Before comparing, it’s key to recognize that skids and pallets are not the same. They may seem alike in casual talks, but they have unique histories, designs, and best uses. These platforms are key to today’s logistics. They help move goods quickly in global supply chains. Their proper selection can significantly impact operational efficiency, product safety, and transportation costs.
Key Structural Differences
Deck Board Configuration
The fundamental difference between skids and pallets is their construction. Pallets have deck boards on the top and bottom. Stringers sit in between. This double-faced design creates a stable surface on both sides of the structure. When a pallet rests on the ground, it sits on its bottom deck boards, while products are placed on the top deck boards.
Skids, by contrast, only have top deck boards and completely lack a bottom deck. Skids sit directly on the ground or floor on their stringers, also known as runners. This is like how a sled rests on its runners. This single-deck assembly process means the working surface on a skid may be smaller than on a pallet.
Impact on Functionality
This structural difference significantly affects how each platform functions:
- Weight Distribution: The bottom deck on pallets helps spread weight evenly. This reduces product damage, which often happened with single-level skids.
- Forklift Compatibility: Pallets have a bottom deck for better support. This design fits forklifts and pallet jacks perfectly. The bottom deck helps front loaders, forklifts, jacks, and other tools lift them easily.
- Surface Friction: Skids drag easily since they have less ground friction. Pallets, on the other hand, create more resistance because of their bottom deck.
- Stability vs. Mobility: Pallets are more stable but harder to move. Skids trade some stability for easier movement on surfaces.
Historical Development
Ancient Origins of Skids
Material handling platforms started with skids, used since ancient times. Archaeological evidence shows that skid-like structures date back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Ancient Egyptians used a smart method with sledges. They moistened the sand in front of the sledges. This helped reduce friction while moving heavy items like pyramid stones and statues.
Evolution to Modern Pallets
In the early 1920s, the first pallets and skids appeared in a form we recognize today. Before this innovation, people moved goods in wooden crates, boxes, kegs, and barrels. This process needed a lot of manual work for loading and unloading.
The development of pallets is closely tied to the evolution of the forklift truck. The first basic low lift hand truck appeared in 1887. Then, in 1909, all-steel low lift trucks were introduced. High lift fork trucks emerged around 1915. They changed how we handle and stack materials.
In 1925, the modern wooden pallet was created. Boards were added to the bottom of skids, forming the dual-deck design we know today. The first patent for this platform was granted that year to Howard T. Hallowell. He called it a “Lift Truck Platform.”
World War II: The Catalyst for Widespread Adoption
Pallet development sped up during World War II. The need for better logistics grew fast then. During the war, the four-way pallet was invented. This design lets forklifts reach the platform from any side.
Pallets and skids were key for the Allied and US military. They helped transport weapons and armaments fast and efficiently. In WWII field operations, skids had an edge. They were easier to pull through sand and dirt terrain.
The efficiency gains were impressive. In the 1930s, unloading a boxcar with 13,000 cases of canned goods took about 3 days using manual methods. However, with pallets, the same cargo could be unloaded in just 4 hours.
Industry Standards and Standardization
International Standardization
The ISO standardized the wooden pallet in 1961. At this point, different regional standards were set. Britain, America, and Canada each had their own official standards.
The British Standard pallet had a square shape. It measured 1200mm (47.24″) × 1200mm (47.24″). This pallet was made for heavy industrial or agricultural loads. Many Asian countries often use a common pallet size of 1000mm (39.37″) × 1200mm (47.24″).
The ISO chose the 1000mm (39.37″) × 1200mm (47.24″) size as its global standard. This size worked well in many areas. It fit both European and American transport equipment. The organization defined Euro pallets (800mm (31.5″) × 1200mm (47.24″)) and American pallets. GMA pallets, or American pallets, get their name from the Grocery Manufacturers Association. This group set the standards for them.
Practical Applications and Advantages
When to Use Skids
Skids excel in specific scenarios where their design offers distinct advantages:
- Heavy Machinery Support: Skids act as a solid base for storing heavy equipment. They are useful when you need to move machinery from time to time.
- Dragging and Pulling: Without bottom deck boards, skids have less friction on floors. This makes them easier to pull across rough surfaces like sand or dirt.
