In the field of logistics and warehousing, the bottom structural design of plastic pallets directly determines their performance. The flat "Chuan" type features three longitudinal parallel support beams, resembling the character "川," with structural advantages in balancing load-bearing capacity and flexibility: a dynamic load capacity of up to 1.5 tons and a static load capacity of 4 tons, making it particularly suitable for manual hydraulic pallet jacks (also known as "ground cows") and the primary choice for flat-ground handling in warehouses. The flat "Tian" type, on the other hand, forms a grid-like structure with intersecting longitudinal and transverse support beams, resembling the character "田." It offers the highest structural stability, with a static load capacity increased to 6 tons and exceptional resistance to bending deformation, making it the preferred choice for high-rack storage systems (such as drive-in racks) and heavy-duty storage scenarios.
The flat nine-foot design features nine evenly distributed feet at the base, offering lightweight self-weight, low cost, and support for four-direction forklift insertion, making it the most flexible option. However, its local load-bearing capacity is relatively weak (dynamic load around 0.5 tons), suitable for cost-sensitive scenarios such as light-load cargo handling or e-commerce sorting. The flat double-sided pallet employs a dual-sided grid structure, providing excellent stacking stability, but requires specialized handling equipment and is commonly used in scenarios requiring multi-layer stacking for export packaging or standardized transportation.
The selection of four types of pallets must be comprehensively evaluated based on handling equipment, load-bearing requirements, and storage methods. For manual hydraulic trucks as the primary handling method, the flatboard "川" type is a must-have, featuring a fixed fork-in direction and balanced load-bearing capacity, enabling efficient handling of medium-weight goods. In contrast, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) should prioritize the flatboard "田" type, as its flat base and robust structural stability meet the stringent requirements of conveyor systems for guide slots.
For short-term turnover or lightweight goods, the flat nine-foot pallet is a cost-effective choice due to its low cost and flexible operation, but concentrated loads or high stacking should be avoided. The double-sided flat pallet is suitable for industries requiring long-term storage, such as food and pharmaceuticals, as its double-sided design reduces the risk of cargo deformation under pressure and offers convenient cleaning. Notably, while the grid-type and channel-type pallets have similar load-bearing capacities, the former is better suited for static storage, while the latter is more appropriate for dynamic handling.
With the increasing level of logistics automation, the proportion of cross-type pallets in smart warehouses will continue to grow, while the chevron-type remains a universal solution for traditional warehouses. When selecting a type, three key points must be clarified: first, the load-bearing indicators (dynamic load/static load/rack load), such as blow-molded cross-type pallets with static loads reaching up to 6 tons, far exceeding standard nine-leg designs; second, equipment compatibility, like forklift four-way entry requirements that may exclude certain chevron-type designs; third, industry-specific characteristics, such as the need for hygienic flat double-sided designs in the food industry. In summary, there is no "universal" pallet—only the optimal solution deeply aligned with the application scenario.