallet pooling company using distinctive blue pallets. Operates a rental/return model worldwide. |
Browse by Topic
Terms Organized by Category
Not sure where to start? We have grouped the most relevant terms into five practical categories so you can focus on the vocabulary that matters most for your role.
Pallet Construction
Understand the physical components and anatomy of a wood pallet from stringers and blocks to deck boards and fasteners.
Grading & Quality
Terms related to pallet inspection, condition assessment, and the quality standards that govern the used pallet market.
Load & Performance
Key metrics that determine how much weight a pallet can safely support under different handling and storage conditions.
Regulatory & Compliance
Regulations, certifications, and treatment standards required for wood packaging in domestic and international supply chains.
Logistics & Handling
Terminology used in warehousing, transportation, and material handling operations involving palletized freight.
Sustainability & Recycling
Terms related to pallet reuse, environmental impact, and the circular economy of wood packaging materials.
Frequently Asked
Glossary FAQ
Common questions we receive from customers about pallet terminology, grades, standards, and specifications.
What is the difference between a stringer pallet and a block pallet?
A stringer pallet uses two or three long boards (stringers) running the length of the pallet as its primary structural support. A block pallet uses 6 or 9 solid wood blocks positioned between the top and bottom decks. The key functional difference is entry: stringer pallets offer two-way entry (or partial four-way with notches), while block pallets offer true four-way forklift entry from any direction. Block pallets also tend to have higher load capacities and are preferred for automated warehouse systems.
What does ISPM-15 mean and when do I need it?
ISPM-15 stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. It is a regulation that requires all solid wood packaging material used in international trade to be debarked and heat-treated (or fumigated) to prevent the spread of invasive pests. You need ISPM-15 treated pallets any time your shipment crosses an international border. Domestically shipped pallets do not require ISPM-15 compliance, though heat-treated pallets can still be used domestically.
What do pallet grades (A, B, C) actually mean in practice?
Grade A pallets are in excellent condition with no broken boards, minimal cosmetic wear, and full structural integrity. They look and perform close to new. Grade B pallets show moderate use with possible minor staining, one or two repaired boards, but remain fully structurally sound for most applications. Grade C pallets have visible wear, multiple repairs, and cosmetic imperfections but still meet minimum structural requirements for light to moderate loads. The grade does not indicate safety -- all graded pallets are structurally inspected -- it indicates condition and expected remaining lifespan.
What is the standard pallet size in the United States?
The most common pallet size in the United States is 48 inches by 40 inches, known as the GMA pallet (Grocery Manufacturers Association). It accounts for approximately 30 percent of all new pallets produced in North America. Other common sizes include 48x48 (used for drums and square loads), 42x42 (automotive and telecommunications), 48x60 (for oversized materials), and 36x36 (for smaller products). Pallets West Coast stocks all standard sizes and builds custom dimensions to order.
What is the difference between dynamic load capacity and static load capacity?
Static load capacity is the maximum weight a pallet can support while sitting stationary on a flat, solid surface. Dynamic load capacity is the maximum weight it can support while being moved by a forklift, pallet jack, or on a conveyor. Dynamic capacity is always lower than static -- typically 30 to 50 percent lower -- because movement adds stress from acceleration, deceleration, and vibration. There is also a third type: racking load capacity, which is the maximum weight when the pallet is supported only at its edges on rack beams, and is typically the lowest of all three.
What does four-way entry mean and why does it matter?
Four-way entry means a forklift or pallet jack can access the pallet from all four sides. This provides maximum flexibility in tight warehouse spaces, on loading docks, and in automated systems where the pallet orientation cannot always be controlled. Two-way entry pallets can only be accessed from the two open ends, which can create handling delays. Block pallets naturally offer four-way entry, while stringer pallets can achieve partial four-way entry through notches cut into the bottom of the stringers.
Industry Data
Pallet Industry Statistics at a Glance
The wood pallet industry is one of the largest wood-consuming sectors in North America. These numbers put the scale and significance of pallet operations in perspective.
