Fork entry (pallet)
Also called: entry, entry style, entry way
Fork entry is the set of sides from which forklift tines or pallet-jack forks can enter a pallet. Pallets are classed as 2-way, partial 4-way or full 4-way entry.
In depth: Two-way vs four-way pallets: entry types explained
Fork entry is one of the fields in a pallet's classification, next to class, deck style and use. It tells warehouse staff which way a pallet can be picked up, and it drives how the pallet is built.
The three classes
| Entry | Forklift | Pallet jack | Typical build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-way | 2 ends | 2 ends | Stringer pallet, unnotched |
| Partial four-way | 4 sides | 2 ends | Notched stringers, or block pallet with overlapping bottom boards |
| Full four-way | 4 sides | 4 sides | Block pallet with perimeter or cruciform base |
These definitions follow the PDS classification and the Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets.
Why it matters
Four-way entry speeds up loading because a driver can pick a pallet from whichever side faces the aisle or trailer door. It also allows side-loading in trailers and racks. Two-way pallets are simpler, cheaper and often stronger for the same lumber, because the stringers are not cut. Pallet-jack access is the part buyers most often overlook: a notched stringer pallet takes a forklift from the side but not a pallet jack. See two-way vs four-way.
On a spec sheet
The entry appears in the classification line, for example "48.00 x 40.00, Stringer-Class, Double-Face Non-Reversible, Partial 4-Way, Reusable, New Manufacture". If your process needs pallet-jack access from the sides, say so explicitly on the RFQ, because "4-way" alone is ambiguous.
Common confusions
Many vendors write "4-way" for any notched pallet. Ask whether it is partial or full four-way.
Related
- GlossaryTwo-way entry (pallet)Two-way entry means forks and pallet jacks can enter a pallet from two opposite ends only. Unnotched stringer pallets and most skids are two-way.
- GlossaryPartial four-way entry (pallet)Partial four-way means forklifts can enter a pallet from all four sides but pallet jacks only from two. It is usually made by cutting notches in the stringers, as on the GMA 48 × 40 pallet.
- GlossaryFour-way entry (pallet)Four-way entry means a pallet can be entered from all four sides. Full four-way pallets, usually block pallets with a perimeter or cruciform base, take both forklifts and pallet jacks from every side.
- GlossaryOpening (pallet fork opening)An opening is the clear space between the decks and between stringers or blocks that fork tines or pallet-jack forks enter. It is described by its width and its height.
- ComparisonsTwo-way vs four-way pallets: entry types explainedA two-way pallet takes forks from two opposite ends only. A four-way pallet takes forks from all four sides; partial four-way (notched stringers) admits forklifts but not pallet jacks from the sides. Choose two-way for low cost and fixed flows, four-way for flexible handling and trailer loading.
- TypesFour-way pallet: partial vs true 4-way entry explainedA four-way pallet can be entered from all four sides. A partial 4-way pallet is a stringer pallet with notched stringers: forklifts enter all four sides, but pallet jacks only the two ends. A true (full) 4-way pallet is usually a block pallet, which forklifts and pallet jacks can enter from every side.
More in Components and construction
- GlossaryActual dimension (pallet and lumber)An actual dimension is the measured size of a pallet or component at manufacture. Pallet spec sheets state component sizes as actual dimensions, for example a 5/8 × 3-1/2 × 40 in deckboard.
- GlossaryBlock (pallet)A block is a rectangular, square or cylindrical spacer between the decks of a block pallet. Most block pallets have 9 blocks in a 3 × 3 grid, and the block height sets the fork entry height.
- GlossaryBottom deck (pallet)The bottom deck is the lower layer of deckboards (or a perimeter, runner or panel base) on a double-face pallet. It spreads the load onto the floor, rack or conveyor and stabilizes the stringers or blocks.
- GlossaryBottom deck coverage (pallet)Bottom deck coverage is the percentage of a pallet's underside covered by bottom deckboards. A GMA-style 48 × 40 bottom deck covers about 45%, less than the top deck, to leave room for notches and pallet-jack wheels.
- GlossaryCenter block (block pallet)The center block is the middle block in the 3 × 3 grid of a nine-block pallet. It supports the middle of the deck and, on EPAL pallets, carries the producer, date and treatment marks.
- GlossaryChamfer (pallet)A chamfer is a bevel cut along the edge of a bottom deckboard, usually a lead board, so pallet-jack wheels can ride up and over it instead of hitting a square edge.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 261 words.