- Space Efficiency: Empty skids can nest together, also known as “nestable pallets.” This takes up much less vertical storage space than regular pallets.
- Cost Considerations: Skids usually cost less than pallets because they use fewer materials.
When to Use Pallets
Pallets offer significant advantages in many common logistics scenarios:
- Stability and Stacking: The bottom deck offers better stability and weight distribution. This helps stack loaded pallets more securely and cuts down on product damage.
- Forklift Handling: Pallets are made for easy handling by forklifts and pallet jacks. This design helps improve warehouse operations.
- Racking Systems: Pallets work better in warehouse racking systems. Their dual-deck structure is more stable.
- Use pallets if you move products often in a warehouse or distribution center.
- Pallets provide great stability and versatility. They work well in many applications.
Heavy Duty Pallets: Enhanced Strength and Durability
Construction and Materials
Heavy duty pallets are specially designed to handle substantial weight loads. They come in various materials and construction types:
- Wood Construction: Heavy-duty wooden pallets use hardwood or a mix of hardwood and softwood. This combination makes them stronger. The construction often includes additional support features like reinforced stringers.
- Plastic Construction: Heavy-duty plastic pallets come from PE regranulate. This means they are made from recycled polyethylene. They provide great strength while being lighter than wood. Plastic pallets won’t rot, splinter, or warp like wood ones. They’re also easier to handle and clean.
- Hygienic Design: Some heavy-duty plastic pallets meet NSF standards for easy cleaning. They won’t grow mold, mildew, or attract pests like wooden pallets. Antimicrobial coatings can be added to sensitive materials. This helps protect against bacteria and contaminants.
Load Capacities and Specifications
Heavy duty pallets are categorized by their impressive weight-bearing capabilities:
- Plastic Heavy Duty Pallets: Typically offer specifications like:
- Static load capacity: 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs)) to 20,000 lbs
- Dynamic load capacity: 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs) to 5,000 lbs
- Racking capacity: 1,200 kg (2,640 lbs) to 2,200 lbs
- Design Features: Heavy-duty pallets usually offer 4-way entry for forklifts and pallet jacks. This design allows easy loading and unloading from any direction. It enhances safety and convenience.
Pallet Grades and Classification
Wooden pallets have quality grades. These grades show their construction features and best uses:
- Grade A (#1): These are recycled pallets fixed to almost original condition. All damaged boards are replaced. A-Grade pallets have more consistent specs than B-Grade. They will never have block repairs on the stringers. Typical specifications include:
- 7 boards on top
- 5 boards on bottom
- Average top deck spacing 2.5″ to 3.5″
- 3 stringers (1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ each)
- 4-way entry
- Flush design
- No block repairs to stringers
- Grade B (or #2): These pallets were used before and usually have damage to one stringer. They cost much less than A-Grades. They are mainly used for warehousing or shipping when the pallet won’t be returned. They typically show much more wear and tear and have between 5 to 7 boards on top, depending on board width.
- Premium Grades: The top pallets are labeled as Premium, Premium Plus, AAA, A+, 1A, club grade, Premium A, grade 1, and Super.
Types of Pallets and Construction Methods
Stringer vs. Block Pallets
Two primary construction methods are used for both standard and heavy duty pallets:
- Stringer Pallets: These pallets use three or more wooden pieces for their frame. These pieces are called stringers. They run along the length of the pallet. Stringer pallets usually have notches in the stringers. This lets forklifts lift them from any side. They usually cost less to make than block pallets. This is why many businesses prefer them.
- Block Pallets: Block pallets have nine blocks. These blocks support the top deck boards instead of stringers. This design boosts stability and strength. So, block pallets can handle heavier loads and tougher environments. Block pallets have a key benefit: they can be lifted from any side. This four-way entry makes them easy to handle with forklifts. Block pallets are more durable than stringer pallets. Their block design helps distribute weight evenly.
Standard Dimensions
While custom sizes exist, the most common pallet dimensions in North America are 48″ × 40″ with weight capacities up to 1000kg (2,205 lbs) of freight. In Europe, the standard Euro pallet measures 800mm (31.5″) × 1200mm (47.24″).
Leave a Reply