2 Billion
Pallets in Circulation
Approximate number of wood pallets in use across the U.S. at any given time
513 Million
New Pallets Per Year
Annual new pallet production in the United States (NWPCA estimate)
43%
Of U.S. Hardwood
Percentage of domestic hardwood lumber consumed by the pallet industry annually
95%+
Recovery Rate Possible
Percentage of pallet wood that can be recovered through reuse, repair, or mulching
| Metric | Value | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. pallet industry revenue | $12.8 billion | IBISWorld and NWPCA industry reports |
| GMA 48x40 market share | ~30% | Most popular single size of all pallets produced |
| Average pallet lifespan (new) | 15-25 trips | Depends on wood species, load, and handling conditions |
| Average cost of new 48x40 | $12-$16 | Standard stringer construction, softwood lumber |
| Average cost of recycled 48x40 | $4-$11 | Varies by grade (A, B, C) and market conditions |
| Wood pallets vs. plastic | 93% wood | Wood pallets dominate the U.S. market by volume |
| Pallet recycling/repair rate | ~80% | Percentage of used pallets that re-enter the supply chain |
| Pallet-related forklift incidents | ~30,000/yr | OSHA estimates. Proper pallet selection reduces workplace injuries. |
A-Grade Pallet
A used pallet in excellent condition with no broken boards, no major staining, minimal cosmetic wear, and full structural integrity. A-grade pallets are functionally equivalent to new pallets and are suitable for retail-facing and food-grade applications. Also called Grade A or #1 pallet.
Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)
A self-navigating material handling vehicle used in warehouses and manufacturing facilities to transport palletized loads without human operation. AGVs require pallets with precise dimensional tolerances and consistent construction to function reliably.
B-Grade Pallet
A used pallet in good condition with minor damage such as one or two cracked or broken deck boards, minor staining, or cosmetic imperfections. B-grade pallets are structurally sound and suitable for most industrial, warehousing, and shipping applications after minor repair.
Block Pallet
A pallet constructed with blocks of solid wood (typically 6 or 9 blocks) between the top and bottom deck boards instead of stringers. Block pallets offer true four-way forklift entry, greater load capacity, and are preferred for heavy-duty applications and automated handling systems.
Board Foot
A unit of measurement for lumber volume equal to a piece of wood 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick (144 cubic inches). Used to calculate the amount of lumber required to manufacture or repair pallets.
Bottom Deck Board
The boards on the underside of a pallet that make contact with the floor, forklift tines, or racking system. Bottom deck boards distribute load and provide structural support when the pallet is racked or stacked.
Broken Board
A deck board or lead board that has cracked, split, or snapped to the point where it no longer provides structural support. Broken boards are the most common defect in used pallets and are routinely replaced during the repair process.
Banding (Strapping)
Steel or polyester straps applied around a palletized load to secure boxes, bags, or bundled products to the pallet. Banding prevents load shift during transit and is commonly used in conjunction with stretch wrap for heavy or irregularly shaped shipments.
Bearing Surface
The total area of a pallet that makes contact with the load above or the support surface below. A larger bearing surface distributes weight more evenly, reducing point stress on both the pallet and the product being shipped.
C-Grade Pallet
A used pallet with multiple defects including several broken or missing boards, staining, and cosmetic damage. C-grade pallets are structurally viable for light to moderate loads and are the most affordable option for applications where appearance is not a concern. Also called economy or #3 pallet.
Cantilever
The portion of a deck board that extends beyond the outer stringer or block on a pallet. Cantilever length affects pallet compatibility with conveyors and the risk of board damage during handling.
Chamfer
An angled cut on the bottom leading edge of a pallet stringer or bottom deck board that facilitates forklift tine entry. Chamfers reduce the force required to insert forks and decrease the risk of pallet damage during pickup.
Closed Deck
A pallet top deck where the boards are placed with no gaps between them, creating a solid surface. Closed-deck pallets are used for small or irregularly shaped items that might fall through gaps in a standard open-deck pallet.
Combo Pallet
A pallet constructed from mixed wood species, often combining hardwood stringers with softwood deck boards or vice versa. Combo pallets leverage the strengths of each wood type: hardwood for structural members and softwood for lighter, more affordable deck boards.
