What are Pallets and Skids?

We know crating and packing language can get confusing for many customers so it’s important for us to explain each of our offerings in more depth, including pallets and skids to help our customers understand the services they may or may not need. Get more information about pallets and skids so you can better understand what exactly your shipment needs.

What Are Pallets?

 So, what are pallets, anyway and what’s so great about them? Pallets are made of wood and provide a strong base to support the weight of cargo while in it is in transit. At SSCP, we use the highest quality lumber and hardware, making our pallets extra robust. Our pallets are handmade, making them stronger and more reliable compared to the standard pallets that are mass produced in a factory. Pallets are forkable, making it easier to move your goods around a loading dock or warehouse and space saving, having the ability to be stacked. Pallets are also easy to move, reducing the risk of on-the-job injuries. Lastly, if you are fond of DIY projects, a pallet is your dream come true. They can be repurposed into almost anything you can imagine; they are also reusable and recyclable! Pallets are typically 48”x40”, however we can build them unique to your needs- heavy (for very large pieces of equipment or machinery) or light duty, in whatever dimensions your product requires.

What Are Skids?

Skids are single-deck loading platforms, which lacks a bottom deck. It is a mobile platform that  stands on pedestals attached to a deck. Skids were used widely before the invention of the double-faced pallet but are still commonly used in transportation of cargo. In addition to our pallets, SSCP can also fabricate specially made skids. These are a perfect choice to use as a permanent home for those heavy-duty pieces of machinery. Their durability makes them an ideal choice for long term use of an item that will be staying put.

What’s the Difference Between a Pallet and a Skid?

The biggest difference between a pallet and a skid is that a pallet incorporates both top and bottom decks, where a skid just has a top. The bottom deck on a pallet not only makes it forkable and more mobile, it gives the pallet the strength to put up with up with the force of constant loading, unloading, and moving around a warehouse. A skid was actually the first pallet to be used! You will hear the words pallets and skids used interchangeably sometimes, yet the difference between the two will make quite the difference when choosing which one will work for your product. Luckily, our builders have the knowledge and experience to assist you in making that decision.

What Services Go with Pallets and Skids?

Our pallets and skids can be combined with many other SSCP services- such as wrapping and vapor barrier. They can come equipped with specialty hardware, like tie-downs, to keep your goods intact while en route to their destination. Our team can build pallets and skids quickly, with short notice!

 

In the U.S. alone, 1.8 billion pallets are used each day, making it safe to say the world runs on pallets. Well, at least we think so! Although seemingly simple, pallets and skids are both versatile and necessary solutions in the world of shipping. We work with our partners from beginning to end of the project, designing and building pallets and skids tailor made for your product. 24/7 we are at your service! Contact us today to get a quote on pallet and skids

 

wooden pallet for transportation

Pallet

wooden skid in a warehouse

Skid

Recent Posts

What is Blocking and Bracing?

In the world of transportation logistics, the method of blocking and bracing is an indispensable skill that often flies under the radar of the average consumer, even though it plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and secure delivery of cargo from one point to...

Preparing Artwork for Transportation with Custom Crates

Whether you're a gallery owner looking to securely move a valuable collection, an artist shipping your works to a buyer, or the owner of some valuable art, the safe shipment of your artwork is of the utmost concern. In the world of art shipping, proper crating helps...

When Should Vapor Barrier Packaging be Utilized?

Packaging plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of cargo being shipped, whether it’s across the state or across the world. Among the various packaging solutions available, vapor barrier packaging stands out as a crucial tool for safeguarding goods in...

What are ISPM15s and Why Do They Matter?

In the logistics world, ISPM15s play a crucial role in getting cargo safely where they need to go. In this blog post, we will breakdown what ISPM15s are and explain why they matter so much to the industry. From the simple but critical wooden pallet to the vast...

What You Need to Know About Buying Wooden Crating

Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional or a business owner seeking secure packaging solutions, understanding the nuances of buying wooden crates is essential to ensure the safe transportation and storage of your valuable goods. In this blog, we will detail...

Can Pallets Be Stored Outdoors?

Safely storing pallets is essential for maintaining their durability and preventing potential hazards. Proper storage not only prolongs the lifespan of pallets but also ensures the safety of your workspace and the goods they help to transport and store. When...

colored map