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What are the different types of pallets?

July 24, 2021

From an outsider’s perspective, it is often thought that all pallets are the same and to many people visiting a pallet supplier within Australia you would probably think they all look extremely similar. You could be inclined to think that the stacks of pallets in front of you have little difference between them however this is not the case. This is why, as one of the leading pallet suppliers in Sydney, we are here to advise you on the many options out there when purchasing pallets and we recommend speaking to a member of the team if you are unsure of what type of pallet will best cater for your needs. Discussed below are some of the most common types of pallets you can find:

Block Pallet

This type of pallet is perfect for loading, transporting and the display of goods. For these reasons, it is often used in fast-moving consumer goods industries, such as the fresh produce industry. It is also known as the ‘four-way entry pallet’, it is called this because it can be accessed by a forklift in a warehouse or storage facility from all four sides. They are a versatile type of pallet, being made from a range of materials, including timber, plastic and plywood. Block pallets are usually slightly more expensive than typical stringer pallets.

Stringer Pallets

The stringer pallets can be the most cost-effective option for customers and are made in two versions ‘two-way stringer pallet’ and ‘four-way stringer pallet’. Similar to the Block Pallet, it gets its name because of how it can be accessed from a forklift, from either two sides or four sides. These types of pallets feature a piece of wood, between the top and bottom decks on opposite sides. This makes them suitable for heavy loads.

As both stringer and block pallets are the most popular choices of pallet, we are often asked what is the biggest differences between the two? The two main differences between the pallets can be material and structural design. Block pallets can be carried by a forklift from all four sides. However, stringer pallets are more often accessed by a forklift from two sides.

Double-face Pallets

The term double-faced pallet refers to pallets that use deck boards on both the top and bottom of the pallet, this structure increases the pallet’s overall strength, allowing for the weight to be more evenly distributed on the pallet whilst being transported. This doubles up as a safety measure, as it avoids accidents during transit. For example, anything falling that either damage the pallet itself or more importantly damage the product.

Double-faced pallets are reversible pallets, this design allows it to be used either way round. If you require pallets that can carry heavy loads, the double-face design is a good choice. Not only is it going to be sturdier, preventing risks of the pallet breaking or damage being done to the product it is carrying, there is also the added benefit of being able to set it down quickly, and not having to worry about which side is facing up.

Winged Pallets

Winged pallets are particularly popular for transporting oversized loads. The reason they are suitable for oversized loads is because of how they are designed. The most important design feature of this particular pallet is the way the deck boards hang over the stringers. This overhang is called a wing. The purpose of the wings are so the pallets can hold greater amounts of weight in comparison to the previous pallets discussed. Winged pallets move the stringers closer to the middle of the pallet for better weight distribution which increases the overall capacity. This wider surface area means more products can also be placed on each pallet.

Solid Deck Pallet

This type of pallet differs from those discussed above as it is more suitable for the transportation of smaller products or items. Solid deck pallets are made of one large sheet of wood – typically plywood. Under this single sheet of wood, the structure largely remains similar to the other standard pallets discussed. This design is beneficial to those transporting smaller items in a load, as it stops anything falling or slipping through the cracks. They are also very popular for their design qualities as they are easier to clean and transport. They have a long life span and are not easily damaged which also makes them a popular choice for customers.

Conclusion

We have now covered some of the major pallet types that are on the market along with their design features. As a leading pallet manufacturer in Sydney, we are committed to offering the best service possible to our customers, so if you have any questions on what type of pallet would suit your needs, contact us directly at Cooperage Pallets and we will endeavour to assist you. Call us on 1300 662 185.

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