Slip sheet
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.
Also called slipsheet, slip-sheet
Reviewed
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.
Related
- Slip sheet: the pallet alternative for containersA slip sheet is a thin fiber or plastic sheet with a pull tab, used instead of a pallet and moved by a push-pull forklift attachment. Sizes, calipers, tabs.
- Tier sheetA tier sheet (layer pad) is a flat sheet of corrugated or plastic placed between layers of product on a pallet to spread load and keep layers stable.
- Pallets for export shippingExport pallets must meet ISPM 15: debarked wood, heat treated to 56 °C core for 30 minutes and marked. Sizes by destination, moisture and an RFQ checklist.
- Unit loadA unit load is a pallet plus the goods and packaging on it, secured to move as one piece. Unit load design treats pallet, boxes and stretch wrap as one system.
- Slope of grainSlope of grain is how far wood fibers run off a board's long axis. The Uniform Standard allows at most 1 in 4 on both reusable and single-use pallets.
- Solid deckA solid deck pallet has no gaps between top deckboards, or uses one panel. It carries small cartons, bags and drums that would sag into or drop through gaps.