Skid vs pallet
A pallet has top and bottom decks sandwiching stringers or blocks, so forks can enter from four sides and the unit will sit on rack beams. A skid is often just a top deck on runners — two-way entry, no bottom boards, cheaper, and unwelcome in many DCs. If a routing guide says pallet, do not substitute a skid.
| Pallet | Skid | |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom deck | Yes | Usually no |
| Entry | 4-way typical (GMA/block) | 2-way typical |
| Racking | Sits on beams | Runners can fall through |
| Retail DCs | Specified | Often rejected |