Partial four-way entry
Partial four-way entry means forklift tines can enter a pallet from all four sides, but pallet jacks only from two opposite ends. Notched stringer pallets such as the GMA-style 48x40 are partial four-way, as are block pallets with overlapping bottom boards.
Also called partial 4-way, partial four-way, notched four-way
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How partial four-way is achieved
- Stringer pallets: two notches cut in the bottom of each stringer let tines pass through from the sides. The ends stay open between stringers as on a two-way pallet.
- Block pallets: an overlap bottom deck (bottom deckboards plus bottom stringerboards) lets forks in from every side, but bottom boards block pallet-jack wheels on two sides.
The side opening on a GMA-style 48x40
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Notch depth | 1-1/4 in |
| Bottom deck thickness | 5/8 in |
| Opening height | about 1-7/8 in |
| Notch length | 9 in, starting 6 in from each end |
The Uniform Standard recommends about a 2 in high by 9 in long opening, so side entry needs reasonably thin tines and a careful driver.
Why it matters
Partial four-way is the standard compromise for US grocery and retail pallets: forklifts get side access in trailers and racks, and the pallet keeps most of its stringer strength. If pallet jacks must enter from every side, specify a full four-way block pallet instead. The PDS classification string records this as "Partial 4-Way".
Questions
- Is a GMA pallet four-way?
- Partially. Forklifts can enter from all four sides through the stringer notches, but pallet jacks only from the two ends.
- What is the difference between partial and full four-way?
- Both let forklifts in from four sides. Full four-way also lets pallet jacks in from four sides; partial four-way limits jacks to two.
Related
- NotchA notch is a cutout in the bottom of a pallet stringer for fork tines. The Uniform Standard recommends about a 2 x 9 in opening with rounded corners.
- Full four-way entryFull four-way entry means forklifts and pallet jacks can both enter from all four sides. Block pallets with perimeter or cruciform bases are full four-way.
- Two-way entryA two-way entry pallet takes fork tines from two opposite ends only. An unnotched stringer pallet is two-way: the forks go between the stringers.
- Four-way pallet: partial vs full 4-way entryA four-way pallet takes forks from all four sides. Partial 4-way (notched stringers) limits pallet jacks to 2 ends; full 4-way block pallets open all sides.
- Notched stringers: dimensions, rules and strengthNotched stringers give a stringer pallet partial 4-way entry. Typical notch: 9 in long, 1-1/4 in deep, 6 in from each end, with a 1/2 to 1-1/2 in radius.
- Pooled palletA pooled pallet is rented from a pooling company such as CHEP, PECO or iGPS rather than bought. North American pooled pallets are 48x40; Costco requires them.
Sources
- Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets (NWPCA, now Woodpack Global), 2012 edition
- Guide to Understanding the PDS Specification and Analysis (stringer, inches)