Compliance Pallet
A pallet that meets specific regulatory requirements such as ISPM-15 heat treatment for international shipping, FDA standards for food contact, or cGMP requirements for pharmaceutical applications. Compliance pallets carry appropriate stamps, certificates, or documentation.
Core Temperature
The internal temperature of the thickest piece of wood in a pallet during heat treatment. ISPM-15 requires the core temperature to reach a minimum of 56 degrees Celsius (132.8 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least 30 consecutive minutes to eliminate pests.
Cross-Docking
A logistics practice where inbound freight is transferred directly from receiving to outbound shipping with minimal or no storage time. Pallet compatibility and standardization are critical for cross-docking efficiency.
Captive Pallet
A pallet that remains within a closed-loop supply chain and is not intended for one-way or exchange use. Captive pallets circulate between a fixed set of facilities, often receiving specialized maintenance and tracking, which extends their useful life to 10 or more years.
Collar (Pallet Collar)
A hinged wooden or plywood frame placed on top of a pallet to create a box-like container. Collars can be stacked two, three, or four high to accommodate varying load heights and fold flat for efficient return shipment when empty.
Creep
The gradual, permanent deformation of pallet components under sustained static load over time. Creep is most pronounced in softwood pallets supporting heavy loads for extended periods in warehouse racking and is an important consideration when specifying racking load capacity.
Deadhead
A delivery trip where the truck travels empty in one direction. In pallet logistics, combined delivery and pickup routes eliminate deadhead miles by picking up used pallets on the return trip from a delivery.
Deck Board
The horizontal boards that form the top and bottom surfaces of a pallet. Deck boards support the load directly and are the most commonly replaced component during pallet repair. Standard deck board thickness ranges from 5/16 inch to 3/4 inch depending on the pallet design and load requirement.
Deck Board Spacing
The gap between adjacent deck boards on a pallet. Wider spacing uses less lumber and reduces pallet weight, while narrower spacing provides better support for small or irregularly shaped loads. Standard GMA pallets have specific spacing requirements.
Diversion Rate
The percentage of incoming pallets that are reused or recycled rather than sent to landfill. A high diversion rate indicates effective pallet recycling operations. Pallets West Coast maintains a diversion rate exceeding 98 percent.
Dunnage
Loose materials such as wood blocks, foam, cardboard, or air bags used to protect and secure cargo on a pallet during shipping. Dunnage fills voids, prevents shifting, and absorbs shock during transit.
Dynamic Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can safely support while being moved by a forklift, pallet jack, or conveyor. Dynamic load capacity is typically 30 to 50 percent lower than static load capacity due to the additional stresses of movement and handling.
Debarked
Wood from which the bark has been removed. ISPM-15 requires that all wood packaging material be debarked prior to treatment. Debarking removes habitats for pests that live between the bark and the wood surface.
Double-Face Pallet
A pallet with both a top and a bottom deck. The bottom deck provides additional stability for racking, protects the stringer from direct floor contact, and enables stacking of loaded pallets without damaging the products on the pallet below.
Entry (Two-Way / Four-Way)
Refers to the directions from which a forklift or pallet jack can access the pallet. Two-way entry pallets can only be accessed from two sides. Four-way entry pallets (using notched stringers or block construction) can be accessed from all four sides, offering greater handling flexibility.
EPAL (European Pallet Association)
The European organization that manages the EUR pallet pool, the most widely used pallet system in Europe. EPAL pallets measure 800mm x 1200mm (approximately 31.5 x 47.2 inches) and are built to specific quality standards with licensed markings.
Export Pallet
A pallet that has been heat treated or fumigated and stamped in accordance with ISPM-15 regulations for international shipment. Export pallets carry the official IPPC mark indicating the country of treatment, the treatment facility code, and the treatment method (HT for heat treatment or MB for methyl bromide).
Expendable Pallet
A pallet intended for a single trip through the supply chain and not expected to be returned or reused. Expendable pallets are typically the lowest-cost option, often Grade C recycled or lightweight new construction, and are used when the cost of return logistics exceeds the pallet value.
