Two-way entry (pallet)
Also called: 2-way, two-way pallet, 2-way entry
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.
In depth: Two-way pallet: what it is and when it is the right choice
On a two-way pallet the stringers run solid from end to end, so the only openings are at the two ends, between the stringers. On a 48 × 40 stringer pallet, "the ends" are the 40 in faces, and forks travel along the 48 in stringers.
Where it is used
| Use | Why two-way |
|---|---|
| Heavy loads, machinery, skids | Uncut stringers carry more load |
| Closed-loop or in-plant use | Handling direction is known |
| Rack storage with fixed orientation | Only one pick direction needed |
| Winged pallets for sling lifting | Wings and 4-way openings rarely combine |
Why it matters
A two-way pallet is the simplest and cheapest wood pallet, and for the same lumber its stringers are stronger than notched ones because no wood is removed. The cost is handling flexibility: every truck has to approach from an end, which slows trailer loading and can require turning pallets. If you need side access later, adding notches makes it partial four-way.
On a spec sheet
The classification line reads "2-Way". The stringer section has no notch entry.
Related
- TypesTwo-way pallet: what it is and when it is the right choiceA two-way pallet is a pallet that forklifts and pallet jacks can enter from only two opposite sides. Most are stringer pallets with solid (unnotched) stringers, so the forks go in between the stringers at the ends. They are cheaper and keep full stringer strength, but they cost handling flexibility.
- GlossaryFork entry (pallet)Fork entry is the set of sides from which forklift tines or pallet-jack forks can enter a pallet. Pallets are classed as 2-way, partial 4-way or full 4-way entry.
- GlossaryFour-way entry (pallet)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.
- 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.
- 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. 190 words.