Call us on 1300 662 185 – Lead time: 2 to 3 days – No minimum order value
Call us on 1300 662 185 – Lead time: 2 to 3 days – No minimum order value
The correct shipping and storage solutions can protect your products and ensure customer satisfaction, while improper methods can lead to damaged goods and money loss.
That’s why choosing between using pallets and skids for your applications requires research and consideration. Pallets and skids are platforms for moving, storing, transporting, and unloading goods. While they have many similarities, skids and pallets are different.
Knowing their distinctions is essential to making informed decisions when choosing a suitable option.
A pallet is a double-layered wooden platform used for moving goods. Unlike a skid, a pallet has two deck boards — one on top and one at the bottom — making it more stable and durable. It also has horizontal stringers or pieces of wood that support the deck boards. Industries often use pallets for shipping, loading, and unloading various products.
A skid is a single-deck mobile platform used for loading and unloading goods. Unlike a pallet, a skid has one top layer or deck, not a bottom deck. Skid pallets are attached to four vertical legs or runners that elevate the platform off the ground. This space allows clearance for lifting the skid with a forklift.
While skids and pallets can look similar, they have many unique differences. Understanding them can help you choose the right platform.
One of the most apparent differences between skids and pallets is their structure. A pallet has an upper and bottom deck board. On the other hand, skids have a single deck board or platform with supporting legs or beams at the bottom.
The upper deck board on a pallet offers more stability for storing and transporting heavier loads. Skids do not have a bottom deck, so they may provide less stability for transporting and storing heavy equipment and products.
Pallets typically have four entry points for moving and lifting with a forklift or other equipment. This greater accessibility makes transporting goods on pallets more efficient and convenient than skids with two entry points.
The additional entry points on pallets offer more versatile applications. Various industries, including warehousing and shipping, can use pallets to store, move, transport, and offload goods. Unlike pallets, skids are often less mobile and used for more permanent storage in industries like heavy machinery, manufacturing, and construction.
There are two primary materials for pallets — wood and plastic. Businesses use different pallet types depending on their applications. Skids are typically made from wood and steel.
Pallets are the best choice when moving or storing heavy items. Their sturdy design, including a top and bottom deck, provides excellent support and stability, making them ideal for stacking goods without the risk of tipping over.
Pallets are versatile and can hold various products, including those with odd shapes or sizes. Additionally, they are designed to be easily lifted by forklifts, which is important in warehouses where heavy lifting is common. Pallets offer better protection against damage if you need to store items for a long time.
On the other hand, skids are more suitable for lighter loads and situations where items need to be slid easily, such as in tight spaces. Their more straightforward design makes them easier to handle and often more cost-effective.
Skids can be a great option if you’re on a budget or need a permanent solution for storing heavy goods. They also work well when quick access to items is necessary, allowing for easy loading and unloading without requiring a full deck.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Pallets and skids:
Pallets are versatile, cost-effective, and durable for transporting and storing various-sized goods. Compared to skids, they offer more flexibility and support for your industrial, logistical, and various other industry applications.
Cooperage Pallets & Boxes is a leading supplier of high-quality bulk pallets. We have wood, repurposed, Euro, and plastic pallets to meet all your commercial and industrial business needs.
Get a free quote online today.
