What is the difference between a pallet and a skid?

There is often a great deal of confusion over the differences between a pallet and a skid. It’s important to understand exactly what you’re specifying, as otherwise, you could use packaging material that’s inappropriate for the intended use.

Is It a Skid or a Pallet?

Some definitions of a pallet and a skid see them as the same thing. They do achieve much the same aim, which is to efficiently move and transport goods from one location to another. However, that doesn’t mean that the items are inherently the same and there are some differences in the way a skid and a pallet are produced and used.

A skid was the first type of pallet that was produced and they’re still in use today. A skid is basically a pallet that’s formed from a single deck. Unlike a traditional pallet, it doesn’t have a bottom deck that runs flush with the flooring.

When specifying a pallet, there is a choice of either a stringer or block model. A stringer pallet is a frame that’s constructed from at least three parallel bits of wood that are attached to the top deck. This can be moved on two sides. A block pallet uses both parallel and vertical pieces of wood, creating a stronger structure. They can be moved on all four sides.

The Benefits of a Skid or Pallet

Before the widespread use of material handling equipment, items were routinely moved manually. With the introduction of the skid, loading and unloading goods became much more efficient. Overall labor costs can be reduced, as a pallet or skid can be moved by a single operator with the right equipment. This is also a far safer method, reducing the risk of injuries to the workforce and causing less damage to the goods.

Before specifying which type of packaging material you require, you need to consider what your requirements are. Think about the size and weight of the load you’ll be transporting, as well as how it will be moved and the type of material handling equipment you’ll be using.

At Tri County Pallet, we buy your old wood pallets and turn them into new, refurbished pallets using the latest innovative recycling techniques. If you need to get rid of your old wood pallets or need some new wood pallets to replace them, contact us today at Tri County Pallet.