The Pallet Glossary
The one-stop pallet service
Compiled by: Burkhard Helfers & Lüder Wilhelm
This glossary is continuously updated. We do not take responsibility for any errors. Please get in touch for any suggestions you may have.
This glossary is continuously updated. We do not take responsibility for any errors. Please get in touch for any suggestions you may have.
A
Attachement
Connecting elements for flat pallets
Annular nails
Special nails in accordance with UIC Norm to be used to assemble pallet parts.
As good as new
A condition of a pallet which is a good as a new one, but has done a few trips
Advantage of this type of pallet: its moisture content is lower than that of a new one, and it’s cheaper too!
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Connecting elements for flat pallets
Annular nails
Special nails in accordance with UIC Norm to be used to assemble pallet parts.
As good as new
A condition of a pallet which is a good as a new one, but has done a few trips
Advantage of this type of pallet: its moisture content is lower than that of a new one, and it’s cheaper too!
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B
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Base board
Bottom boards of a pallet.
Bearing capacity
See loading
Bottom beams
See transverse board
Bottom board
Part of load carrying area of the pallet.
Bottom board
Part of load carrying area of the pallet.
Bottom deck
The area at the bottom of the pallet
Bottom deck boards
The supporting area of the pallet, which should be at least 30% of the overall loading area.
Bracket caps
Hollow studs which are inserted into the corner blocks. Made from precision steel tubes to accommodate the fork frames.
Branding
Labeling of defined brands such as DB, EUR, RAL etc. for pool pallets, you can also stamp your own company brand
Burst pressure
Side pressure of the load onto the framed sides of the essay frameworks
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Base board
Bottom boards of a pallet.
Bearing capacity
See loading
Bottom beams
See transverse board
Bottom board
Part of load carrying area of the pallet.
Bottom board
Part of load carrying area of the pallet.
Bottom deck
The area at the bottom of the pallet
Bottom deck boards
The supporting area of the pallet, which should be at least 30% of the overall loading area.
Bracket caps
Hollow studs which are inserted into the corner blocks. Made from precision steel tubes to accommodate the fork frames.
Branding
Labeling of defined brands such as DB, EUR, RAL etc. for pool pallets, you can also stamp your own company brand
Burst pressure
Side pressure of the load onto the framed sides of the essay frameworks
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C
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Centre board
The centre board of the pallet’s surface area
Chamfered Edge
Chamfering of the legs by using a shaper to ensure that a forklift truck can access the pallet. Also referred to as truck opening
Closed supply chain
Load unit=transport unit=sales unit
CP-Pallets
Pallets to be used in the chemical industry. This system has been developed by the ‘Association of the Chemical Industry (Germany)’ and the ‘Association for Plastic Manufacturers in Europe”, in order to establish a system to re-use wood pallets in Europe’s chemical industry. The system is based on up to nine standard pallets.
Dimensions (in mm): CP-1 1000 x 1200
CP-2 800 x 1200
CP-3 1140 x 1140
CP-4 1300 x 1100
CP-5 760 x 1140
CP-6 1000 x 1200 with special runners
CP-7 1300 x 1100 with special runners
CP-8 1140 x 1140 with central hole
CP-9 1140 x 1140 with special runners
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Centre board
The centre board of the pallet’s surface area
Chamfered Edge
Chamfering of the legs by using a shaper to ensure that a forklift truck can access the pallet. Also referred to as truck opening
Closed supply chain
Load unit=transport unit=sales unit
CP-Pallets
Pallets to be used in the chemical industry. This system has been developed by the ‘Association of the Chemical Industry (Germany)’ and the ‘Association for Plastic Manufacturers in Europe”, in order to establish a system to re-use wood pallets in Europe’s chemical industry. The system is based on up to nine standard pallets.
