Why are lead boards so important?

Why are the lead boards on a pallet so important?  

The lead boards on a pallet are the deck boards that are located at the leading edges of the top and/or bottom of wooden pallets. The lead deck board performs critical functions in product protection and in material handling. 

 When pallets are damaged during handling, the damage almost always occurs to the leading deck boards. Because of this, there are several improvements that can be made to a pallet design in order to alleviate lead deck board damage.

• Make sure that high quality nails and the maximum number of nails for this joint are being used.
• Specify a stronger wood to be used in the lead deck board position.
• Try switching to a wider lead board. The most common width for this is between 5-1/2” and 6”, though wider material may be available from your supplier.
• Add a second “butted” board directly behind the lead board.
• Consider the use of an alternative material such as extruded plastic or engineered wood.
  
  

Lead boards are important because they protect the product on the pallet during material handling. Understanding the importance of the lead board can save you a major product damage headache. 

Do you have any questions about pallet lead boards? Leave your question below and I will get back with an answer. 

Post by: Rich Reiher, Vice President