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Pallet Glossary

All the terminology you need to speak pallet fluently. From A to W.

This comprehensive glossary covers over 50 terms used in the pallet industry. Whether you are a first-time buyer trying to understand a quote, a logistics manager evaluating pallet specifications, or a sustainability officer researching wood packaging compliance, this reference will help you navigate the language of pallets with confidence.

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59 terms defined

2

2-Way Entry
A pallet design that allows forks to enter from only two sides, typically the ends. Stringer pallets without notches are 2-way entry. These pallets are less versatile for handling but can be more cost-effective to produce than 4-way entry alternatives.

4

4-Way Entry
A pallet design that allows forks to enter from all four sides. Block pallets inherently offer 4-way entry, while stringer pallets can achieve partial 4-way entry through notched stringers. This design maximizes handling flexibility in warehouse and dock environments.

A

Air-Dried Lumber
Lumber that has been dried naturally by exposure to air rather than kiln-drying. Air-dried lumber typically has a higher moisture content than kiln-dried wood and may not meet ISPM-15 requirements for international shipping without additional heat treatment.

B

Banding
Metal or plastic strapping used to secure products to a pallet. Banding provides additional load stability during transit and is often used in combination with stretch wrap for heavy or irregularly shaped loads.
Bearer
A horizontal structural member on a block pallet that connects the blocks and supports the deck boards. Bearers serve a similar structural function to stringers but are used in block pallet construction. They distribute the load across the blocks evenly.
Block Pallet
A pallet that uses blocks (typically nine) between its top and bottom decks rather than stringers. The blocks are connected by bearers or stringer boards. Block pallets provide true 4-way fork entry for maximum handling flexibility and are the standard in European pallet systems.
Board Feet
A unit of measurement for lumber volume. One board foot equals 144 cubic inches (12 inches by 12 inches by 1 inch). Used to calculate the lumber content of a pallet and to price raw materials for pallet manufacturing. A standard GMA pallet contains approximately 10 to 12 board feet of lumber.
Bottom Deck
The lower surface of a pallet, consisting of boards fastened to the underside of the stringers or blocks. The bottom deck provides stability when the pallet is stacked, protects the load beneath it in multi-tier stacking, and provides a surface for pallet jacks and forklifts to contact.
Broken Pallet
A pallet with one or more structural components (deckboards, stringers, or blocks) that are cracked, split, or missing to the point where the pallet cannot safely support its rated load. Broken pallets are either repaired or dismantled for parts at our facility.

C

Chamfered Board
A deck board with rounded or angled edges to facilitate pallet jack entry. Typically the lead boards on the bottom deck are chamfered. The chamfer reduces catching and snagging when pallet jack forks are inserted, improving operational efficiency and reducing damage.
CHEP
Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool. The world largest pallet pooling company, identifiable by their distinctive blue pallets. CHEP pallets are rented, not sold, and must be returned to the CHEP system. They measure 48 by 40 inches in North America and 1200 by 800 millimeters in Europe.
Closed Deck
A pallet deck where the boards are placed edge-to-edge with no gaps between them. Closed deck pallets provide a continuous surface that prevents small items from falling through. They are often used for loose or bagged products and in retail display applications.
Companion Stringer
A reinforcement board attached alongside a damaged stringer to restore its load-bearing capacity. Companion stringers are a standard repair technique that allows pallets with cracked or notch-damaged stringers to return to service at their full rated capacity.