Flush Pallet
A pallet where the deck boards are even with the outer edge of the stringers or blocks, with no overhang. Flush pallets are preferred for automated handling systems where consistent dimensions are critical.
Fork Entry
The opening in a pallet through which forklift tines are inserted. Fork entries must be properly sized and clear of obstructions for safe handling. Standard fork entry height is approximately 3.5 inches.
FTL (Full Truckload)
A shipping method where a single shipment fills an entire truck trailer. FTL shipments of pallets are more cost-effective per unit than less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments and typically contain 400 to 600 pallets depending on size.
Fastener
Any hardware used to join pallet components together. Common pallet fasteners include nails (helical, ring-shank, and smooth), staples, screws, and bolts. Fastener type and pattern significantly affect pallet strength, durability, and repairability.
Fumigation
A phytosanitary treatment method that uses gas (historically methyl bromide) to eliminate pests in wood packaging material. Due to environmental concerns, fumigation is being replaced by heat treatment globally, though some countries still accept it as an ISPM-15 compliant method.
GMA Pallet
The standard 48-inch by 40-inch pallet size established by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now the Consumer Brands Association). The GMA pallet is the most widely used pallet size in North America, accounting for approximately 30 percent of all new pallets produced. Also called the North American standard pallet.
Galvanized Nail
A nail coated with zinc to resist corrosion and rust. Galvanized nails are used in pallets destined for cold storage, outdoor exposure, or maritime environments where moisture accelerates fastener deterioration and can stain or contaminate products.
Grade Stamp
A mark applied to a pallet indicating its quality grade (A, B, or C), the grading facility, and sometimes the date of inspection. Grade stamps provide transparency in the used pallet market and help buyers verify that pallets meet their specifications.
Hardwood
Wood from deciduous (broadleaf) trees such as oak, maple, and birch. Hardwood pallets are denser, heavier, and more durable than softwood pallets, making them ideal for heavy loads and repeated reuse. Hardwood is more expensive and more difficult to nail.
Heat Treatment (HT)
A phytosanitary treatment process where wood packaging material is heated until the core temperature reaches 56 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Required by ISPM-15 for international shipping to prevent the spread of invasive pests. Heat-treated pallets are stamped with the IPPC mark and HT designation.
IPPC Mark
The official stamp applied to ISPM-15 compliant wood packaging materials by licensed facilities. The mark includes the IPPC logo, country code, facility number, and treatment method. The IPPC mark is required for wood packaging entering virtually every country in the world.
ISPM-15
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, a set of guidelines developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to regulate wood packaging material in international trade. ISPM-15 requires that wood packaging be debarked and treated (heat treatment or fumigation) to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pests.
Infeed
The entry point of a pallet into an automated conveyor, sorter, or palletizer system. Infeed requirements dictate strict dimensional tolerances for pallets, as oversized or warped pallets can jam equipment and cause line stoppages.
Joist
A horizontal structural member that spans between supports, similar to a stringer but used in heavier-duty or custom pallet and crate construction. Joists are typically found in engineered shipping platforms designed for loads exceeding 5,000 pounds.
Keystone Effect
A load stability issue where the top layers of boxes on a pallet shift outward during transit due to vibration, creating a wider profile at the top than the base. Proper stretch wrapping, interlocking stack patterns, and slip sheets can mitigate keystone effect.
Lead Board
The outermost deck boards on the top and bottom of a pallet. Lead boards are the first boards to contact other pallets, dock edges, and handling equipment, making them the most susceptible to damage. They are often the first boards replaced during repair.
Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can safely support. Load capacity is expressed as static (stationary), dynamic (in motion), and racking (supported only at the edges). Load capacity depends on wood species, construction design, board dimensions, and fastener type.
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
A shipping method where a shipment occupies only a portion of a truck trailer, with the remaining space used for other shipments. LTL pallet deliveries are common for smaller orders and cost more per pallet than full truckload shipments.
