Plastic Pallet Anatomy

The basic anatomy of a plastic pallet can be boiled down to three main parts: a top deck, the bottom support and the sides.

​Easy, right? Not so fast. Plastic pallets are available in a dizzying array of styles and options designed to work with specific loads, environments and equipment. How do you choose? The guide below will help you get started.

Hundreds of plastic pallet designs are available in a mixed variety of top, bottom and side styles.

Before you Buy
Before making a purchase, you'll need answers to multiple questions including: what are you putting on the pallet top? How will you store or transport palletized loads? What equipment will you use to move the pallets? Answers to these questions and more will help match you with your best choice in plastic pallets.

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​Plastic Pallet Top Deck
The top deck is the surface that interfaces with your unit load. Top decks usually come in one of two designs plus many options:

Open Deck

• Also called ventilated or vented
• Allows for air flow to help reduce moisture
• Works well for strapping
• Lighter weight (less material) makes it export friendly and cost effective

Closed Deck

• Sometimes called a solid or flat top
• Helps contain loads that may spill (ex: big bags)
• Provides a more stable platform for racking

  
​Top Deck Designs and Options

• Non-slip surfaces
• Grommets and other inserts
• Hooks for stretch wrap or straps
• Intermittent or full-perimeter safety rims
• Spill containment channels
• Rod inserts for added strength

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​Plastic Pallet Bottom Deck
The bottom deck is the understructure for supporting the load above it. Choosing a base style is determined by your storage and handling requirements. Snap-on bases offer the benefit of lower shipping costs when unassembled. One-piece plastic pallets may increase capacity for heavier loads.

9 feet

• Also known as 9 block, 9 leg or 9 foot 
• Hollow feet reduce weight for airfreight
• Nesting empty pallets saves space and freight costs

3 Runner

• 3 unidirectional supports (usually on the long side)
• Works well for edge racking systems
  
• Suitable for double stacking

Other Bottom Styles

• 2, 4, 5 and 8 Runner
• 6 and 12 Feet
• Reversible (not suitable for pallet jacks)

​6 Runner (FP)

• Often referred to as full perimeter (FP)
• Includes 4 perimeter + 2 cross supports
• Also known as cruciform base for its cross shape
• Good match for double stacking unit loads

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Plastic Pallet Sides
This is where the tines of forklifts and pallet jacks need to fit for lifting and moving pallets. Differences in pallet height and width of openings can make the difference between working with your handling equipment and not. The two most common sides include:

​2-Way Entry

• Openings on 2 opposing sides of the pallet
• Less common in plastic than wood

4-Way Entry

• Most popular design in plastic
• Offers convenience of entering pallet from all 4 sides

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Learn More about Plastic Pallets
Be sure to catch our quick video on Plastic Pallets 101. In just 10 short minutes, we introduce you to even more basics about choosing plastic pallets. If you have questions, post them below or get in touch for expert plastic pallet advice.

Post by: Mike Cunneen, Director of Sales & Marketing