D

Deck
The top or bottom surface of a pallet, consisting of boards (deckboards) fastened to stringers or blocks. The top deck supports the load directly, while the bottom deck provides stability and forklift contact surfaces.
Deckboard
An individual board making up the top or bottom deck of a pallet. Deckboards run perpendicular to the stringers. Standard deckboard thickness ranges from 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch depending on the load requirement and pallet specification.
Deckboard Spacing
The gap between individual deckboards on a pallet. Proper spacing is important for load stability, ventilation (especially in cold storage), and weight management. Standard spacing ranges from 1/2 inch to 3 inches depending on application requirements.
Dunnage
Loose materials or padding used to protect cargo during shipping. Can include wood pieces, foam, inflatable bags, or cardboard placed between items on a pallet. Dunnage fills voids, prevents shifting, and absorbs shock during transit.
Dynamic Load
The maximum weight a pallet can safely support while being moved by a forklift or pallet jack. Dynamic load capacity is typically lower than static load capacity because the pallet experiences additional stress from movement, vibration, and the concentrated force of fork tines. For a standard GMA pallet, dynamic capacity is usually 2,000 to 2,500 pounds.

E

Entry
An opening in the pallet that allows forks of a lift truck or pallet jack to engage with the pallet. The number and position of entries determine whether a pallet is 2-way or 4-way. Entry dimensions must be adequate for standard fork widths and heights.
EPAL
European Pallet Association. The organization that manages the EUR/EPAL pallet pool in Europe. EPAL pallets (commonly called Euro pallets) measure 800 by 1200 millimeters and are manufactured to strict quality standards with licensed producers. They are marked with the EPAL brand and are interchangeable across the European supply chain.
EUR Pallet
A European standard pallet measuring 800 millimeters by 1200 millimeters (approximately 31.5 by 47.3 inches). Managed by the European Pallet Association (EPAL) with strict quality controls. The EUR pallet is the dominant pallet standard in European logistics.

F

Fastener
Nails, screws, staples, or bolts used to join pallet components together. The type and pattern of fasteners affects the structural strength of the pallet. Helical (twisted) and annular (ring-shank) nails provide superior holding power compared to smooth-shank nails and are preferred for pallet construction.
Flush Pallet
A pallet where the deck boards are even with the edges of the stringers or blocks. No overhang on any side. Flush pallets fit precisely within standard container and truck dimensions and are easier to stack and store without edges catching on adjacent items.
Fumigation
A chemical pest treatment method using methyl bromide gas to kill insects and larvae in wood packaging. Fumigation was once common for ISPM-15 compliance but is being phased out globally due to environmental concerns. Bakersfield Pallet Co. uses heat treatment exclusively, which is equally effective and leaves no chemical residue.

G

GMA Pallet
The most common pallet in North America, measuring 48 inches by 40 inches. Named after the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now the Consumer Brands Association). Accounts for approximately 35 percent of all pallet production in the United States. The GMA pallet is the standard size for the grocery, retail, and consumer goods industries.

H

Hardwood
Wood from deciduous (broadleaf) trees such as oak, maple, birch, and beech. Denser and heavier than softwood, providing higher load capacity and greater resistance to damage. Hardwood pallets cost more but last longer and are preferred for heavy-duty applications and multiple-use programs.
Heat Treatment (HT)
A process where the core temperature of wood is raised to 56 degrees Celsius (132.8 degrees Fahrenheit) for a minimum of 30 minutes to kill pests and pathogens. Required by ISPM-15 for all wood packaging materials used in international trade. Heat treatment is the primary method used by Bakersfield Pallet Co. and leaves no chemical residue on the wood.

I

IPPC
International Plant Protection Convention. A United Nations treaty and organization that establishes international standards for plant health, including ISPM-15 for wood packaging materials. The IPPC stamp on a pallet indicates that the wood has been treated according to international phytosanitary standards.
ISPM-15
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. An international regulation requiring wood packaging materials (including pallets, crates, and dunnage) used in international trade to be treated to prevent the spread of invasive pests. Compliance requires heat treatment or fumigation, and treated items must bear the official IPPC mark with the treatment method and facility code.

K

Kiln-Dried Lumber
Lumber that has been dried in a controlled kiln environment to reduce its moisture content, typically to 19 percent or below. Kiln-dried lumber is more dimensionally stable than green or air-dried lumber, resists warping and shrinking, and is less susceptible to mold growth. Note that kiln-drying alone does not satisfy ISPM-15 requirements unless the specific HT temperature and duration are met.

