Stringer Pallets Stringer pallets use a frame of three parallel pieces of timber (called stringers). The top deckboards are then affixed to the stringers to create the pallet structure. Stringer pallets are also known as "two-way" pallets, since a pallet-jack may only lift it from two directions instead of four.
Block Pallets Block pallets are typically stronger than stringer pallets. Block pallets utilize both parallel and perpendicular stringers to better facilitate efficient handling. A block pallet is also known as a "four-way" pallet, since a pallet-jack may be used from any side to move it.
Used GMA 48x40 Pallets
The most common size stringer pallet both, new and used is the 48 x 40 4-Way Flush pallet or otherwise referred to as the GMA (Grocery Manufacturer Association) pallet. The GMA acts as a commodity in the pallet industry, as price is often determined by availability. As these pallets move through their life cycle from a new pallet to a used pallet, there was a need to institute a method for determining where the pallet was exactly in its life cycle. This method of grading is broken into four (4) different categories. Each category is a guideline to use when buying or selling a reconditioned GMA pallet. The problem is that each category is open for interpretation and it’s important to verify exactly what you’re getting. Each category will have a price range and the price range will vary from region to region. The price will also vary based on the amount of available reconditioned pallets. Below are the four (4) different grading categories and their corresponding condition.
Reconditioned GMA Grading Types:
Premium – A very clean pallet that has probably been used only a few times. There is little if any repairs to the pallet. The pallet will have no plates and no companion stringers.
Grade #1 or A Grade – Typically this is a GMA repaired to close to its original condition. Broken stringers may have been replaced or repaired with metal plates. All damaged deck boards are replaced. This is a fairly clean pallet that is structurally sound.
Grade #2 or B Grade – Typically this is a GMA, which has had stringer damage that has been repaired by attaching an additional stringer along side the damaged one. This is commonly referred to as a companion stringer, block stringer and double stringer. The "B" grade pallets usually have two (2) or less repaired stringers. The deck configuration on the "B" grade pallet is not always consistent because these pallets have been repaired many times.
Grade #3 or C Grade – Typically this is a GMA, which has been repaired numerous times. Most of the stringers on a "C" grade pallet will have companion stringers. The deck boards will be inconsistent in size, spacing and thickness. These pallets are usually in very poor condition and are accepted by few companies.
Recycled Pallets
A pallet or container that has been used, discarded, salvaged, and repaired to pass through the cycle of use again.
Remanufactured Pallets
Pallet built from either all reclaimed (used) lumber or built from a combination of new and reclaimed lumber.
Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets are more widely used in Europe than in the rest of the world. Plastic pallets are often chosen over traditional wood pallets because they offer benefits which wood can not. Some benefits over wood include the ability to easily sanitize plastic pallets, resistance to oder, longer service life span, and plastics are lighter than wood saving transportation and labor costs. There are 6 main types of plastic processes that are used to make pallets: High Pressure Injection Molding, Structural Foam Molding, Thermoforming, Compression Molding, Rotational Molding, and Profile Extrusion
Blocking and Bracing Lumber
Lumber wedges cut to fit specified products.
Top Frames
Top Frames have a similar function to Top Caps, but are designed as an open frame. The frame is placed on top on a palletized container load to permit stacking of one pallet load of containers on top of another. It is a unit stabilizer that offers uniform distribution of weight to prevent contamination and product damage. Usually used in the beverage and food industry.
Specialty Pallets
There are ten pallet sizes that are commonly used in North America. Of the top ten, the most commonly used by far is the Grocery Manufacturers' Association (GMA) pallet, which accounts for 30% of all new wood pallets produced in the United States. The ISO also recognizes the GMA pallet footprint as one of its six standard sizes.
Dimensions (in.)
Production Rank
Industries Using
48 x 40
1
Grocery, many others
42 x 42
2
Telecommunications, Paint
48 x 48
3
Drums
40 x 48
4
Department of Defense, Cement
48 x 42
5
Chemical, Beverage
40 x 40
6
Dairy
48 x 45
7
Automotive
44 x 44
8
Drums, Chemical
36 x 36
9
Beverage
48 x 36
10
Beverage, Shingles, Packaged Paper
Heat Treated Pallets
The wood must be heated to achieve a minimum core temperature of 56ºC for at least 30 minutes. Pallets treated via this method bear the initials HT by the IPPC logo.
Euro Pallets
In Europe, the EuroPallet (an EUR standard pallet) is commonly used and measures 80 by 120 by 12 cm. It is also called a CEN pallet and it is used mainly for retail business. Manufacturers of EuroPallets must be sanctioned by the EuroPallet Pallet Association (EPAL), which also governs which types of nails and lumber may be used in construction. The four common sizes of EuroPallets are: Pallet EUR 800mm x 1200mm, Pallet EUR 2 1200mm x 1000mm, Pallet EUR 3 1000mm x 1200mm,
and Pallet EUR 6 800mm x 600mm.
Boxes
Boxes are highly variable receptacles. When no shape is described, a typical rectangular box may be expected. Nevertheless, a box may have a horizontal cross section that is square, elongated, round or oval; sloped or domed top surfaces, or non-vertical sides. A box normally may be opened by raising, sliding or removing the lid, which may be hinged and/or fastened by a catch, clasp, or lock.
Crating
A crate is a large container, often made of wood, often used for the transportation of large, heavy or awkward items. A crate is a container that has a self supporting structure. For a container to be a crate it requires that all six panels be put in place to result in the rated strength of the container. Boxes and Crates are often confused with one-another; mostly when they are made of wood. Contrary to a crate, the strength of a wooden box is rated based on the weight it can carry before the cap (top, ends and sides) is installed.
