Definition
The portion of a pallet deck board that extends beyond the outer edge of the stringer or block, creating an overhang. Wings allow products to extend slightly past the pallet's structural frame without resting on air, providing additional support for wide loads. Wing dimensions are specified per side (e.g., 1-inch wing) and affect the pallet's compatibility with racking and conveyor systems. Wing pallets are common in beverage and appliance distribution.
Related Terms
Wing Pallet
A pallet where the deck boards extend beyond the stringers or blocks, creating an overhang or "wing" on one or more sides. Wing pallets allow products to overhang the pallet structure without the risk of damage from contact with the stringer edges. They are commonly used for beverage cases and other products that are loaded to the exact deck dimensions. The wing design also facilitates the use of clamp trucks for handling.
Overhang
The portion of a product load that extends beyond the edges of the pallet deck. Excessive overhang creates stability risks, can cause product damage during handling, and may prevent proper racking. Industry best practices recommend no more than one inch of overhang on any side. Overhang also refers to wing pallet designs where the deck boards intentionally extend past the stringers to support specific product dimensions.
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.
Deck Board
The flat boards that form the top and bottom surfaces of a pallet. Top deck boards provide the platform on which goods are placed, while bottom deck boards (also called bottom boards) provide stability and allow the pallet to be stored on flat surfaces. Deck board thickness, width, and spacing directly affect a pallet's load capacity and suitability for different applications.
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