Definition
A continuous longitudinal member on the bottom of a pallet that supports the structure and facilitates movement across surfaces. Runners are similar to stringers but the term is more commonly used for pallets where the bottom support members are wider and serve as the primary contact surface with the floor, conveyor, or racking. In some designs, runners replace a bottom deck entirely, serving as both structural support and the base that contacts the storage surface.
Related Terms
Stringer
A continuous, longitudinal solid or notched board that connects and supports the deck boards of a pallet. Stringers are the structural backbone of stringer-style pallets, running the full length of the pallet and providing the framework that holds deck boards in place. Most standard 48x40 pallets use three stringers — two along the outer edges and one down the center.
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.
Pallet
A flat transport structure, typically made of wood, that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, or other jacking device. Pallets are the foundation of modern material handling and logistics, enabling efficient storage, stacking, and transportation of goods. The most common pallet size in North America is the 48x40 inch GMA pallet.
Skid
A pallet-like platform that has no bottom deck boards, resting on runners or stringers that serve as the base. Skids are the historical predecessor to modern pallets and are still used in some heavy-duty applications. Because skids lack a bottom deck, they cannot be double-stacked safely and are not suitable for most racking systems. The terms "skid" and "pallet" are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, though they are technically different structures.
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