Reusable pallet
A reusable pallet (multiple-use or multi-trip) is designed to make many trips and be repaired along the way. The Uniform Standard sets higher lumber quality and fastener minimums for reusable pallets, including a nail withdrawal characteristic of at least 1.9 and a head-to-shank ratio of at least 2.25.
Also called multiple-use pallet, multi-trip pallet, returnable pallet
Reviewed
What reusable requires
| Requirement (Uniform Standard 2012) | Reusable | Single-use |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum fastener withdrawal characteristic | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| Minimum nail head-to-shank ratio | 2.25 | 2.00 |
| Sound knots | up to 1/2 of cross-section | up to 7/8 |
| Deckboard splits | up to 1/3 of length | full length |
Measuring durability
PDS estimates a reusable pallet's service life in handling cycles (each cycle is about 15 handlings) from the handling severity (rough, average, good) and service duty (light 1,000 lb, medium 2,000 lb, heavy 3,000 lb). It also reports lateral collapse resistance for stringer pallets, and recommends a rating of Good (1.0 to 2.5) or Excellent (above 2.5) for multiple-use pallets.
What makes a pallet last
- Stiff, well-threaded nails: Virginia Tech found 0.112 in wire nails gave about twice the trips of 0.099 in collated nails in a GMA pallet
- Wider lead boards and denser species
- Block construction for four-way handling
Questions
- How many trips does a reusable pallet last?
- It varies widely with design and handling. PDS predicts service life in handling cycles for a specific design, handling severity and load.
Related
- Single-use palletA single-use pallet is built for one trip. The Uniform Standard allows lower lumber grades and a nail withdrawal minimum of 1.5 versus 1.9 for reusable.
- 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.
- Reusable vs single-use pallets: how they differReusable vs single-use pallets: what the Uniform Standard requires for each (lumber grade, nail quality), how durability is measured, and when each makes sense.
- Pallet nail quality: MIBANT, FWC and thread press-outPallet nail quality is measured by MIBANT bend angle (lower is better, 8-24° excellent), withdrawal characteristic (FWC 1.9+ reusable) and thread press-out.
- RFQA pallet RFQ (request for quote) asks suppliers to price a pallet. It should state size, load, handling, storage, quantity, annual volume and compliance needs.
- RunnerA runner is the stringer of a skid, the long base member resting on the floor. On plastic pallets, runners are rails that let the pallet ride conveyors.
Sources
- Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets (NWPCA, now Woodpack Global), 2012 edition
- Guide to Understanding the PDS Specification and Analysis (stringer, inches)
- Virginia Tech CPULD: effect of fastener quality on pallet durability