L

Lead Board
The outermost deckboard on the top or bottom of a pallet. Often the first point of contact with forklifts, pallet jacks, and racking systems, making it the most subject to damage and wear. Lead board condition is a key factor in pallet grading.
Load Capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can safely support. Measured in three conditions: static (stationary on a flat surface), dynamic (being moved by a forklift or pallet jack), and racking (supported only on the edges by racking beams). Dynamic and racking capacities are always lower than static capacity.

M

Moisture Content
The percentage of water in wood by weight. Fresh-cut (green) lumber can have moisture content exceeding 50 percent, while kiln-dried lumber is typically below 19 percent. High moisture content increases pallet weight, promotes mold growth, and can cause dimensional changes as the wood dries.
Mulch
Shredded or chipped wood material used as ground cover in landscaping and agriculture. Pallets that are beyond repair are processed through an industrial chipper to produce mulch, which is then sold or donated. This is one of several end-of-life recycling pathways for wood pallets.

N

Notched Stringer
A stringer with cutouts (notches) that allow fork entry from the sides, converting a 2-way stringer pallet to partial 4-way entry. Notches are typically cut at the midpoint and quarter points of the stringer. While notching improves handling versatility, it does reduce the structural strength of the stringer at the notch points.
NWPCA
National Wooden Pallet and Container Association. The largest trade association in the United States representing the wood packaging industry. NWPCA members commit to industry best practices for pallet manufacturing, repair, recycling, and heat treatment. Bakersfield Pallet Co. is a proud NWPCA member.

O

Open Deck
A pallet deck with spaces between the deckboards. Open deck pallets are lighter and use less lumber than closed deck designs. The spacing allows air circulation, which is beneficial for produce and cold storage applications. The gap width must be small enough that packaged goods do not sag or fall through.
Overhang
When the deck boards extend beyond the edges of the stringers or blocks. Some pallets are intentionally built with overhang (wing pallets) to increase the deck area, while unintentional overhang from warping or poor construction can create handling problems and safety hazards.

P

Pallet Collar
A hinged wooden frame that sits on top of a pallet to create sides, turning the pallet into a box or bin. Collars fold flat for storage and can be stacked multiple layers high for variable-height containment. They are reusable and provide an alternative to disposable cardboard boxes for shipping loose items.
Pallet Jack
A manual or electric tool used to lift and move pallets. Pallet jacks insert forks into the pallet entry from the narrow (stringer) side. Manual pallet jacks require the operator to pump a handle to raise the load, while electric (powered) pallet jacks lift and move loads with motor assistance.
Pallet Pooling
A system where pallets are shared among multiple users and managed by a third party such as CHEP, PECO, or iGPS. Users rent pallets from the pool rather than purchasing them. Pooling reduces individual pallet procurement costs, eliminates the need to manage pallet inventory, and promotes reuse. However, pool pallets must be returned to the system and cannot be resold.
Partial 4-Way Entry
A stringer pallet with notched stringers that allows forks to enter from the side in a limited fashion. Fork entry from the notched sides is restricted by the notch dimensions, meaning only tapered fork tines can enter from those sides. Full-width fork entry is only available from the two open ends.
PECO Pallet
A pallet pool system similar to CHEP, identifiable by their red-colored pallets. PECO pallets are block-style, 48 by 40 inches, and are rented to shippers and retailers. Like CHEP pallets, they must be returned to the PECO system and should not be sold or recycled by the end user.