Dimensions (in mm): CP-1 1000 x 1200
CP-2 800 x 1200
CP-3 1140 x 1140
CP-4 1300 x 1100
CP-5 760 x 1140
CP-6 1000 x 1200 with special runners
CP-7 1300 x 1100 with special runners
CP-8 1140 x 1140 with central hole
CP-9 1140 x 1140 with special runners
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D
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DIN-Norm (German Industry Standard Norm)
Important norms:
DIN 15141 Flat pallets (shapes and main matter)
DIN 15142 Ground floor transportation vehicles
DIN 15145 Accessories for pallets
DIN 15146/1-4 Four way flat pallet
DIN 15147 Quality denominators for wooden flat pallets
DIN 15155 Grid box pallet with front flaps
Display pallets
Pallets which are part of the displayed goods in a store
Drum pallet
For storage and transportation of barrels.
Düsseldorfer/4 way pallet
The ‚Düsseldorfer Pallet’ or 4 way pallet was a co-development by manufacturers, industry pallets and trade.
It is is used in an exchange system between industry, hauliers and trade.
Unlike the display pallet it can be accessed from all four sides (fork lift truck and pallet truck)
Dimensions (in mm): 800 x 600
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DIN-Norm (German Industry Standard Norm)
Important norms:
DIN 15141 Flat pallets (shapes and main matter)
DIN 15142 Ground floor transportation vehicles
DIN 15145 Accessories for pallets
DIN 15146/1-4 Four way flat pallet
DIN 15147 Quality denominators for wooden flat pallets
DIN 15155 Grid box pallet with front flaps
Display pallets
Pallets which are part of the displayed goods in a store
Drum pallet
For storage and transportation of barrels.
Düsseldorfer/4 way pallet
The ‚Düsseldorfer Pallet’ or 4 way pallet was a co-development by manufacturers, industry pallets and trade.
It is is used in an exchange system between industry, hauliers and trade.
Unlike the display pallet it can be accessed from all four sides (fork lift truck and pallet truck)
Dimensions (in mm): 800 x 600
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E
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Edge boards
Outside boards of the top
Short side
The shorter side of the pallet, also called broadside or front side
EPAL
EUROPEAN PALLET ASSOCIATION,
Protected trademark of the European pallet pool, the so called EURO pallets and/or flat pallets made from wood in accordance with UIC-435-2.
Essay frames
Solid or foldable container (wooden frame) for flat pallets to ensure secure storage and stacking of goods
EUR
The old label for the EURO pallet; since 1996 EPAL is also in use.
The EURO flat pallet is in accordance with DIN15141 and 15146; and also UIC 435-2 if the international railway association; with EPAL-stamp; made from solid wood, Blocks: mostly pressed and glued chip board. See also pool pallets.
Dimensions: 800x1200mm
Euro´s
Abbreviation for Euro pallets
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Edge boards
Outside boards of the top
Short side
The shorter side of the pallet, also called broadside or front side
EPAL
EUROPEAN PALLET ASSOCIATION,
Protected trademark of the European pallet pool, the so called EURO pallets and/or flat pallets made from wood in accordance with UIC-435-2.
Essay frames
Solid or foldable container (wooden frame) for flat pallets to ensure secure storage and stacking of goods
EUR
The old label for the EURO pallet; since 1996 EPAL is also in use.
The EURO flat pallet is in accordance with DIN15141 and 15146; and also UIC 435-2 if the international railway association; with EPAL-stamp; made from solid wood, Blocks: mostly pressed and glued chip board. See also pool pallets.
Dimensions: 800x1200mm
Euro´s
Abbreviation for Euro pallets
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F
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Flat cross
Special design of the runners of a 4 way pallet: the boards of the base are nailed in the shape of a cross
Flat pallet
Pallet either made of two panels connected by either clogs or supporting blocks, or one panel where clogs and supporting blocks carry the load
Four way (entry) pallet
Pallet which can be entered from all four sides.
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Flat cross
Special design of the runners of a 4 way pallet: the boards of the base are nailed in the shape of a cross
Flat pallet
Pallet either made of two panels connected by either clogs or supporting blocks, or one panel where clogs and supporting blocks carry the load
Four way (entry) pallet
Pallet which can be entered from all four sides.
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G
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Gibo´s
Abbreviation for EURO-Gitterboxen or grid boxes
Grid boxes
The grid boxes consist of a steel frame construction with a wooden base and 4 legs, so that the forks of a vehicle can access it from all four sides
Three side panels are fixed; one has a recessible flap and two metal note pads.
