While the terms may be used interchangeably, there is a difference between a pallet and a skid. Both are a type of platform, and both do support goods that are being transported or loaded by a forklift or jack. The goal of a pallet or skid is to stabilize the products so that they can get to their destination safely. Skids and pallets are very similar and serve the same purpose; the one you choose will depend on your needs and budget. Here is a list of comprehensive differences between a pallet and a skid to help you decide which is better for your business.
Skids
No Bottom Deck
Skids do not have a bottom deck. Instead, they are slats that touch the ground and support one top deck. This makes skids cheaper than pallets.
Less Friction
As skids do not have a bottom deck, but rather multiple slats, they have less friction when you need to drag them across the floor.
Original Pallet
While pallets have taken over many of the jobs that skids once performed, skids are the original pallet, having been designed and put into use before pallets.
More Mobile
Because they have less friction, yet can still be picked up by forklifts, they are more mobile. Large skids are used to store machinery that needs to be moved around.
Inexpensive
Due to the fact that they take less wood or other material to make, skids are less expensive than pallets to produce and purchase.
Easily Nests
When you need to stack skids, because they do not have a bottom board, they are easy to stack inside of one another and keep them from tipping.
Pallet
Top and Bottom Deck
Unlike skids, pallets have two decks, one on the bottom and one on the top. This makes them much more sturdy than skids.
Stable
Since pallets have a top and bottom deck, they are very stable and ideal for use with a forklift, as they have less of a chance of slipping off the prongs.
More Friction
With a full bottom deck, pallets have more friction than skids. While this is not great for dragging, it is better if you do not want your pallet to be shoved accidentally.
Convenient Racking
Racking is the steel structure made up of frames and beams to store materials. Pallets are better for racking tank skids as they are more stable when being lifted by a forklift.
Carry Weight
Pallets can carry more weight than a skid due to their superior design. A wooden pallet that is properly constructed can carry up to 1000 kg of product.
Depending on what you are going to be doing with your pallet or skid, you will find one to be a better option than the other (but pallets are the more versatile option). If you are looking for wooden pallets for sale, then contact us at Geo Pallet Ltd. Whether you need standard pallets, custom-made pallets, or recycled pallets, we have something that will work for you. Visit our website today!
