Runner (pallet and skid)
Also called: skid runner, bottom runner
A runner is a continuous member along the bottom of a pallet or skid that rests on the floor. On skids it is the heavy stringer; on block and plastic pallets it is a bottom board or rail joining the blocks or feet in one direction.
In depth: Skid: what it is, how it differs from a pallet, and how to spec one
"Runner" means a floor-contact member that runs the length of the pallet. The word is used in three related ways.
| Context | What a runner is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Wood skid | The heavy stringer the skid sits on | 3-1/2 × 3-1/2 in (89 × 89 mm) or 4 × 6 nominal timbers |
| Wood block pallet | A bottom board joining a row of blocks in one direction (unidirectional base) | 3 runners on a 9-block pallet; CP 1 to CP 5 are runner types |
| Plastic pallet | A molded or snap-on rail under the feet | "3 runner", "5 runner" or "6 runner" bases |
Why it matters
Runners give a continuous bearing line, so a runner base sits on roller conveyors and rack beams better than feet do. Plastic pallets with 3 or more continuous runners are usually the rackable or stackable models, while nine-leg nestable pallets are not rackable. On block pallets, a runner base allows pallet-jack entry only between the runners (2 sides), unlike a perimeter base.
Machinery skids often have runner ends chamfered so the skid can be dragged, and bolt holes to fix the equipment.
On a spec sheet
For skids: runner count, width × height × length, and any end chamfer or bolt pattern. For block pallets: bottom style "unidirectional" with the runner board sizes. For plastic: the base type ("3 runner").
Related
- TypesSkid: what it is, how it differs from a pallet, and how to spec oneStrictly, a skid is a pallet with no bottom deck: a top deck fastened to runners, often 3-1/2 × 3-1/2 in (a nominal 4 × 4). Skids carry machinery, crates and heavy loads that are dragged or bolted down. In everyday freight speech, especially in Canada and LTL shipping, skid often just means pallet.
- 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.
- 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.
- GlossaryNine-leg palletA nine-leg pallet stands on nine separate feet in a 3 × 3 grid with no bottom deck. Most nine-leg pallets are nestable plastic or presswood pallets that stack inside each other when empty.
- TypesRackable plastic pallet: runners, reinforcement and racking ratingsA rackable plastic pallet is designed to sit in open-beam racking with nothing underneath. It has runners (3, 5 or 6) or a perimeter or cruciform base, often with steel reinforcement. Racking ratings for 48 × 40 in models are typically about 1,500–4,400 lb, valid only at the tested span and orientation.
- TypesSkid: what it is, how it differs from a pallet, and how to spec oneStrictly, a skid is a pallet with no bottom deck: a top deck fastened to runners, often 3-1/2 × 3-1/2 in (a nominal 4 × 4). Skids carry machinery, crates and heavy loads that are dragged or bolted down. In everyday freight speech, especially in Canada and LTL shipping, skid often just means pallet.
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. 239 words.