Lift Truck
A general term for powered industrial vehicles used to lift, move, and stack palletized loads. Lift trucks include counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and turret trucks, each requiring specific pallet design features for safe operation.
Methyl Bromide (MB)
A chemical fumigant historically used to treat wood packaging for international shipping. Due to its ozone-depleting properties, methyl bromide treatment is being phased out globally. Heat treatment (HT) is the preferred and more environmentally responsible alternative. Pallets West Coast uses only heat treatment.
Moisture Content
The percentage of water in wood by weight. High moisture content increases pallet weight, promotes mold growth, and can reduce structural performance. Properly kiln-dried or heat-treated pallets typically have moisture content below 25 percent.
Mulch
Ground wood material produced by chipping non-repairable pallets. Pallet mulch is used for landscaping, garden beds, and playground surfaces. It represents the final stage of the pallet lifecycle before the wood decomposes and returns nutrients to the soil.
Nestable Pallet
A pallet designed to nest inside other identical pallets when empty, reducing storage space requirements for empty pallet inventory. Nestable pallets are commonly made from plastic but can also be designed in wood with specific stringer configurations.
Notch
A cutout on the bottom of a stringer pallet that allows forklift tines to enter from the non-stringer sides, converting a two-way entry pallet into a partial four-way entry pallet. Notches are typically 1.5 inches deep and 9 inches wide.
NWPCA
National Wooden Pallet and Container Association, the largest trade association representing the wood packaging industry in North America. NWPCA establishes quality standards, provides the Pallet Design System (PDS) software for engineering analysis, and advocates for the industry. Pallets West Coast is an active NWPCA member.
Open Deck
A pallet top deck with gaps between the deck boards. Open-deck pallets use less lumber, weigh less, and cost less than closed-deck pallets but are not suitable for small items that could fall through the gaps.
Overhang
The portion of deck boards or the load that extends beyond the stringer or block edge of a pallet. Excessive overhang causes handling problems, increases damage risk, and can create safety hazards.
Pallet Collar
A hinged wooden frame that sits on top of a pallet to create a box-like enclosure for loose or irregularly shaped items. Pallet collars can be stacked for variable height and fold flat when not in use.
Pallet Design System (PDS)
Engineering software developed by NWPCA and Virginia Tech that calculates the load capacity and structural performance of pallet designs based on wood species, dimensions, fastener patterns, and intended use conditions. Used by pallet manufacturers to engineer custom pallet specifications.
Pallet Jack
A manual or powered wheeled device used to lift and move pallets within a facility. Pallet jacks insert into the fork entries of a pallet and use a hydraulic mechanism to raise the pallet slightly off the floor for horizontal transport.
Pallet Pooling
A system where pallets are rented from a pooling company rather than purchased. The pooling company manages the pallet lifecycle including distribution, collection, repair, and redistribution. Major pooling companies include CHEP and PECO.
Phytosanitary
Relating to the health of plants and the prevention of plant disease or pest spread. Phytosanitary measures in pallet shipping include heat treatment and fumigation to ensure that wood packaging does not carry invasive organisms across international borders.
Protruding Nail
A fastener that has backed out of or been driven through a pallet board, creating a sharp hazard. Protruding nails are a common safety concern in used pallets and are a standard item in pallet inspection and repair protocols.
Pallet Inverter
A mechanical device that rotates a loaded pallet 180 degrees, allowing the pallet to be replaced without unloading the product. Pallet inverters are used when damaged pallets need to be swapped or when transferring loads between proprietary and standard pallet systems.
Pallet Wrapping Machine
An automated or semi-automated device that applies stretch wrap around a loaded pallet. Wrapping machines deliver consistent film tension and coverage, reducing material usage by 20-40 percent compared to hand wrapping while improving load stability.
Payload
The total weight of the goods placed on a pallet, excluding the weight of the pallet itself. Payload must not exceed the dynamic, static, or racking load capacity of the pallet, whichever is applicable to the intended use condition.
Racking Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can support when it is placed on racking beams with support only at its two edges (the stringers rest on the beams, and the center of the pallet spans unsupported). Racking capacity is typically the lowest of the three load capacity types.
