Categorized by Structural Form
Flat Pallets:The most common type, accounting for over 85% of the market; they are virtually synonymous with the term "pallet." They are classified by forklift entry method (single-way, two-way, or four-way entry) and by deck structure (single-sided, double-sided single-use, or double-sided reversible).
Post Pallets: Feature steel posts at the four corners; some models include crossbars to form a frame. They come in fixed and detachable versions. They enable high stacking to maximize warehouse space utilization and prevent load collapse during transport.
Box Pallets: Feature side panels on all four sides, with some including a top panel; the panels may be fixed, collapsible, or detachable. Mesh-sided versions are known as "warehouse cages"; they offer strong protection and are suitable for irregularly shaped or unstable loads.
Wheeled Pallets:Post or box pallets fitted with small wheels at the base, allowing for short-distance manual movement. They enable "roll-on/roll-off" loading and unloading without additional handling equipment, making them ideal for warehouses requiring frequent transfers.
Slip Sheets: Flat sheets with folded edges, only a few millimeters thick; they require a forklift equipped with a push-pull attachment. Empty sheets can be stacked in large quantities, reducing storage space requirements by 85%, and are very low in cost.
Categorized by Material
Wooden Pallets: Hold the largest market share due to low cost and ease of manufacturing. Types include solid wood pallets (poplar, pine, mixed hardwoods, etc.) and fumigation-free plywood pallets; suitable for standard warehouse handling and turnover.
Plastic Pallets: Hygienic, resistant to acids and alkalis, and easy to clean; their service life is 3–7 times that of wooden pallets. Common designs include "Chuan" (three-runner), "Tian" (grid-base), and nine-leg styles; widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Metal Pallets: Primarily made of Q235 cold-rolled steel, these are waterproof, rust-resistant, and offer exceptional load-bearing capacity (ranging from 1,000 kg to 6,000 kg), making them suitable for heavy cargo and demanding environments such as ports and terminals.
Paper Pallets:Eco-friendly and exempt from fumigation requirements for export, these pallets offer high load-bearing capacity and recyclability at a very low cost; they are commonly used for one-way export shipments.
Composite Pallets:Manufactured from materials such as wood-plastic composites (WPC) or bamboo-based composites, these combine the advantages of various materials-offering corrosion resistance and high strength-and have become increasingly popular in recent years as an eco-friendly pallet option.
