Racked across length
Also called: RAL, edge racked, racked along length
Racked across length is a support condition where the rack beams support the pallet's two ends and the pallet's length spans the open gap. On a stringer pallet the stringers carry the load across the span.
In depth: Pallet racking and deflection: rack spans, direction and sag limits
Pallet length is the stringer or stringerboard direction, stated first in the size. Racked across length means that direction spans between the beams. For a 48 × 40 in pallet the 48 in (1219 mm) dimension spans, and the beams sit under the two 40 in ends.
How the load is carried
| Pallet type | Main bending members |
|---|---|
| Stringer | The stringers (the center stringer is often the critical member) |
| Block | Stringerboards and top deck, with the blocks bearing on the beams |
| Plastic | The molded deck and runners; makers call this "edge racking" |
Typical span
The span is the clear distance between beam supports, less than the pallet length. PDS examples for a 48 in pallet use a span of 44.00 in (1118 mm). One PDS example for a GMA-style pallet rates 1,558 lb (707 kg) in this condition, with 0.51 in (13 mm) deflection and the center stringer as the critical member.
Why it matters
Notches in the stringers remove wood near where bending stress is high, so notched stringer pallets lose some capacity in this condition. Taller or wider stringers raise it.
On a spec sheet or RFQ
State "racked across length", two- or three-beam support, and the span or beam spacing. Add a deflection limit if the rack or automation needs one.
Common confusions
"Across length" describes the pallet dimension that spans, not the direction the beams run. The beams run parallel to the pallet width.
Related
- GlossaryRacked across widthRacked across width is a support condition where the rack beams support the pallet's two long sides and the pallet's width spans the open gap. On a stringer pallet the deckboards, not the stringers, carry the load across the span.
- GlossaryRacking loadRacking load is the weight a pallet can safely carry while it spans the gap between rack beams with no support underneath. It is usually the lowest of a pallet's ratings and depends on the span, the direction racked and the number of beams.
- GlossarySupport conditionA support condition is the way a loaded pallet is held up: on the floor, in a floor stack, on forklift tines, on a pallet jack, across rack beams, on a shelf or on a conveyor. Every pallet load rating applies to one named support condition.
- GuidesPallet racking and deflection: rack spans, direction and sag limitsIn a rack a pallet spans between two beams with nothing underneath, so it bends. Racked across the length (stringers span about 40 to 44 in on a 48 in pallet) is usually stiffer than across the width (deckboards span about 36 in). Common deflection limits are about 2% of span, or 0.5 in or less for automated storage.
- GlossarySelective rackSelective rack is the most common pallet racking: one pallet deep from each aisle, so any pallet can be picked without moving another. The pallet rests on a front and rear beam and spans the gap between them.
More in Performance and engineering
- GlossaryConcentrated loadA concentrated load is a load that bears on one or a few small areas of the pallet deck instead of spreading over it, such as drums, machinery feet or a coil. It usually gives a much lower safe load than the same weight spread evenly.
- GlossaryCreepCreep is the gradual increase in a pallet's deflection while a load stays on it over time. Wood creeps, and plastic creeps much more, especially when warm, so racked pallets sag more after days or weeks than when first loaded.
- GlossaryDeflectionDeflection is the amount a pallet bends or sags under load, measured at the point of greatest movement. Racking limits are commonly about 2% of the span, and automated systems often require 0.5 in (13 mm) or less.
- GlossaryDurabilityDurability is a pallet's ability to survive repeated handling, measured as the number of trips or handling cycles before it needs repair or is scrapped. It is driven by fastener quality, lead board width, member thickness and species density.
- GlossaryDynamic loadDynamic load is the weight a pallet can safely carry while it is being moved, supported on forklift tines, a pallet jack or a conveyor. It sits between the static rating and the racking rating.
- GlossaryLoad bridgingLoad bridging is the effect of a stiff unit load spanning across the pallet's weak points, so the packaged product carries part of the load and the pallet deflects and stresses less than it would under a flexible load of the same weight.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 255 words.