Recycled Pallet
A used pallet that has been inspected, graded, and potentially repaired for return to the supply chain. Recycled pallets offer significant cost savings over new pallets (typically 40 to 60 percent less) while providing equivalent performance for most applications.
Repair Pallet
A pallet that has undergone professional restoration including replacement of broken boards, damaged stringers, and worn fasteners. Repaired pallets are graded against the same standards as used pallets and carry a quality guarantee from the repair facility.
Reversible Pallet
A pallet with identical top and bottom deck configurations, allowing either side to serve as the load-bearing surface. Reversible pallets are useful when the top deck becomes damaged; the pallet can simply be flipped over.
Ring-Shank Nail
A nail with ridges or rings along the shaft that increase holding power by resisting pullout. Ring-shank nails are preferred for pallet construction and repair because they maintain tight joints under the vibration and stress of handling and shipping.
Skid
A pallet-like platform without bottom deck boards, consisting only of top deck boards and stringers. Skids are used for heavy or permanent loads and are easier to drag but cannot be stacked as easily as full pallets.
Softwood
Wood from coniferous (needle-bearing) trees such as pine, spruce, and fir. Softwood pallets are lighter, less expensive, and easier to nail than hardwood pallets. They are widely used for single-use shipping, light to moderate loads, and applications where pallet weight is a concern.
Static Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can safely support when stationary on a flat, solid surface with the load evenly distributed. Static load capacity is the highest of the three load capacity types (static, dynamic, and racking).
Stringer
The long, thick boards that run the length of a stringer pallet, providing the primary structural support between the top and bottom deck boards. Standard stringer dimensions are typically 1.5 inches thick by 3.5 inches tall. Stringers bear the weight of the load and are the most critical structural component of a stringer pallet.
Stringer Pallet
The most common pallet type in North America, constructed with two or three parallel stringers running the length of the pallet, with deck boards nailed perpendicularly across the top and bottom of the stringers. Stringer pallets offer two-way entry or partial four-way entry when notched.
Stretch Wrap
A thin plastic film wrapped around a palletized load to secure items together and to the pallet during shipping. Stretch wrap prevents load shifting, protects against dust and moisture, and provides tamper evidence.
Slip Sheet
A thin sheet of corrugated fiberboard, solid board, or plastic placed between a pallet and its load, or between layers of product. Slip sheets prevent products from catching on pallet gaps, protect against splinters, and can be used to transfer loads between pallets using a push-pull attachment.
Stacking Strength
The maximum weight that can be placed on top of a palletized load without damaging the products on the bottom pallet. Stacking strength depends on product packaging, pallet design, and the number of pallets stacked. It is critical for warehouse and trailer floor stacking operations.
Top Deck Board
The boards on the upper surface of a pallet on which the load is placed. Top deck boards must be strong enough to support the product weight and smooth enough to avoid damaging packaging or product.
Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets
A comprehensive quality standard published by NWPCA that defines pallet grades, dimensional tolerances, wood species requirements, fastener specifications, and inspection criteria. The Uniform Standard is the most widely referenced grading system for wood pallets in North America.
Unitize
The process of assembling individual items, cartons, or bags into a single, stable pallet load using stretch wrap, banding, shrink wrap, or adhesive. Unitizing streamlines material handling, reduces product damage, and enables efficient forklift and conveyor transport through the supply chain.
Wing Pallet
A pallet where the deck boards extend beyond the outer stringers or blocks on two or four sides, creating a larger load-bearing surface. Wing pallets are used when the load dimensions exceed the stringer footprint.
Wood Packaging Material (WPM)
Any wood or wood product used to support, contain, or protect commodities during shipping. WPM includes pallets, crates, skids, dunnage, and other wood packaging. WPM used in international trade is regulated by ISPM-15.
Warehousing Pallet
A pallet specifically designed or selected for long-term storage in racking systems. Warehousing pallets require higher racking load capacity and dimensional consistency to safely span rack beams without excessive deflection over months or years of static loading.
Learn More
Related Resources
Deepen your pallet knowledge with these related guides and reference pages.
Have Questions?
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