palletdesign.ai

Glossary

Skid

Also called: skid pallet, single-face skid

Reviewed

Definition

A skid is a pallet with no bottom deck: a top deck fastened across two or more runners (stringers) that sit directly on the floor. Skids are used for machinery, crate bases and loads that are moved by forklift or dragged and then stay put.

On this page
  1. How a skid is built
  2. Skid vs pallet
  3. Where skids fit

How a skid is built

A skid is a single-face stringer pallet. Its stringers are usually called runners. Common variations:

  • Runners: standard pallet stringers, or heavier timbers such as 4x4 or 4x6 on machinery skids
  • Deck: spaced deckboards, solid boards, or a plywood panel
  • Runner ends: chamfered on the bottom so the skid can be dragged
  • Machinery fields: bolt-hole pattern for fixing equipment, tie-down points

Skid vs pallet

Skid Pallet (double-face)
Bottom deck none yes
Wood use lower higher
Pallet jack entry between runners, no openings needed needs wheel openings
Stacking and conveyors limited better

In everyday speech "skid" is also used loosely for any pallet, so confirm with the buyer whether a bottom deck is wanted.

Where skids fit

Skids carry equipment, castings, crates and other loads that are not stacked. palletdesign.ai can draw a skid version of each inch size, for example the 48x40 skid. See skid for construction options.

Questions

What is the difference between a skid and a pallet?
A skid has no bottom deck; its runners sit on the floor. A double-face pallet has boards on the bottom as well, which helps stacking and conveyors.
Why do people call pallets skids?
It is common shorthand in shipping. Technically a skid is only the single-face kind, so check before quoting.

Sources