ISO 445: pallet vocabulary
ISO 445 is the international vocabulary standard for pallets used in unit-load handling. It defines the names of pallet types, parts and features so that specs, test reports and other ISO pallet standards use the same words. The current edition is ISO 445:2013, and a revision is in development.
ISO 445 is the dictionary behind the other ISO pallet standards. Its title is Pallets for materials handling: Vocabulary. It is published by ISO/TC 51. The current edition is ISO 445:2013, which replaced the 2008 edition; ISO lists a new revision at committee-draft stage at the time of writing. The first version dates back to 1965.
What does ISO 445 cover?
ISO 445 defines terms relating to pallets for the unit-load method of materials handling. It includes informative annexes listing terms for unit-load handling and for slip sheets. The terms fall into a few groups:
| Group | Examples of what is defined |
|---|---|
| Pallet types | Flat pallet, box pallet, post pallet, single-deck, double-deck, reversible, non-reversible |
| Entry | Two-way, four-way and partial four-way pallets |
| Components | Deckboard, stringer, stringerboard, block, bearer |
| Features | Openings, chamfer, wing, notch |
| Dimensions | Length, width, overall height and how size is stated |
| Loads | Payload and related load terms used by ISO 8611 |
| Annexes | Unit-load handling terms; slip sheet terms |
The list above describes the kinds of terms, not the exact entries or numbering. Use the standard itself for exact definitions.
Why terminology matters on a spec
Many pallet disputes are vocabulary disputes. Three examples:
- Length. ISO 6780, which uses ISO 445 terms, defines length as the dimension along the stringers or stringerboards, stated first. A European buyer may say "1200 × 800" where EPAL's own data sheet lists the 800 mm side as length. The drawing should show which side the stringerboards run along.
- Four-way. A notched stringer pallet takes forks from four sides but a pallet jack from only two. ISO calls this partial four-way. A buyer who writes "four-way" and needs pallet-jack entry on all sides should say full four-way.
- Reversible. A reversible pallet has identical top and bottom decks and can be used either way up. A double-face pallet with a lighter bottom deck is non-reversible.
Who uses ISO 445?
- Standards writers: ISO 6780, ISO 8611 and ISO 18613 all rely on it.
- Test labs and certifiers writing reports that must be read internationally.
- Buyers and suppliers in cross-border contracts, especially where translation is involved. ISO vocabularies are drafted to map cleanly between languages.
How ISO 445 relates to other terminology sources
| Source | Scope | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 445 | International pallet vocabulary | International contracts and ISO-based specs |
| ANSI MH1 | US definitions for pallets and slip sheets | US contracts |
| Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets | North American wood pallet terms, classifications and component naming | Wood pallet drawings in North America |
| pallet.design glossary | Plain-language definitions with aliases | Explaining terms to non-specialists |
When should a buyer cite ISO 445?
Cite it when the other documents in your spec are ISO standards, or when your suppliers work in different countries or languages. For a North American wood pallet bought from a local shop, the Uniform Standard's terms are the everyday language and ISO 445 adds little.
How to reference it on a spec sheet
- "Terms as defined in ISO 445:2013 unless defined on this drawing."
- Define any term that differs between ISO and North American usage directly on the drawing, for example "four-way entry: forklift and pallet jack from all four sides."
A drawing with labelled parts is the most reliable definition of all. See parts of a pallet for the North American names of every component.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a vocabulary standard matter for buying pallets?
Because words like four-way, reversible, wing and length mean specific things. Citing a vocabulary standard stops a supplier from reading "48 × 40" or "four-way" differently from you.
Does ISO 445 match North American terms?
Mostly, but not always. North American usage (ANSI MH1 and the Uniform Standard) has its own terms such as stringer class, partial four-way and GMA. Where terms differ, define them on the drawing.
Is ISO 445 free?
No. It is sold by ISO and national standards bodies. ISO's Online Browsing Platform shows the terms list preview.
Sources and references
Related
- GlossaryPallet: definition and meaningA pallet is a flat, portable platform, usually of wood, plastic, metal or paper, on which goods are assembled into a single unit load so they can be lifted, moved, stacked and stored by a forklift or pallet jack.
- StandardsISO 6780: the six international pallet sizesISO 6780:2003 sets principal dimensions and tolerances of flat pallets for intercontinental handling. It recognizes six sizes: 1200 × 800, 1200 × 1000, 1219 × 1016 (48 × 40 in), 1165 × 1165, 1067 × 1067 and 1100 × 1100 mm, and covers openings, chamfers, wings, flatness and distortion.
- StandardsANSI MH1: pallets, slip sheets and other bases for unit loadsANSI MH1 is the American National Standard for pallets, slip sheets and other unit-load bases, published by MHI. It covers terminology, sizes, wood pallets, fasteners, test procedures, slip sheets and military pallets. The current edition is MH1-2021; its committee is the US adviser to ISO/TC 51.
- StandardsUniform Standard for Wood Pallets (Woodpack Global, formerly NWPCA)The Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets is the North American industry standard for specifying, building and repairing wood pallets: terms, lumber quality, tolerances, fasteners, notches, repair and performance. Woodpack Global (formerly NWPCA) publishes it; it is voluntary and was revised in 2025.
- GuidesParts of a pallet: deckboards, stringers, blocks and fastenersA wood stringer pallet has top deckboards, stringers (often notched) and bottom deckboards, joined with nails. A block pallet swaps the stringers for 9 blocks and 3 stringerboards. The outermost deckboards are lead boards. Openings between the deck layers take the forks.
- 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.
- 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.
More in Pallet design and testing
- StandardsISO 8611: flat pallet test methods, performance and working loadsISO 8611 is the international standard for testing new flat pallets. Part 1 gives the test methods, Part 2 the performance requirements used to set a nominal load, and Part 3 how to determine the maximum working load for a known payload and support condition. Parts 1 and 2 were revised in 2025; Part 3 dates from 2011.
- StandardsISO 18613: repair of flat wooden palletsISO 18613 sets the maximum defects and damage a flat wooden pallet may have before it must be repaired, and the minimum criteria a repair must meet, for pallets repaired with wood-based components. The current edition is ISO 18613:2014. It is the international reference for repair and inspection contracts.
- StandardsASTM D1185: test methods for palletsASTM D1185 is the US test method for pallets and related structures (skids, bases, platforms and bins). Static tests estimate stiffness, strength and safe working loads; dynamic tests estimate durability in handling. Retailers such as Home Depot accept an ASTM D1185 test as an alternative to a PDS report.
- StandardsASTM D6199: quality of wood members of containers and palletsASTM D6199 is the ASTM practice that sets quality requirements for three classes of hardwood and softwood members used in boxes, crates, pallets and blocking and bracing. It limits defects such as knots, decay, splits, checks, warp and wane by class of use. The current designation is D6199-18a, reapproved since.
- StandardsASTM F680: test methods for nails (including the MIBANT test)ASTM F680 is the ASTM standard for testing nails: dimensions, tension, bend, impact bend, hardness and zinc coatings. Its impact bend test is the MIBANT test pallet makers use to check nail stiffness. F680 gives methods only; the product spec sets the pass values.
- StandardsASTM F1667: specification for nails, spikes and staplesASTM F1667 is the ASTM product specification for driven fasteners: nails, cut nails, spikes and staples. It classifies them by type and style and sets dimensions, material, properties and coatings, with testing to ASTM F680. The current edition is F1667/F1667M-21a.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 605 words.