| AIAG Pallet |
A pallet that meets the
recommendations of the AIAG, Automotive Industry
Action Group. Recommendations concern size,
dimensions, fork entry capability and load
capacity. |
| Bin pallet |
A four-sided superstructure that is
mounted on a pallet base, with or without a cover.
Also known as a box or container bin pallet. |
| Block pallet |
A pallet designed with blocks of
material between the pallet decks or beneath the
top deck that serve as strengtheners and
posts. |
| Block Storing |
Storage of similar containers or
material in a block |
| Box Pallet |
A pallet with framework on the back
and sides. This storage aid is designed so that
several may be stacked, and the framework, rather
than supplies, supports the weight. |
| Container |
A receptacle such as a bag, barrel,
drum, box, crate or package used to hold and to
protect contents. (See also the definition of
container, Intermodal, International Organization
for Standardization (ISO).) |
| Cross-stacking |
The placing of one layer of containers
at right angles to those just below to increase the
stability of the stack. |
| D |
Degradable |
| Deck boards |
Top or bottom surface of a
pallet. |
| Degradable |
Capable of being broken down by
biodegradation, photo degradation, or chemical
degradation into component parts within 360 days
under exposure to the elements. |
| Euro-pallet |
The standard pallet in Europe. It is
1200 mm by 800 mm in dimension and has a wood block
design between the top and bottom permitting
four-way or four-sided entrance by lifting forks.
Although other sizes exist in Europe, they are not
nearly as prominent as the Euro-pallet. |
| Exchange pallet |
Refers to a pallet that is used by
several shippers whose ownership is transferred
when the ownership of the unit load is
transferred. |
| Expendable pallet |
A pallet utilized for a single
transaction, not expected to be returned. |
| Fiberboard pallet |
A pallet, which is constructed from
fiberboard material. |
| Fixed-wall pallet
container |
Container that features an integrated
pallet and has fixed sidewalls. |
| Flush pallet |
A pallet constructed in such a manner
that there are no overhangs and the decks, both top
and bottom, fit "flush" with the stringers on all
sides. |
| Four-way block pallet |
A pallet, which, by its design and
construction, is accessible to a pallet jack from
all four sides; a full four-way entry pallet. |
| Four-way container |
A container that is accessible from
all four sides for storage and retrieval
purposes. |
| Four-way entry pallet |
Openings on all four sides of a pallet
or the base of a pallet or container, which allow
fork truck handling from all four sides. |
| Four-way pallet |
A pallet, which, by its construction,
allows forks of a lift to enter the pallet from
both, sides and ends. |
| Four-way stringer
pallet |
A pallet, which utilizes stringers in
its construction with these stringers being notched
to allow four-way insertion of forks. |
| Full perimeter pallet |
A pallet, which utilizes a block
design and incorporates the use of deck boards and
stringer configured in the same plane. Such a
configuration results in the formation of a
complete framework on both ends and both
sides. |
| General purpose
pallet |
A pallet that is designed and
constructed for general use and is returnable. This
pallet is generally double-decked in its
construction. |
| GMA pallet (GMA-Grocery
Manufacturers of America) |
A pallet whose dimensions are 48" x
40", is made of hardwood, and is forklift table
from all four sides. Manufactured to GMA
requirements.
|
| Grab-a-block pallet |
A pallet used in distribution operations wherein the
center stringer or block is grabbed by a center clamp
to steady the pallet enabling goods to be stacked on it
at an elevated height. These types of pallets may be
made of wood or plastic. |
| HDPE |
High density polyethylene |
| Honeycombing |
The storing or withdrawing of supplies
in a manner which results in vacant space that is
not usable for storage of other items. |
| Label |
A molded, imprinted, or raised symbol
on or near the bottom of a plastic product. |
| LDPE |
Low density polyethylene |
| Low combustible
material |
Materials that, by themselves, will
not normally ignite, but which, in combination with
their packaging, will contribute fuel to fire. |
| Moderate combustible
material |
Materials and their packaging, both of
which will contribute fuel to fire. |
| Molded pallet |
A pallet formed in a mold and made
from plastic, wood particles or wood flakes. |
| Multiple trip pallet |
A pallet designed and built for use in
multiple trips and transports. |
| Nestable pallet |
A plastic pallet designed in such a
way as to allow the pallet to fit or "nest" in
another so as to facilitate better use of storage
space. Pallets in which foot design is such that
the pallets can stack within each other when
empty. |
| Noncombustible |
Materials and their packaging that
will neither ignite nor support combustion. |
| Non-folding container |
A container with corners permanently
helixed and is subject to the same specifications
as "folding containers". |
| Non-reversible pallet |
A pallet designed and constructed to
utilize only the top deck board and does not
incorporate a bottom deck board. |
| Notched stringer |
The stringer on a pallet that
possesses identical notches, which are spaced such
as to allow forks to enter pallet. |
| One-way pallet |
A pallet that is designed and
constructed so as to allow fork entry from only the
back or front. Also, a pallet, which is considered
expendable. |
| Package detection |
The use of sensors to identify the
presence of an object typically to actuate another
device for the process of identification, sorting,
sizing, etc. |
| Pallet |
A low, portable platform of plastic,
wood, metal, or fiberboard to facilitate the act of
moving, storing, and transporting of supplies as a
unit. |
| Pallet dimensions |
Measurement points to determine a
pallet's dimensions: Length = distance between
pallet ends (inclusive of overhang) and parallel to
the stringer(s). Width = distance between pallet
sides at right angles to the pallet length
inclusive of any overhang
Height = distance from the outer edges of the bottom
deck boards to the outer edges of the top deck
board.
