What is a pallet notch?
Also called: fork notch, stringer notch, entry notch
A notch is a cutout in the lower edge of a pallet stringer that lets forklift tines enter from the sides, making the pallet partial four-way. A typical 48 × 40 notch is 9 in long and 1-1/4 in deep, starting 6 in from each end.
In depth: Four-way pallet: partial vs true 4-way entry explained
A notch turns a two-way stringer pallet into a partial four-way pallet. Each stringer gets two notches, one near each end, and the bottom deck boards are placed so they do not cover them.
Typical dimensions
| Feature | GMA-style example | Uniform Standard (2012) guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 9 in (229 mm) | About 9 in recommended |
| Depth | 1-1/4 in (32 mm) | Opening about 2 in (51 mm) including the bottom deck |
| Location | 6 in (152 mm) from each end | ±3/8 in tolerance |
| Corner radius | 3/4 in (19 mm) | 1/2 to 1-1/2 in; square notches not acceptable |
| Flat top | At least 7 in (178 mm) |
Size tolerance is ±1/8 in. Notch depths of 1.0, 1.25, 1.38 and 1.5 in all appear on real spec sheets.
Why it matters
Notches cut the stringer where it is working hard, so they reduce stringer strength, especially when the pallet is racked across its length. The radiused corners reduce splitting from the notch corner. The bottom deck has to leave the notch zones clear, which is why GMA-style pallets group the three interior bottom boards in the middle.
On a spec sheet
PDS lists it under the stringers as "Partial 4-Way Entry Notch: Depth 1.250 Length 9.00 Location 6.00 Radius 0.75". The side view shows the pattern along the stringer: 6 / 9 / 18 / 9 / 6 in on a 48 in stringer.
Common confusions
A strap slot is a different recess, cut in the top of a stringer for banding. A chamfer is a bevel on a bottom board, not a cut in the stringer.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a pallet stringer notch?
A common GMA-style notch is 9 in (229 mm) long and 1-1/4 in (32 mm) deep with a 3/4 in radius, starting 6 in (152 mm) from each stringer end. With a 5/8 in bottom deckboard that gives an opening about 1-7/8 in high.
Can a pallet jack go into a notched pallet from the side?
Usually not. The notch is too low and short for pallet-jack forks, and the bottom deckboards block the wheels. Notched stringer pallets take forklifts from all four sides but pallet jacks from two.
Does notching weaken a stringer?
Yes. The notch removes wood where bending stress is high, so a notched stringer carries less than an unnotched one of the same size. Engineering software such as PDS accounts for it.
Related
- GlossaryWhat is a pallet stringer?A stringer is the continuous beam that runs the full length of a stringer pallet between the top and bottom decks. Most 48 × 40 pallets use 3 stringers about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 in wide and 3-1/2 in (89 mm) tall.
- 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.
- GlossaryEntry height (pallet)Entry height is the clear vertical height of a pallet's fork opening, from the floor or bottom deck to the underside of the top deck. On a 2-way stringer pallet it equals the stringer height, typically 3-1/2 in (89 mm).
- 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.
- 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.
- Sizes48 × 40 pallet (GMA): dimensions, weight and specsA 48 × 40 in pallet (1219 × 1016 mm) is the North American standard, also called the GMA pallet. The typical build is a partial 4-way stringer pallet about 4.75 in tall with 7 top and 5 bottom deckboards on 3 notched stringers. Pooled 48 × 40 block pallets (CHEP, PECO) share the same footprint.
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. 288 words.