Pallet comparisons
Summary
Side-by-side comparisons of pallet types, materials and sourcing options, each with a clear recommendation for when to choose which.
Pallet construction7
- Block vs stringer pallets: differences and when to use eachChoose a stringer pallet when you want the lowest cost, one-way or closed-loop use and mostly 2-way handling. Choose a block pallet when you need true 4-way entry for forklifts and pallet jacks, heavy reuse, pooling, automation or the European 1200 × 800 footprint.
- Pallet vs skid: what is the difference?A skid is a platform with a top deck on runners and no bottom deck; a pallet has a bottom deck too. Choose a skid for heavy machinery, crate bases and loads that are dragged or bolted down. Choose a pallet for stacked, racked or conveyed loads and standard warehouse handling.
- Two-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.
- GMA vs Euro pallet: size, construction and useThe GMA pallet is 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm), traditionally a 3-stringer, partial 4-way pallet, and is the North American grocery standard. The Euro pallet (EPAL 1) is 1200 × 800 mm (47.2 × 31.5 in), a licensed 9-block, 4-way pallet. Use the one your destination's supply chain runs on.
- Nestable vs rackable plastic pallets: differences and when to use eachChoose a nestable plastic pallet for floor stacking, one-way export and closed loops where cheap return freight matters, since empties nest into each other. Choose a rackable plastic pallet, with runners or a perimeter base and often steel reinforcement, when loaded pallets sit on open rack beams.
- Pallet vs slip sheet: cost, cube and handling comparedChoose a slip sheet when you ship high volumes in containers or trucks, both ends have push-pull forklift attachments, and saving weight, cube and pallet cost matters. Choose a pallet when the receiver handles with standard forks or pallet jacks, loads are racked, or handling equipment is unknown.
- Helical vs annular pallet nails: which to specifyChoose helically threaded (screw shank) nails for medium- and high-density hardwoods and automated nailing; they turn as they drive and resist bending and splitting. Choose annularly threaded (ring shank) nails for low-density hardwoods and most softwoods, where rings grip best.
Materials5
- Plastic vs wood pallets: cost, strength and when to use eachChoose wood when you need the lowest price, a custom size, easy repair or one-way shipping. Choose plastic when pallets run in a closed loop for many trips, when hygiene and washability matter, when you need consistent dimensions for automation, or to avoid ISPM 15 treatment on exports.
- Heat treated vs kiln dried pallets: what the stamps meanHeat treatment (HT) heats the wood core to at least 56 °C for 30 minutes to meet ISPM 15 for export. Kiln drying (KD) lowers moisture content, typically to 19% or less, to reduce mold, shrinkage and weight. Choose HT for international shipping, KD for moisture control, and KD-HT when you need both.
- Presswood vs wood pallets: differences and when to use eachChoose a presswood (molded wood-fiber) pallet for one-way export and air freight: it is ISPM 15-exempt, nails-free, light and nests about 4:1 for storage. Choose a solid wood pallet when you need racking, heavy or custom loads, or pallets you will reuse and repair.
- Metal vs plastic pallets: steel, aluminum and plastic comparedChoose a metal pallet (steel or aluminum) for very heavy, hot, sharp or long-life loads, fire-sensitive storage, or when you need a custom fabricated size in small quantities. Choose plastic for lighter closed-loop handling, lower price, lower tare weight and standard footprints.
- Hardwood vs softwood pallets: strength, weight and costChoose hardwood (oak, mixed eastern hardwoods) for heavy loads, rough handling and many trips: it is dense, stiff and holds nails well but is heavier. Choose softwood (southern yellow pine, SPF) for lighter, more uniform, often kiln-dried pallets. Regional supply often decides.
Buying and sourcing2
- New vs recycled pallets: cost, quality and when to use eachChoose recycled (used) pallets for standard 48 × 40 in sizes when price matters and your customers accept Grade A or B. Choose new pallets for custom sizes, automated systems, exports, food and pharma, retailer programs that require new, or when you need a documented, consistent spec.
- Pooled vs white wood pallets: rent or buy?Choose pooled pallets (rented from CHEP, PECO or iGPS) when you ship full pallets to retail and grocery DCs in the pool and want consistent pallets without managing returns. Choose white wood (pallets you buy) for one-way shipping, custom sizes, small volumes or customers outside the pools.