Definition
A pallet design that meets the dimensional, weight, and structural requirements for reliable automated conveyor handling. Conveyor-compatible pallets must have consistent dimensions, flat bottom deck surfaces free of protruding nails, and sufficient rigidity to travel smoothly on roller or chain conveyors. Bottom board spacing and orientation are particularly critical, as gaps or misaligned boards can catch on conveyor rollers and cause jams.
Related Terms
Warehouse Pallet
A general-purpose pallet designed for use within warehouse and distribution center environments, optimized for racking, forklift handling, and conveyor compatibility. Warehouse pallets prioritize dimensional consistency, rackability, and durability for multiple use cycles. They are typically held to tighter quality standards than pallets used for one-way shipping, as they must interface reliably with automated warehouse systems and maintain performance through many handling cycles.
Bottom Deck
The lower surface of a pallet, consisting of boards that run along the underside and rest on the floor or racking surface. Bottom deck boards provide structural support, distribute the load across floor surfaces, and protect products on pallets stacked below. The configuration and number of bottom deck boards directly affect a pallet's stability, rackability, and compatibility with conveyor systems.
Flush Pallet
A pallet where the deck boards are trimmed even or "flush" with the outer edges of the stringers or blocks. Flush pallets have a clean, uniform edge profile that works well in automated handling systems and racking. They are the most common configuration for general-purpose pallets and provide a neat appearance when products are stacked on the deck.
Sortation
The automated process of routing palletized loads to specific destinations within a warehouse or distribution center based on criteria such as destination, product type, or priority. Sortation systems use conveyors, diverters, and scanners to identify and direct pallets to the correct staging lane or dock door. Pallet quality, dimensional consistency, and label readability are critical for reliable sortation. Non-standard pallets can cause jams and sortation errors.
Explore More Pallet Industry Terms
Our glossary contains 165+ terms covering everything from pallet construction to compliance regulations and industry organizations.