pallet

A pallet is a flat transport structure used to support goods in a stable form while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, or other handling equipment. Pallets enable efficient storage, stacking, and movement in warehouses, manufacturing, and shipping.

Most pallets are wooden, though plastic and metal variants are common. Wooden pallets are typically built from deck boards laid across stringers; two major forms are stringer pallets (two or three stringers) and block pallets (corner blocks). Some pallets allow entry from three sides (3-way) or from all four sides (4-way).

Dimensions vary by region. In the United States, the standard is commonly 40 by 48 inches; in Europe, the EUR-pallet is 800 by 1,200 millimeters. Many pallets are designed to fit into standardized pallet racking and intermodal handling. For international shipping, wood packaging is often heat-treated to meet ISPM 15 and bears HT or MB marks.

Materials and use: Plastic pallets are lighter and resistant to moisture; metal pallets are strong and used for heavy or specialized loads. Typical load ratings range from roughly 1,000 to 4,000 kilograms, depending on construction and style.

Care and end-of-life: Pallets are repaired, remanufactured, or recycled; wood pallets may be recycled into mulch or particleboard; they are often used in pooling programs or rental schemes to optimize reuse and reduce waste.