Weight 85 kg, Load volume 0.75 cbm. Inside dimensions according to DIN (German Industry Norm) have to be 800x1200x800mm (WxLxH).
Since 1995 they come with EPAL quality assurance and Europe’s railways offer an exchange in 7 countries. Outside dimensions in mm: 1240x835x970
Gütegemeinschaft Paletten e. V.
Association for quality assurance of pool pallets
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Gibo´s
Abbreviation for EURO-Gitterboxen or grid boxes
Grid boxes
The grid boxes consist of a steel frame construction with a wooden base and 4 legs, so that the forks of a vehicle can access it from all four sides
Three side panels are fixed; one has a recessible flap and two metal note pads.
Weight 85 kg, Load volume 0.75 cbm. Inside dimensions according to DIN (German Industry Norm) have to be 800x1200x800mm (WxLxH).
Since 1995 they come with EPAL quality assurance and Europe’s railways offer an exchange in 7 countries. Outside dimensions in mm: 1240x835x970
Gütegemeinschaft Paletten e. V.
Association for quality assurance of pool pallets
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O
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One-way pallet
Pallet that is only used once; also called disposable pallet
Opening
The area of the pallet where the forks of a pallet truck, fork lift truck and stackers can enter the pallet
Opening height
The headroom of the entry area (at least 90mm for lift trucks)
Opening width
The clear width between the blocks (ideally not under 600mm)
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One-way pallet
Pallet that is only used once; also called disposable pallet
Opening
The area of the pallet where the forks of a pallet truck, fork lift truck and stackers can enter the pallet
Opening height
The headroom of the entry area (at least 90mm for lift trucks)
Opening width
The clear width between the blocks (ideally not under 600mm)
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P
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Pallet
A panel (stacking panel) either with or without support structure. Used to merge goods into one unit load to be transported, stored, stacked and handled by pallets trucks, stackers and other machinery. Pallet is designed so that it can be accessed by fork lift truck, floor trucks, pumpers etc.
Pallet pool
Pool of Euro pallets, railway pool pallets, which are exchanged by 19 different European railway companies. These are handled under unified terms and exchanged under transient ownership
Plastic pallet
The plastic pallet is mainly used by the food industry and /or meat industry
It is made polyethylene and it is hygienic and suitable for wet areas
Nominal load: 850 kg, dimensions: 800x1200mm (EURO-H1)
Plywood
Plywood is used in high quality pallets with a smooth solid top board
Pool-Pallet
Euro pallet and/or flat pallet made of wood in accordance with UIC 435-2.
In Germany only in conjunction with quality label RAL-RG 993 and approval bracket
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Pallet
A panel (stacking panel) either with or without support structure. Used to merge goods into one unit load to be transported, stored, stacked and handled by pallets trucks, stackers and other machinery. Pallet is designed so that it can be accessed by fork lift truck, floor trucks, pumpers etc.
Pallet pool
Pool of Euro pallets, railway pool pallets, which are exchanged by 19 different European railway companies. These are handled under unified terms and exchanged under transient ownership
Plastic pallet
The plastic pallet is mainly used by the food industry and /or meat industry
It is made polyethylene and it is hygienic and suitable for wet areas
Nominal load: 850 kg, dimensions: 800x1200mm (EURO-H1)
Plywood
Plywood is used in high quality pallets with a smooth solid top board
Pool-Pallet
Euro pallet and/or flat pallet made of wood in accordance with UIC 435-2.
In Germany only in conjunction with quality label RAL-RG 993 and approval bracket
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S
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Shipping pallet
See one-way pallet
Shucks
Steel studs which are inserted into the corner clogs of the pallet in order to house the stick on frames
Shucks pallets
Pallets, which use shucks
Solid top board
Jointless surface
Spacers
Load bearing spacers, mostly made of wood, in-between bottom and centre board.
Special pallets
All pallets with dimensions outside the norm or which are used for (extreme) heavy-duty goods
Stick-on bracket
Steel framed bracket to stick onto those pallets that don’t have frame caps
Stick-on brackets
Steel tube frames for pallets with steel pressed sleeves.
