Plastic Pallets

Plastic pallets: choose according to the application, not just the dimensions

A plastic pallet should be selected according to what it actually needs to do: support a load on the floor, be lifted on forklift forks, be used in pallet racking, circulate in a food-processing plant, optimize empty returns or be used for one-way shipping.

Two pallets with the same dimensions can therefore be designed for very different applications. Base construction, material, deck surface, load capacity and the material handling equipment being used are often just as important as the dimensions.

Agrico Plastics offers plastic pallets for food processing, warehouses, industrial material handling, racking, export, displays and drum handling.

Which plastic pallet should you choose?

The first criterion is the application. The following table can help you quickly identify the type of pallet that best matches your needs.

A food-grade pallet is not automatically a rackable pallet. A heavy-duty industrial pallet is not necessarily designed to be supported only by pallet-rack beams. Likewise, a lightweight export pallet serves a different purpose from a pallet designed for repeated daily use in a warehouse.

What to check before buying a plastic pallet

Floor, fork and rack load capacities

Load capacities are not interchangeable. Floor capacity applies when the pallet base is supported by a flat surface. Fork capacity applies when the pallet is lifted by a forklift. Rack capacity applies under a different condition where the pallet may be supported only at specific points.

You should therefore compare the capacity that corresponds to your actual application and follow the conditions specified for each model, including load distribution and pallet-rack configuration when applicable.

Forklift, pallet jack and conveyor compatibility

A pallet that can be handled by a forklift is not automatically compatible with every pallet jack or conveyor. Entry height, base configuration, runners and access points should be checked against the equipment used in your facility.

Solid or vented deck

A vented deck facilitates drainage and air circulation. A solid deck may be preferable when smaller items need full support or when you want to prevent products from passing through the pallet. In some food-processing applications, a smooth solid deck can also simplify certain cleaning operations.

Nestable, stackable or rackable: what's the difference?

A nestable pallet is designed so that empty pallets can fit inside one another. This configuration reduces the space required for empty pallet storage and return transportation.

A stackable pallet has a base that allows pallets to be stacked on top of one another without nesting. This construction is commonly used for material handling and storage.

A rackable pallet is designed and evaluated for specific pallet-rack configurations. The presence of runners alone does not mean that a pallet can safely be used in racking. The model's published rack capacity and the actual rack configuration must be verified.

For more information about pallet terminology, base configurations and load capacities, see our plastic pallet FAQ.

Plastic pallets for different industries

The criteria used to select a pallet change according to the environment in which it will be used.

In a food-processing plant, considerations may include washing, moisture, cold temperatures, movement between different production areas, the products being handled and the facility's sanitation requirements. See our solutions for the food-processing industry to learn how plastic pallets can be integrated with other material handling equipment used in these environments.

In a warehouse or distribution centre, priorities are different: load capacity, compatibility with material handling equipment, stability, empty storage space, handling frequency and possible use in pallet racking become important selection criteria. See our material handling and storage solutions for warehouses.

Frequently asked questions about choosing a plastic pallet

What size plastic pallet should I choose?

40" x 48" and 48" x 48" formats are available in several of our product lines, but dimensions alone are not enough to determine the right model. Load requirements, base configuration, material handling equipment and storage method must also be considered.

Can a plastic pallet be used in pallet racking?

Only when a rack capacity is specified for the model and the conditions of use correspond to your installation. Floor or fork capacity should never be used as a rack capacity.

Which plastic pallet should I choose for a food-processing plant?

The choice depends on factors such as the area of use, type of product, cleaning requirements, temperature, load and storage method. Select a model whose characteristics correspond to the actual application.

Is a recycled plastic pallet automatically food-grade?

No. Some industrial models are made from recycled plastic, while pallets intended for food applications use materials and configurations specific to those applications. The appropriate version should be confirmed according to the intended use.