Pallets are built with varied construction techniques. The materials commonly used in the construction of pallets are wood (softwood and hardwood) and plastic (high density polyethylene). Metals (steel and aluminum) are also used but less frequently.
The low cost softwood pallet---made of softwoods like pine and spruce---is used for light cargo and it is expendable. The hardwood pallet---made of hardwoods like ash and maple---costs more but has greater strength than the softwood pallet, and is good for repeated use.
The wooden pallet is often customized to suit the type, size and weight of the exporter's cargo and to meet handling and loading requirements.
The plastic pallet generally costs more than a wooden pallet of the same size, but it is chemical and moisture resistant, cleans easily, is lighter, and will not splinter. Hence, the plastic pallet is more durable than the wooden pallet. Nevertheless, the wooden pallet is used most often in export shipments.
Variations of Basic Pallet Designs
Two-Way Single-Faced Pallet
It is usually made of wood, with forklift or pallet truck entries.
Two-Way Double-Faced Pallet
It is usually made of wood, with forklift pockets.
Four-Way Single-Faced Pallet
It is usually made of wood or plastic. The four-way single-faced pallet made of wood may have a 'half-deck' at the bottom. The four-way single-faced pallet made of plastic usually does not have a bottom deck.
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