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Glossary

Partial four-way entry

Also called: partial 4-way, partial four-way, notched four-way

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Definition

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.

On this page
  1. How partial four-way is achieved
  2. The side opening on a GMA-style 48x40
  3. Why it matters

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.

Sources