Racked across width
Also called: RAW, racked across the stringers
Racked 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.
In depth: Pallet racking and deflection: rack spans, direction and sag limits
Here the beams run parallel to the stringers, under the pallet's long sides. For a 48 × 40 in pallet the 40 in (1016 mm) width spans the gap.
How the load is carried
On a stringer pallet, the bottom deckboards rest on the beams and carry the stringers across the span. Deckboards are thin (often 5/8 in, 16 mm), so this condition is often limited by deflection rather than strength.
Example
| Measure | One PDS example, GMA-style 48 × 40 in |
|---|---|
| Span | 36.00 in (914 mm) |
| Safe load (strength) | 1,630 lb (739 kg) |
| Deflection at that load | 0.90 in (23 mm) |
| Load at a 0.75 in (19 mm) deflection limit | 1,006 lb (456 kg) |
| Critical member | Interior bottom deckboard |
Compare this with 1,558 lb (707 kg) for the same pallet racked across length. The strength numbers are similar, but the deflection limit cuts this condition by about a third.
Why it matters
If a rack system stores pallets turned, or drive-in rails support the pallet's sides, this is the governing condition. Thicker bottom deckboards or a three-beam support raise it.
On a spec sheet or RFQ
State "racked across width", the beam support (two or three beams), the span, and a deflection limit.
Common confusions
Block pallets with stringerboards in both directions behave more evenly in both directions than stringer pallets do.
Related
- GlossaryRacked across lengthRacked 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- GlossaryWhat is a pallet deckboard?A deckboard is a board in the top or bottom deck of a pallet that runs perpendicular to the stringers or stringerboards. It is specified by actual thickness × width × length, for example 5/8 × 3-1/2 × 40 in.
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.
- 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.
- GlossaryLoad capacityLoad capacity is the maximum weight a pallet can safely carry under a stated support condition. It is always quoted per condition: static (on the floor), dynamic (on forks or a pallet jack) and racking (spanning rack beams), and the racking figure is usually the lowest.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 246 words.