While there are claims from a pioneer lift truck manufacturer that they were the first to design a type of pallet for their operations, it wasn't until the Navy began exploring the possibilities of using a pallet system for their expanding warehousing and port terminal program in 1938 that the "industry" really begin receiving attention.

The pallet product process and its use grew dramatically since World War II due to the increasingly demand to move large quantities of materials in short periods of time. In fact, it is estimated that the military moved between 55 and 60 million between 1941-1495.

Today, the demand for pallet grade hardwood material is constantly growing and the industry has become one of the major forest product industries in the United States. With over 3,000 new wood pallet manufacturers and recyclers and about 2 million pallets in use everyday, the pallet industry is the largest consumer of domestic, renewable, hardwood lumber.

Here are some other interesting facts about pallets and the industry

• $6 billion in annual sales
• Over 3,000 companies in business
• 1.9 billion pallets in use everyday
• 814 million pallets produced in 2004
• 500 million new pallets in 2004
• 300 million recycled pallets in 2004
• 8.3 million plastic pallets
• 5.5 million corrugated pallets
• 1.1 million metal pallets

Pallet Sizes & Types of Pallets in the US
Most pallets are designed specifically to meet the specific requirements of the customer. From deck board or stringer thickness and species to the type of nails that are used in the pallet's construction, the design is completely dependent on its use. Pallet style/type, deck boards including thickness and species, lumber new or recycled can affect pallet capability and its overall life expectancy.

Historically, the GMA or Grocery Manufacturers of America pallet often times referred to as the grocery pallet measured 48" long by 40" wide. The GMA pallet was originally established in 1976 by the Grocery Pallet Council and Canadian Pallet Council (CPC) with very exact specifications including "4/4" top deck "3/2" bottom in a 7/8" thickness. The pallets stringers were 2 3/4" X 3 7/8" and weighed almost 100 pounds.

Today, GMA does not describe a single, universal standard pallet. While these pallets are 48" X 40" footprint, have flush ends, are nonreversible, and are partial four-way entry, the other specifications including the deck board or stringer configurations can be specified by the customer.

The chart below shows the most typical pallet sizes and the industry for which they are most often found.

Description & Images of Common Pallets

Partial Four-way Pallets Standard GMA style and widely used. These pallets are used in shipping and storage. Partial four-way entry allows forklift use from all four sides and pallet-jack use on two sides.

Block Pallet Provides strength with minimal pallet weight. Provides true four-way access for pallet jack and forklifts.

Panel Deck Pallet These pallets can be block (shown) or stringer. Provides uniform product support & has lower lifecycle cost.

Wing Pallets Extra strength for stevedoring, rugged use. Excellent stability for heavy products.

Two-way Reversible Pallets Allows warehouse stacking and bag and drum products. Used in shipping and storage.

Skid ("Expendable Pallet") Low initial cost. An ideal "one-way" shipping pallet.

Pallet Terminology

1. Stringers
2. Bottom Lead Deck Board
3. Notch – Fork Entry
4. Deck Spacing
5. Top Lead deck Board
6. Top Interior Deck Boards
7. Deck Spacing
8. Block

Other Resources

National Wooden Pallet and Container Association
The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) is a trade association representing manufacturers, recyclers and distributors of pallets. Founded in 1947 with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, the NWPCA is devoted to representing the interest of wood pallet and container manufactures by conducting research and developing educational materials. The According to the NWPCA, their mission is help its membership create cost-effective, environmentally-friendly solutions to customers' needs. Towards that end, the NWPCA developed a bevy of resources to assist its membership, including the Pallet Design System (PDS) which allows users to develop and analyze various pallet designs.

For more information about the NWPCA, visit their website at www.nwpca.com.