Bulk cargo shippers often have to decide whether they’ll use skids or pallets when moving goods. Each platform can impact the success or failure of transport operations. Therefore, shippers will need to know the difference between them before they send a load of cargo.
Key takeaways:
With the information we’re going to provide, you’ll be able to pick the best platform for your needs.
Skids and pallets are crucial to the smooth operation of the supply chain. However, many shippers can’t tell the difference between each platform.
Understanding the differences between each one and how they work is essential. We’ll explain their unique features and show you when to use them in the following sections.
The skid is the predecessor to the pallet. This platform doesn't have a bottom deck, which means it only has a single surface where the goods are loaded. Skids are non-stackable, but they can easily be dragged through a warehouse. These platforms also provide stability that can be beneficial for specific types of loads.
This includes:
Skids have a lower center of gravity because they’re closer to the ground. This trait provides more stability and reduces the risk of freight from falling over while in transit or storage. The absence of a bottom deck makes skids a cheaper alternative to pallets.
That said, the platform can’t be stacked because of this feature, although that doesn’t have to be an issue. Skids are useful in scenarios where height restrictions could be a problem. Since they’re slightly shorter than pallets, taller varieties of cargo can more easily pass height requirements.
The non-stackable nature and low profile of skids make for perfect long-term storage of heavy items. For example, skids are often used to store large machinery parts in a factory.
Related: Walmart Pallet Requirements
Shipping skids are ideal when transporting heavy or bulky items. They’re able to withstand significant amounts of weight, which makes them a great foundation for heavier cargo as it travels through the supply chain.
Other instances when it’s good to use a shipping skid include:
Items that are fragile or awkwardly shaped can’t be stacked during transport. In these cases, skids can be a better choice because the platform is designed to sit on the ground and isn’t intended for piling up.
Examples include:
Placing these fragile and high value items on a skid means no one should be trying to shift them around too much or stack them on anything. However, you should still be sure to include labels that state nothing should be stacked on top either.
For long-term storage of items in a warehouse, especially when they're heavy, skids are the way to go.
Pallets have top and bottom decks, which gives them stability, especially when moved. This design feature also makes them harder to drag through a warehouse. However, the top and bottom deck board construction allows pallets to be lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, or other compatible device.
Like skids, these platforms can accommodate a variety of goods for freight shipping.
These include:
Pallets allow shippers to send small items in bulk. Typically, goods are packaged into boxes and stacked in an organized manner on the platform. The boxes are secured using plastic wrapping. Pallets can also come in a variety of dimensions. This allows shippers to send varying volumes of cargo.
Due to their compatibility with forklifts, pallets can move around the warehouse very easily. This makes them suitable for fast-paced environments where goods need to be frequently relocated. Pallets can also be loaded and unloaded from trailers very easily.
Related: Costco Pallet Requirements
Pallets are versatile and regularly the go-to choice for many shipping needs due to the ease of use the platform provides. They're commonly utilized for lighter products or when items need to be moved frequently.
Shippers can also use pallets when:
Pallets can carry a diverse range of products. As long as the items are boxed, they can be secured to these platforms. Pallets can also be racked easily inside a warehouse. This gives businesses the option to ship and store extremely large amounts of freight.
Using pallets can also improve efficiency. Rather than sending numerous packages of non-palletized freight, shippers can stack their boxes onto one platform and send their goods all at once.
This structures also provide a certain level of protection for cargo by lifting it slightly off the ground. Pallets create a buffer between other packages and freight inside a trailer. Therefore, cargo is protected against potential impact from other items.
Related: Amazon Pallet Requirements
Generally, skids are slightly less expensive than pallets. That said, both types of platforms can vary in price based on their size and a variety of other features. We’ve provided some data showing the cost comparison between skids and pallets.
While a skid will be cheaper than a pallet in most cases, this doesn’t necessarily mean it will be less expensive to ship with one. Businesses must also consider the type of freight their platform of choice will carry.
Skids are meant to hold and store robust types of cargo. Freight of this variety is more expensive to ship due to the excessive dimensions and weight of the items.
On the other hand, pallets are used to ship smaller products, so the cost for shipping is likely to be less than what it would be for larger types of freight shipped on a skid.
Pallets and skids are used for slightly different purposes. That said, both platforms can provide numerous benefits to businesses that need to ship a variety of cargo.
These include:
Each of these platforms are extremely durable. Pallets and skids alike can survive multiple shipments for around three to five years if made out of wood. Plastic versions can last even longer, with a lifespan of around 10 years.
Nonetheless, wood is still a good material to use for a pallet. For instance, broken boards can be easily fixed. This can save shippers money they would spend on a new pallet or skid.
Another benefit of these platforms is the versatility that shippers will experience. Pallets can be lifted by a variety of other warehouse equipment. This makes it easier to load and unload cargo or move freight around a warehouse.
While skids can be used for transport purposes, the design of these platforms makes them more suited for storage use.
At USA Truckload, we can accommodate for freight that’s attached to skids and pallets. Our network of experienced carriers have the equipment required to move these different types of platforms on and off their trailers. Therefore, you’ll never have to worry about being denied a shipment because your freight is attached to a pallet or skid when you choose USA Truckload.
Our carriers can also provide the following transportation services.
Are you ready to boost your logistics operations? Then fill out your USA Truckload RFP today. You can also call our team at (866) 353-7178 or send us a direct inquiry through our online contact form if you have questions or concerns about our services.
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