Two-way and four-way pallets

Loading zones and rowhouse alleys offer little room to turn. A four-way pallet can be picked up from whichever side faces the lane, and a stack that does not need to be turned is a stack that comes out sooner. In a 40-door dock the same advantage appears in cross-docking, where a pallet may need to come out sideways.

On the other hand, a four-way pallet costs more, and a dock whose forklifts always approach from one end gets nothing from the extra openings. We ask how you handle them before we say which is worth the premium.

1. Look at the sidesIf you can see the ends of the stringers and no gaps along the side, it is two-way.
2. Look for notchesA notch cut into the bottom of the stringers means forks can enter from the side.
3. Look for blocksBlocks with gaps in both directions mean four-way.

Tell us which you have or want. A sorted pile of four-way pallets is easier to place with buyers who use side entry; a mix of both goes through a sort. See block pallets and stringer pallets for each build.

A dock that loads from the side, or that cross-docks pallets from one trailer to another, gains the most from four-way stock. A pallet jack operator can enter from whichever side faces the aisle, and that saves a rotation on every move. If you buy for such a dock, ask for block pallets or notched stringers and confirm the opening height clears your equipment.

A notched stringer has a rectangular pocket cut out of its bottom edge so a fork tine can slide in sideways. The notch weakens the stringer a little, so a notched pallet may carry less than a solid one. Check the notch edges. A notch that has split or been torn out by a mis-aimed fork is the usual end of a notched pallet’s life.

Because a notch is cut into otherwise sound wood, a notched stringer pallet can be sold into a four-way market only if the notches are intact. A pallet with a damaged notch reverts to two-way.

A four-way pallet is more flexible and costs more to make and repair. The question to ask is how often your handlers actually need the extra openings. If the answer is rarely, two-way stock is cheaper. If the answer is often, four-way saves labor on every move. We will tell you which stock suits your dock.

Four-way entry is only useful if the tines fit the openings. Check the opening width against your forks, and confirm the pallet’s lowest crossmember will clear the floor. A four-way pallet that your equipment cannot enter is a two-way pallet in practice.

Four-way entry pays off in tight warehouses, narrow aisles and cross-docks, where turning a truck costs more than turning a pallet. In wide, simple docks it matters less.

Extra openings need extra blocks or notches, which means more material and a higher price. Compare that premium with the handling time it saves in your own building before committing to a full order.

Is a four-way pallet better?

It is more flexible. It is not better for a dock that always approaches from one end.

Are notched stringers four-way?

A stringer pallet with notches can be lifted from the sides as well as the ends, so in practice yes.