History Of The Pallet

The simple wooden pallet might look plain. But it has changed global logistics and trade in a big way. Pallets have changed over time, but their main role is still the same: to move and store goods efficiently. This detailed look shows how these basic structures support global trade. They help move about 90% of products shipped within the U.S. today.

Ancient Foundations: From Egypt to Mesopotamia

The concept of pallets traces back much further than most people realize. Ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians were among the first to use pallet-like structures. Archaeological evidence supports this claim. They used these structures for transportation and storage. These early versions, called “skids,” were basic wooden platforms. They had no bottom deck. Skids were mainly used to store and move materials on construction sites. For centuries, these rudimentary platforms helped move boulders and other large objects.

In ancient Greece and Rome, they used structures called “truck beds.” These helped transport goods by hand or animal power. These early platforms changed slowly over the years. Still, the main idea stayed the same: lifting goods off the ground to make movement easier.

The Birth of Modern Pallets (1915-1939)

The move from ancient skids to modern pallets began when the forklift truck was invented. In 1917, Clark Equipment Company created the first forklift. This invention required a redesign of traditional skids to fit the new machine. We added two support boards (stringers) under the platform. This created space for the forklift’s tines.

In 1925, Howard T. Hallowell filed the first U.S. patent for a skid platform, which he called a “lift truck platform”. This early design had wooden planks on two stringers. It marked the start of the modern pallet era.

The big breakthrough happened in 1939. George Raymond Sr. and his partner William House got a patent for the first real “transport pallet.” Their design let forklifts lift the pallet from two sides. This change made materials handling much more efficient. This innovation changed global logistics. That’s why Raymond and House are called the “Fathers of the pallet.”

World War II: The Great Catalyst

World War II was a key time for pallets. It sped up their development and use. The urgent military need for efficient supply chain operations drove rapid innovation. The U.S. military discovered that palletized transport was fast and safe for delivering essential supplies during the war.

During this time, the need for pallets grew quickly. Also, there were big improvements in their design. A key innovation was the four-way pallet. This design let forklifts reach the platform from any side. Too many pallet sizes caused problems. Receiving facilities often lack the right equipment to manage the pallets they get.

This problem led to the military’s crucial role in standardizing pallet dimensions. Different branches picked their own pallet sizes. The Navy and Army went with 48” x 48” pallets. The Quartermaster Corps chose 32” x 40” and 46” x 48” sizes. This standardization effort laid the groundwork for post-war civilian industry practices.

The GMA Standard: Revolutionizing Retail Logistics

In the 1960s, the grocery industry had big problems. Products were shipped as single cases loaded onto vehicle floors. This made loading and unloading slow and inefficient. General Foods, wielding considerable market influence, advocated for developing a better method.

The Grocery Manufacturer Association (GMA) created a standard pallet size of 48” x 40”. This standardization transformed distribution operations for consumer packaged goods throughout the United States. Grocery shippers can create uniform loads that most buyers accept. This boosts efficiency across the supply chain.

The 48” x 40” GMA pallet is the most common size in the U.S. It makes up about 35% of all pallets in use. These pallets have seven top deck boards and five bottom deck boards. They are 40 inches wide. There are also three stringers, each measuring 48 inches long. They’re designed for heavy loads and nest efficiently when not in use, saving valuable space.

International Standards and Regional Variations

The GMA standard is popular in North America. However, global trade requires broader standardization. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed guidelines for pallet production and use globally, sanctioning six standard pallet dimensions compliant with exportation requirements.

Each ISO pallet dimension corresponds to specific regions:

• 1016 x 1219 mm (40” x 48”): North America
• 1000 x 1200 mm (39.37” x 47.24”): Europe, Asia
• 1165 x 1165 mm (45.90” x 45.90”): Australia
• 1067 x 1067 mm (42” x 42”): North America, Europe, Asia
• 1100 x 1100 mm (43.30” x 43.30”): Asia
• 800 x 1200 mm (31.50” x 47.24”): Europe

In Europe, the Euro-pallet has its own distinct history. The Euro-pallet was introduced in 1961. It was created to address logistical challenges after World War II. Its standard size is 1200mm by 800mm. These measurements were calculated to boost loading efficiency. They also ensure compatibility with current transportation systems. This helps goods move smoothly across national borders.

Modern Applications and Environmental Considerations

Pallets are essential to global supply chains today. The food industry, especially grocery stores, uses them the most.

Primary industry users include:

• Chemicals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Government agencies
• Dairy producers
• Beverage companies

This widespread adoption has made pallets indispensable to modern commerce.

The materials used in pallet construction have evolved over time. Many manufacturers still use high-density hardwood for standard GMA pallets. But now, they are also thinking more about sustainability and the environment. Many pallets are now made from the center of oak trees. Oak is strong and fairly common.

In Egypt, companies like Egy Pallet and Al-Khair Establishment make wooden pallets. They follow international models and meet European standards. These manufacturers often provide extra services. For example, they offer fumigation certification and use eco-friendly production methods.

The pallet recycling industry has grown a lot. Many companies now repair and recycle used pallets. They do this instead of making new ones. This approach reduces waste and supports sustainability efforts in the logistics industry.