R

Racking
Warehouse shelving systems designed to store pallets vertically in multiple tiers. Pallet racking comes in many configurations including selective, drive-in, push-back, and pallet flow. Pallet dimensions and condition must match racking specifications for safety and efficiency. Racking load capacity is the most demanding load condition for a pallet.
Racking Load
The maximum weight a pallet can safely support when placed on racking with support only at the edges (no continuous floor support). Racking load is the lowest of the three load ratings (static, dynamic, racking) because the pallet spans an unsupported gap and must resist deflection. For a standard GMA pallet, racking capacity is typically 1,500 to 2,000 pounds.
Repair Stock
Lumber salvaged from dismantled pallets and used to replace damaged boards on repairable pallets. Using repair stock is a sustainable practice that extends the life of lumber and reduces demand for new wood. At Bakersfield Pallet Co., repair stock is sorted by dimension and species for efficient matching during the repair process.
Reversible Pallet
A pallet with identical top and bottom decks, allowing it to be used with either side facing up. Reversible pallets are more durable because wear is distributed across both surfaces. They are also preferred for stacking applications where the bottom deck must support the load above it.

S

Skid
A pallet-like platform that has a top deck and stringers but no bottom deck. Skids are the simplest and oldest form of unit load platform. They cost less than full pallets but cannot be stacked without additional support and may not be compatible with some automated handling systems.
Softwood
Wood from coniferous (needle-bearing) trees such as pine, spruce, and fir. Lighter and less expensive than hardwood, softwood is the most common material for standard pallets. Southern yellow pine is the dominant species used in US pallet production due to its availability, strength, and fastener-holding characteristics.
Static Load
The maximum weight a pallet can safely support when stationary on a flat, even surface. Static load capacity is the highest of the three load ratings because the load is evenly distributed and the pallet is not subject to dynamic stress. For a standard GMA pallet, static capacity is typically 2,500 to 3,000 pounds.
Stringer
The long parallel boards that form the structural backbone of a stringer pallet. Typically three stringers run the length of the pallet, supporting the deck boards above and below. Stringers are the primary load-bearing members and their condition is the most critical factor in determining pallet safety and grade.
Stringer Board
Also called a bearer board. In block pallet construction, horizontal boards that connect the blocks along the length of the pallet. Stringer boards in a block pallet serve a connecting and structural function similar to stringers in a stringer pallet.
Stringer Pallet
A pallet that uses two or three parallel stringers as its structural foundation. Deckboards are fastened perpendicular to the stringers. Stringer pallets are the most common pallet type in North America due to their simple construction, low cost, and effective load distribution for most applications.
Stretch Wrap
A stretchable plastic film used to wrap and secure products on a pallet. Stretch wrap holds items together, provides protection from dust and moisture, and stabilizes the load during handling and transit. It can be applied by hand or by machine and is one of the most common load-securing methods.

T

Top Deck
The upper surface of a pallet where products are placed. The top deck consists of deckboards fastened across the stringers or blocks. Top deck design (number of boards, spacing, orientation) directly affects load support and product stability.

U

Unit Load
A single item or multiple items arranged and secured on a pallet for handling as a single unit. The unit load concept is the foundation of modern materials handling and logistics, allowing diverse products to be moved efficiently using standardized equipment such as forklifts and conveyors.

W

Waste Diversion
The practice of redirecting materials away from landfills through recycling, reuse, composting, or energy recovery. In the pallet industry, waste diversion includes repairing and reusing pallets, salvaging lumber for repair stock, and chipping unusable wood into mulch or biomass fuel. Bakersfield Pallet Co. maintains a 98 percent waste diversion rate.
Wing Pallet
A pallet where the deck boards extend beyond the stringers, creating an overhang or wings on two or four sides. Wing pallets provide extra deck surface area for wider loads and can improve stability for products that do not fit neatly within standard pallet dimensions. The wing overhang is typically 1 to 3 inches per side.
Wood Packaging Material (WPM)
Any wood or wood product used to support, protect, or carry a commodity in international trade. WPM includes pallets, crates, dunnage, and skids. Under ISPM-15, all WPM must be treated (heat-treated or fumigated) and marked before being used in international shipments.

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