Pallet Terminology Guide: Common Pallet Terms Explained

A pallet is a portable platform used to support goods during handling, storage, and transportation. Its design allows compatible equipment to lift and move the pallet and its load together.

Pallets can be made from wood, plastic, metal, and other materials. The appropriate choice depends on the product, handling environment, shipping requirements, and intended service life.

A skid is generally a platform with a top deck supported by runners, without a bottom deck. Although “skid” and “pallet” are often used interchangeably, the difference in construction can affect handling and equipment compatibility.

When requesting a skid, provide a drawing or construction details so your supplier understands exactly what you need.

A unit load combines the goods, pallet, and any securing materials into one assembly for handling and transportation. Stretch wrap, strapping, slip sheets, and protective packaging may all be part of the unit load.

Evaluating the complete unit load helps identify issues that may be missed when considering the pallet alone.

Description goA stringer pallet uses parallel longitudinal members, called stringers, to support its deckboards. Stringers may be solid or notched to provide additional fork access.

Stringer construction is common in wood pallets, but the number, size, and placement of components vary by design.

Description A block pallet uses blocks to support its decks. Stringerboards typically connect the blocks and support the top deckboards.

Many block pallet designs provide four-way entry. Actual compatibility still depends on the pallet’s openings and the equipment being used

A two-way entry pallet allows fork entry from two opposite ends. This can affect how pallets must be positioned on a dock, trailer, or production line.

A four-way entry pallet allows fork entry from all four sides. This can provide greater flexibility when maneuvering loads.

However, four-way forklift access does not automatically mean a pallet jack can enter and operate from every side. Bottom deck configuration and opening dimensions also matter.

A partial four-way entry pallet typically has notched stringers that allow forklift entry from all four sides, while pallet jack entry is generally limited to two directions.

If your operation uses both forklifts and pallet jacks, include both equipment types in your pallet specification.

A single-face pallet has one deck. A double-face pallet has both a top and a bottom deck.

The presence of a bottom deck can affect load distribution, stacking, and compatibility with handling systems.

A reversible pallet is designed so either face can serve as the load-bearing top deck. A double-face pallet is not necessarily reversible; some bottom decks are not designed to support the product.

GMA refers to the Grocery Manufacturers Association. In pallet purchasing, “GMA pallet” commonly describes a 48-by-40-inch wood pallet associated with grocery and consumer goods distribution.

The term alone does not establish every construction detail or load rating. Confirm the design, condition, and performance requirements rather than relying only on the name.

A new wood pallet is manufactured using new components. It may follow a commonly used design or be built to a customer’s specific requirements.

“New” describes its manufacturing condition; it does not establish a universal load capacity.

A recycled or used pallet has already been in service and has been recovered for further use. It may be sorted, inspected, and repaired before resale.

Confirm the supplier’s condition and repair criteria when comparing recycled pallet quotes.

A repaired pallet has had damaged or missing components repaired or replaced to return it to an agreed usable condition.

“Reconditioned” is also used commercially, but the work included can vary. Ask what inspections and repairs are covered.

A remanufactured (repaired) pallet is assembled using recovered components and may also include new material.

This differs from repairing an existing pallet. Remanufacturing involves assembling a pallet to a specified construction using available components.

A pallet core is a recovered pallet intended for evaluation, repair, reuse, or material recovery.

Not every core can be economically repaired, and a core should not be assumed ready for loaded service.

These labels (grades) commonly describe categories of recycled pallet condition. Grade A/#1 generally indicates a higher condition category than Grade B/#2 within a supplier’s grading system.

However, the labels do not provide a complete specification. Repair methods, appearance, component consistency, and acceptance criteria can differ among suppliers.

Ask for written grading criteria, particularly if your customer or handling system has specific requirements.