skid

Skid is a term with multiple meanings in logistics, forestry, and automotive contexts. In logistics, a skid is a flat, rigid platform used to support and move heavy loads. Skids are typically made of wood, plastic, or metal and are designed to be loaded from the top and moved with a forklift or pallet jack. Unlike a pallet, a skid usually lacks a bottom deck and is not designed for four-way entry by forks.

In forestry and logging, skidding refers to the transportation of felled trees from the stump to a landing by dragging them along the ground beneath the branches. The equipment used for this operation is a skidder, a heavy vehicle with grapples or winches. Skidding is a key step in log processing and relates to other methods such as winching or cable logging.

In vehicle terminology, to skid means to slide without rolling, typically due to loss of tire traction on a road surface. Skids can produce visible skid marks and may occur during braking on wet or icy surfaces, or during sudden maneuvers. Skidding is influenced by speed, road conditions, and tire condition, and can be mitigated by careful braking, steering input, and safety technologies such as anti-lock braking systems.

The word can also function as a verb, meaning to slide unintentionally, and as a noun describing the sliding motion itself or the resulting mark. In specialized construction or industrial contexts, a skid may refer to a platform or base used to transport or install equipment.