Explanations of terms used within this website and our related industries.

Block Pallet- A pallet that has blocks separating the decks instead of stringers.

Chamfer- Molded or machined incline surface along a part or the full length of the edges of the deckboards between stringers or blocks to accommodate passage of fork arm wheels of pallet trucks.

“Combo” Pallets- Pallets made of both new and recycled wood.

Crosstie- Used by railroad builders to support the metal tracks.

Crate- An enclosed wooden container used for shipping goods.

Deckboard- Boards that make up the deck of the pallet. They run perpendicular to the stringers.

Fastener- Any material used to attach the pallet components together. This includes nail, bolts, staples, etc.

Grade Hardwood- Refers to hardwood lumber that has been graded for quality by a trained lumber grader. Grade hardwood is used in flooring, cabinets, and other furniture for its decorative appeal.

Hardwood- Wood that comes from trees with broad leaves; Hardwood is not always dense.

IPPC- International Plant Protect Committee; responsible for the ISPM15 standards. International pallets must be marked with IPPC stamp before crossing most international borders.

ISPM15- Stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. This is the standard requiring all internationally shipped pallets be debarked and heat treated to reduce the spread of insects.

New Pallets- Pallets made of only new wood. It has not been used for shipping before.

Notch- Hole in stringer that allows a fork to pass through. Usually 9 inches wide and 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches high.

Pallet- A platform used to carry goods as a unit load. A pallet has deckboards on top and some on the bottom for extra support. Dimensions of a pallet are stated length X width then the height. For example a 48”X40” is 48 inches long and 40 inches wide.

pallets explanation

Pallet Design System (PDS)- Official computer aided pallet design program offered by the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA). It optimizes pallet design by reducing cost, reducing damage to products, and increasing safety of the pallet.

Recycled Pallets- Pallets that have been used then repaired and are ready to be used again.

Skid- Built like a pallet except no bottom deckboards.

Softwood- Wood from trees with needles. An example of softwood is Pine.

Stringer (Runner) Pallet- A pallet with stringers separating the decks instead of blocks.

Team Vantage- National team of pallet suppliers who will provide quality pallets with McVantage’s design and expertise.

Temperate Hardwoods- Hardwoods species that grow in the temperate regions which include most of the latitudes where the United States is located.

Tropical Hardwood- Hardwood species grown in tropical climates near the equator. Many species have an exceptional decorative appeal and are especially good for long lasting out door uses.

Unit Load- The product or products being carried combined with the pallet that supports it.