Pallet dimensions are generally shown in inches. |
| Pallet dispenser |
A pallet feeder is a device used for
feeding empty pallets. It is often known as a
pallet dispenser. |
| Pallet double wing |
A pallet constructed in such a way as to have the top
deck extending out from opposite sides. |
| Pallet exchange
program |
A program agreed upon by several
shippers and receivers with each party assuming
responsibility for the total inventory of pallets.
These parties exchange pallets on a one-for-one
basis with each transaction recorded and
documented. Program provides cost savings in off
loading time and time pressures on warehousing
personnel. |
| Pallet flow rack |
May be considered back-to-back
selective rack. Inclined conveyor wheel sections
are installed in the rack enabling back-loaded
pallets are allowed to flow by gravity to the front
or pick face. Pallet flow rack is useful for the
movement of fast-moving items and serves to
increase density of storage and throughput. |
| Pallet jack |
See Pallet truck. Pallet length The
first dimension stated in categorizing or
describing a pallet. |
| Pallet life |
The usable life of a pallet and is
expressed in time in use or in the number of trips
that the pallet has been in service. |
| Pallet lifter |
A below-the-hook lifting device that
utilizes forks in its design and serves to take the
role of forklift forks while utilizing the
capabilities of a crane and/or hoist. Generally,
counter-weighted at its top and attached via a bail
and hook arrangement. |
| Pallet pattern |
The layer-by-layer arrangement or
pattern of boxes/cartons as they are placed on a
pallet. |
| Pallet performance |
The performance of a pallet as
expressed in terms of durability, stability
(lateral), degree of stiffness or rigidity, and
strength. |
| Pallet rack |
A single or multi-level structural
storage system that is utilized to support high
stacking of single items or palletized loads. |
| Pallet stacking frame |
A load securing device that often can
take the place of containers or bins. This device
consists on iron posts and connecting frame members
resting on the four corners of a pallet creating an
open container in appearance with a certain amount
of load retention ability. The frames are removable
for storage, but when in use, the loaded pallets
can be block stacked on the floor. This is a
particular advantage for unit loads that would not
stack safely without the rigid frame. There are
other attachments such as special metal frames and
welded wire gates, but none of these allow for
pallet stacking. |
| Pallet truck |
A manually powered fork truck. The
operator physically pushes the forks into the
opening on the pallet and "jacks" the ratcheting
lift mechanism so as to raise the pallet off the
floor. Once lifted, the load can be manually moved
from place to place. |
| Palletized unit load |
Quantity of any item, packaged or
unpacked, arranged on a pallet and securely
fastened thereto, so that the whole is handled as a
unit. |
| Palletizer |
Palletizers are special machines
capable of building a complete unit load on a
pallet. Although the most common application is for
cases, some palletizers can also handle sacks and
bags. A less common palletizer application would be
for special products such as sheet stock. There are
two general methods employed for automatically
building a full pallet. One makes use of a fixed
position or overhead gantry robot with end
effectors suited to the individual loads, such as
vacuum lifts or a gripper. The other method employs
more complex mechanisms for forming pallet layers
off line, one at a time, and then shifting or
transferring each successive layer onto the pallet
as it is lowered via a lift/lower table. |
| Palletizing |
The placement and securing, when
necessary, of units or containers on pallets. |
| PETE |
Polyethylene terephthalate, or
PET |
| Picker pallet |
A pallet used in distribution
operations wherein the center stringer or block is
grabbed by a center clamp to steady the pallet
enabling goods to be stacked on it at an elevated
height. |
| Plastic |
Any material made of polymeric organic
compounds and additives that can be shaped by
flow. |
| Plastic bin |
Reusable container used for storing
and shipping materials. |
| Plastic bottle |
A rigid plastic container with a
capacity of 16 ounces or more that has a neck that
is smaller than the body of the container. |
| Plastic pallet |
A device used for moving and storing
freight. It is used as a base for assembling,
storing, stacking, handling, and transporting goods
