The difference
| Entry | Forks go in from | Lifted by | Typical build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-way | The two ends | The deck boards | Plain stringer pallet |
| Four-way | All four sides | The stringers | Notched stringer or block pallet |
A four-way pallet is lifted by the stringers and is usually heavier, bigger and more durable than a two-way. PHS describes two-way entry as being lifted by the deck boards.
Why it matters on a dock
- In a tight space, a forklift cannot always line up with the pallet's end.
- Pallet jacks can pull a four-way pallet from the side.
- Some automated systems require four-way entry.
- Notches weaken a stringer slightly, so repairs near a notch deserve a look.
Which to ask for
A standard 48 x 40 GMA pallet is four-way. If you are buying used, note whether the stringers are notched. If you buy for racks, check the beam spacing against the pallet's open ends. The block or stringer guide shows the structures.
Does four-way mean stronger?
Not by itself. It means more ways in; strength depends on the stringers and boards.
Can I tell from a photo?
Yes. Look for openings on the long face as well as the end.
When you ask for stock, say four-way or two-way in the quote. A typical four-way stack is drawn under Grade A.
Will a pallet jack work on a two-way pallet?
Yes from the ends, if the bottom boards leave space. Check clearance before buying.
Is four-way always better?
Not always. It costs more wood and effort, so choose it where the dock needs it.
How can I tell from a photo?
Look for openings on all four sides of the stack. If the long sides show continuous boards, entry is two-way.
A mistake to avoid
Buyers sometimes order "four-way" when they mean "block". A notched stringer pallet is four-way in name, yet its entry is partial and its strength lower at the notch. If your forklift drivers expect to enter freely from all sides, say that, and say which build you expect.
Notches, chamfers and wear
On a notched stringer pallet the cut-outs where forks enter wear first. Look for splintering at the notch, or a notch that has widened with use. A chamfered bottom board, trimmed at an angle, lets a pallet jack roll in easily. Small details such as these separate a pallet that works on your dock from one that merely fits.
Stringers, blocks and market share
Stringer pallets have three or more parallel timbers under the deckboards, and the cheapest softwood versions can usually be lifted from two sides. Notched stringer pallets allow four-way entry. Block pallets use parallel and perpendicular stringers, so forks or a jack enter from all four sides, which is why block pallets are also called four-way. The GMA 40 x 48 inch pallet is the most produced, at about 30 percent of new U.S. wood pallets, while metal pallets hold less than 1 percent of the market.