Glossary
Slip sheet
Also called: slipsheet, slip-sheet
Reviewed
Definition
A slip sheet is a thin sheet of corrugated, solid fiberboard or plastic placed under a unit load in place of a pallet, with one or more tabs that a push-pull forklift attachment grips. Slip sheets save weight and space, fitting about 12 to 15% more product in a container, but need special attachments.
How slip sheets are specified
| Field | Typical values |
|---|---|
| Material | corrugated (one-way), solid fiber (reusable), HDPE or PP plastic (most durable) |
| Size | load area plus tabs; 43 x 51 in or 44 x 52 in for a 40 x 48 load |
| Tab (lip) | about 3 to 4 in, scored to fold |
| Tab layout | one side, or 2, 3 or 4 sides for loading from different directions |
| Caliper | about 0.040 to 0.125 in for fiber; thicker for heavier loads |
Pros and cons vs pallets
| Slip sheet | Pallet | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | about 20 times lighter than wood | heavier |
| Container cube | about 12 to 15% more product | less |
| ISPM 15 | exempt | wood needs treatment |
| Handling | push-pull attachment required | any forklift or jack |
| Load support | minimal | full |
When to use one
Slip sheets suit high-volume, one-way export and loads strong enough to support themselves, where both ends have push-pull equipment. See slip sheet and tier sheet.
Questions
- What is the difference between a slip sheet and a tier sheet?
- A slip sheet replaces the pallet under the load and has tabs for a push-pull attachment. A tier sheet sits between layers of product to stabilize them.