Pallet vs Skid vs Crate [Infographic]

What are the differences between pallet, skid, and crate?

[Updated November 2021]
Not sure if you need a pallet, skid, or crate? It’s easy to get confused because people often use these terms interchangeably. All three can be used for shipping and storing materials. All three can be made of wood. Here are the differences explained infographically.

Pallet

• Top and bottom deck boards
• Typical size 48”×40”
• More stable
• Can carry up to 1000 kg
• More friction (harder to drag)
• More convenient for racking

Skid

• No bottom deck
• Less friction (easier to drag)
• The oldest type of pallet
• Because it’s mobile, often used as a permanent foundation for heavy machinery
• A cheap version of pallets
• Takes up less space when nested

Crate

• It’s really a box, unlike the other two
• Has four walls as well as a floor
• Great for holding products that needs to be securely stored
• Can hold a large volume
• Very stable
• Some allow easy pickup by forklifts, while others do not

Questions? Call our Client Care team at (800) 886 4870 Ext. 1, chat with us online, or write to us at [email protected].

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