Four-way entry (pallet)
Also called: 4-way, full 4-way, full four-way
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.
In depth: Four-way pallet: partial vs true 4-way entry explained
"Four-way" covers two different things, and the difference matters to anyone using a pallet jack.
| Class | Forklift | Pallet jack | How it is achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full four-way | 4 sides | 4 sides | Block pallet with a perimeter base, cruciform base, unidirectional bottom or no bottom deckboards |
| Partial four-way | 4 sides | 2 sides | Notched stringers, or block pallet with overlapping bottom boards |
Why it matters
Full four-way pallets are the standard for pooled pallets (CHEP, PECO and iGPS in North America are 48 × 40 block designs) and for EPAL and most European pallets. They let a driver or pallet jack approach from any side, which speeds cross-docking, side-loading of trailers and automated handling. A block pallet is usually heavier and more expensive than a comparable stringer pallet. See block vs stringer.
On a spec sheet
The classification line reads "Full 4-Way" (for example "1200 x 1000, Block-Class, Double-Face Non-Reversible, Full 4-Way"). The bottom deck style (perimeter, cruciform, unidirectional) tells you where pallet-jack wheels can reach the floor.
Common confusions
Suppliers often write "4-way" for a notched stringer pallet. If pallet-jack side entry matters, specify "full four-way" or "pallet-jack entry from all four sides".
Related
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- GlossaryPerimeter base (block pallet)A perimeter base is a block-pallet bottom deck made of boards running around all four edges, like a picture frame, which gives full four-way entry for forklifts and pallet jacks.
- TypesBlock pallet: construction, dimensions and usesA block pallet is a wooden pallet whose deck sits on blocks, usually nine arranged 3 × 3, joined by stringerboards. The gaps between blocks give full 4-way entry for both forklifts and pallet jacks. EUR/EPAL, CP and the pooled 48 × 40 in pallets of CHEP and PECO are all block pallets.
- 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.
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. 209 words.