Can pallet jacks use stringer pallets?

Yes, standard pallet jacks work with stringer pallets from the two open ends. Notched stringer pallets allow pallet jack entry from all four sides, though the notch reduces some structural strength.

Are block pallets worth the extra cost?

For operations with automated systems, very heavy loads, or tight warehouse aisles requiring four-way entry, yes. For standard domestic distribution, the extra cost typically isn't justified unless durability and reuse cycles are critical.

What is a GMA pallet - stringer or block?

The GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet specification is a stringer pallet: 48x40 inches, three-stringer construction, notched for partial four-way entry. It is the most common pallet in US food and grocery distribution.

Can stringer pallets be repaired?

Yes. A broken stringer can be sistered (a second board nailed alongside it) and broken deck boards replaced. Block pallets are harder to repair field because block replacement requires more precise carpentry.

Block vs Stringer Pallets: Which Is Right for Your Operation?

When sourcing pallets for your warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing operation, one of the most fundamental decisions you will face is choosing between block pallets and stringer pallets. These two construction types differ significantly in structure, strength, handling flexibility, and cost - and the wrong choice can lead to equipment incompatibilities, damaged loads, or unnecessary expense.

This guide explains exactly how each pallet type is built, where each excels, and how to determine which construction is the best fit for your specific operation.

New southern yellow pine GMA stringer pallets stacked at Florida supplier yard

New GMA stringer pallets - the most common type in North America

What Is a Stringer Pallet?

Pallet Lumber & Sawmill Operations

Stamped kiln-dried pallet lumber, bulk warehouse stock, dimensional yard inventory, raw softwood logs, and sawmill operations - the supply chain behind every custom and standard pallet we ship.

Kiln-dried stamped pallet lumber boards in stack at sawmill

Bulk pallet lumber storage in covered warehouse - dimensional pallet stock

Dimensional pallet lumber stacks with grading marks in lumber yard

Softwood pallet logs - raw timber for pallet lumber milling

Sawmill aerial view of lumber yard with pallet supply inventory

Stringer pallets are the most common pallet type in North America, accounting for roughly 80% of all pallets in circulation. They are built with three parallel boards (called stringers) running the length of the pallet, with deck boards nailed perpendicular across the top. The stringers provide the structural support, and fork tines slide between them from two sides - which is why stringer pallets are often called two-way pallets. A notched stringer pallet cuts rectangular openings into the stringers, allowing partial four-way entry for pallet jacks, though true four-way fork access from all sides is limited.

What Is a Block Pallet?

Block pallets (also called four-way pallets) use nine wooden or composite blocks arranged in a 3x3 grid between the top and bottom deck boards. This construction creates full four-way entry - forklifts and pallet jacks can enter from all four sides without restriction. Block pallets are significantly more durable than stringer pallets, and they are the standard in Europe (Euro pallet / EUR 1200x800mm), in many automated warehouse systems, and in industries like food and beverage where full access and hygiene are critical. The trade-off is cost: block pallets typically run 15-30% more than comparable stringer pallets.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Stringer Pallet	Block Pallet
Fork Entry	2-way (notched = partial 4-way)	True 4-way
Durability	Good	Excellent
Cost	Lower ($9-16 new)	Higher ($14-22 new)
Weight	30-48 lbs	55-75 lbs
Best For	General warehousing, retail, domestic	Automated systems, food/bev, export
Market Share (US)	~80%	~20%

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When to Choose Stringer Pallets

Stringer pallets are the right choice for the majority of domestic warehousing, retail distribution, and general manufacturing operations. If your facility uses standard forklifts with fixed fork spacing, handles moderate load weights (under 2,500 lbs), and does not operate automated conveyor or racking systems requiring full four-way entry, stringer pallets offer the best value. They are also the standard choice for one-way shipping where the pallet cost needs to be minimized.

When to Choose Block Pallets

Block pallets are the right choice when your operation uses automated conveyor systems, high-density racking that requires four-way pallet jack access, or when handling very heavy loads above 2,500 lbs. Food and beverage operations often prefer block pallets for hygiene reasons (no exposed stringer edges to splinter) and for compatibility with automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Any operation exporting to Europe or using European supply chain partners will need to understand the EUR/EPAL pallet standard, which is a block design.

Frequently Asked Questions

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In This Article

Operational details for this market

Compliance specification

Heat-treatment chamber maintained at 56C core for 30 minutes per ISPM-15 Annex 1; each load shipped with a treatment certificate signed by a USDA-registered inspector.

Florida regulatory context

FAA Part 121 air-cargo operations at MIA, MCO, and TPA require flame-retardant treated pallets for in-cabin loads; we maintain Class A flame-rated stock for forwarder accounts.

Florida DOACS regulations require ISPM-15 documentation on every export load originating from PortMiami, Port Everglades, JAXPORT, and Port Tampa Bay; we maintain on-call certification staff at all four ports.

Pallet specification detail

Recycled-Grade B pallets meet structural spec but may have up to 2 replaced deck boards; suitable for industrial loads outside food/pharma; price point 30-40% below new GMA.

Deck board edge type defaults to chamfered for forklift safety; square-edge available on request for ASRS compatibility; rounded-edge banding tracks available for high-throughput line-side delivery.

Delivery and logistics

Flatbed delivery handles oversized loads or pallets with overhanging product; tarping included; preferred for export crates and bulk lumber shipments.

Customer use case

Beverage distributors (beer, soda, water) move primarily 48x40 GMA in dry-van loads; standard week sees Mon/Wed/Fri delivery rotation; volume discounts kick in at 200+ pallets per week sustained.

Pricing context

Pricing structure: new 48x40 GMA stock ranges $14-18 per pallet in 500+ lot pricing; recycled Grade A runs $7-10 per pallet; recycled Grade B at $5-7; custom builds priced per spec on a quote basis.

Sustainability

Our Lakeland and Jacksonville recycling streams process 200,000+ pallets per year; broken stock is repaired or chipped for mulch (sold separately); zero-landfill goal targeted for 2027.

Block vs Stringer Pallets
Which Construction Is Right for Your Operation?