Strap slot
Recess or cutout on the upper edge of the stringer or the bottom of the top deck board to allow tie-down of a unit load to the pallet deck with strapping/banding, also called the banding notch strapping - thin flat bands used to secure load to pallet
Stringer
Part of the bottom part of the pallet, i.e. the bottom board
Stringers
Load carrying spacers as used in two way pallets
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Shipping pallet
See one-way pallet
Shucks
Steel studs which are inserted into the corner clogs of the pallet in order to house the stick on frames
Shucks pallets
Pallets, which use shucks
Solid top board
Jointless surface
Spacers
Load bearing spacers, mostly made of wood, in-between bottom and centre board.
Special pallets
All pallets with dimensions outside the norm or which are used for (extreme) heavy-duty goods
Stick-on bracket
Steel framed bracket to stick onto those pallets that don’t have frame caps
Stick-on brackets
Steel tube frames for pallets with steel pressed sleeves.
Strap slot
Recess or cutout on the upper edge of the stringer or the bottom of the top deck board to allow tie-down of a unit load to the pallet deck with strapping/banding, also called the banding notch strapping - thin flat bands used to secure load to pallet
Stringer
Part of the bottom part of the pallet, i.e. the bottom board
Stringers
Load carrying spacers as used in two way pallets
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T
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Tacking
Attachment of the pallet’s parts with nails, staples, bolts or screws.
Top deck
The top area of a pallet
Transverse board
Also called under beam, connects the spacers and supports the top boards
A standard pallet will have three transverse boards.
Two-way (entry) pallet
Pallets which can only be entered from two sides, so that the stringers are blocks. For example brick pallets.
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Tacking
Attachment of the pallet’s parts with nails, staples, bolts or screws.
Top deck
The top area of a pallet
Transverse board
Also called under beam, connects the spacers and supports the top boards
A standard pallet will have three transverse boards.
Two-way (entry) pallet
Pallets which can only be entered from two sides, so that the stringers are blocks. For example brick pallets.
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U
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UIC-Norm
(Union Internationale de Chemins de fer)
Pool pallet standard of the International Railway Association for example
UIC 435-2 for Euro pallets circulation. Cycle of pallets within a closed shipping chain.
Used
Only exchangeable pallets can enter the pool, certain criteria apply.
The following indicators for non-exchangeable pallets are:
- A board of the base or frame is split, so that more than one nail or screw shaft is visible
- A block is missing or split, so that more than one nail is visible
-The marker ‘EUR’ on the right as well as the stamp of the railway is missing (DB, PKP, SBB etc.)
- A board is fractured across or horizontally
- A board is missing
- More than two bases- or frame boards are fractured, so that more than one nail or screw shaft is visible
More features: poor overall condition
- The weight bearing quality of the pallet is not ensured (rotten or extreme fractures)
- Pallets so dirty that goods will be affected
- Extreme fracturing of multiple blocks is recognizable
- Parts which are disallowed have been used to make the pallets (for example thin boards or blocks)
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UIC-Norm
(Union Internationale de Chemins de fer)
Pool pallet standard of the International Railway Association for example
UIC 435-2 for Euro pallets circulation. Cycle of pallets within a closed shipping chain.
Used
Only exchangeable pallets can enter the pool, certain criteria apply.
The following indicators for non-exchangeable pallets are:
- A board of the base or frame is split, so that more than one nail or screw shaft is visible
- A block is missing or split, so that more than one nail is visible
-The marker ‘EUR’ on the right as well as the stamp of the railway is missing (DB, PKP, SBB etc.)
- A board is fractured across or horizontally
- A board is missing
- More than two bases- or frame boards are fractured, so that more than one nail or screw shaft is visible
More features: poor overall condition
- The weight bearing quality of the pallet is not ensured (rotten or extreme fractures)
- Pallets so dirty that goods will be affected
- Extreme fracturing of multiple blocks is recognizable
- Parts which are disallowed have been used to make the pallets (for example thin boards or blocks)
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