as a unit load. Commonly, it is about four feet
square and is so constructed to facilitate the
placement of a lift truck's forks between the
levels of a platform so it may be moved
easily. |
| Plastic product |
A plastic bottle and any other rigid
plastic container. |
| Plastic tote |
See Plastic bin.Polyethylene plastic A
polymerized resin used especially for making
tubing, film or bags for packaging |
| Polypropylene plastic |
A thermoplastic resin that is hard and
tough and has increased optics. Functions well in
thermo-formed applications such as pallets and
containers. |
| PP |
Polypropylene |
| PS |
Polystyrene |
| Rental pallet |
A pallet owned by a third party,
different from the actual user. |
| Returnable container
labeling |
The method used to mark/identify
returnable/reusable container and pallets to insure
that they return to the proper destination. Can be
as simple as stenciling or as sophisticated as
barcoding. |
| Returnable plastic
container |
Refers to collapsible, hand-held plastic containers
used mostly for produce handling in closed loop
packaging systems. |
| Returnable/reusable
pallet |
A pallet designed to be used for more
than one trip. |
| Reusable plastic
container |
Storage or transport vessels made of
durable molded plastic. Intended to be used more
than once. |
| Reusable Plastic Pallet and
Container Association |
The Reusable Plastic Pallet &
Container Association (RCPA) was created by a group
of visionary manufacturers who design, fabricate
and apply Reusable Plastic Pallet and Container
Solutions on a worldwide scale. A product section
of the Material Handling Industry of America
(MHIA), RCPA members make a substantial commitment
of time & resources to the long-term health and
welfare of the industry.
RCPA programming is intended to:
--Create awareness and recognition of Reusable Plastic
Pallet and Container Solutions as environmentally
friendly and cost effective platform for material
handling and logistics
--Develop and deliver important information on proper
application and use through publications and
educational activities |
| Rigid plastic
container |
Any container composed predominantly
of plastic resin and having a relatively inflexible
finite shape or form that directly holds a
substance or material and has a capacity of 8
ounces or more. |
| Rotational molded
pallet |
A predetermined amount of powdered,
granulated or liquid plastic is introduced into a
hollow, shell-like mold. This is followed by the
closing, heating and rotating of the mold in two
planes perpendicular to each other in order to
distribute and fuse or "sinter" the plastic
material to the internal configuration of the mold.
Once the plastic mold is fully cured and the part
is fully formed, the mold is removed from the eat
source, and it undergoes accelerated cooling using
either a water mist or cold air. The pallet is then
removed from the mold. |
| RCPA |
See Reusable Container & Pallet
Association |
| Slave pallet |
A pallet used in an automated rack
system. |
| Solid deck pallet |
A pallet constructed with no spacing
along the deck(s). |
| Stacking pallet |
A pallet constructed in such a manner
as to allow one pallet complete with load to be
placed on another without damage to the lower unit
load. This is generally achieved by utilizing a
superstructure within the pallet. |
| Thermoformed pallet |
Thermoforming takes place when a thick
plastic sheet is clamped onto a frame and heated,
then this softened, pliable sheet is forced by
either pressure or vacuum to adapt to the shape of
a pallet tool. Once the sheet has formed to the
configuration of the tool and it has cooled down,
it is removed from the frame. The outer perimeter
of the pallet is trimmed off to yield the finished
part. Twin-sheet thermoforming is a variation of
this process whereby two separate sheets of plastic
are heated in two separate sets of tooling and then
fused together under pressure to yield a pallet
with a hollow section or sections. |
| Two-way pallet |
A pallet constructed with stringers
that do not have notches so fork tines can be
inserted only from the two open ends. |
| Type I pallet |
Single-faced, non-reversible
pallet. |
| Type II pallet |
Double-faced, flush-stringer or block,
non-reversible pallet. |
| Type III pallet |
Double-faced, flush-stringer or block,
reversible pallet. |
| Type IV pallet |
Double-faced, single-wing,
non-reversible pallet. |
| Type V pallet |
Single-faced, single-wing,
non-reversible pallet. |
| Type VI pallet |
Double-faced, double-wing, reversible
pallet. |
| V |
Vinyl/polyvinyl chloride, or PVC |