National Wooden Pallet and Container Association The PDS Pallet Specification Sheet

www.palletcentral.com Guide to the Pallet Design System© (PDS) provides complete details on pallet design,
dimensions of all components, and specs for
Pallet Specification Sheet all materials used in construction.

Customer: identifies company for whom PDS design work PDS can use either U.S. Customary Units (inches, lbs)
or S.I. Units (mm, kg)
was performed.

Pallet ID: identification of this particular pallet design, chosen Prepared by: identifies company licensed to use PDS and
by Customer or Preparer. perform PDS design work. The Preparer understands the
importance of correct pallet specification and construction and
Drawing Number, Specification Date, and Revision Info: the effect on the pallet’s ability to protect and safely support
optional information to identify this particular specification. Customer’s product during transport and storage.

Classification: identifies size and general design and

construction of pallet. Drawings: in addition to the small 2-D drawings on the
Specification Sheet, PDS creates separate, fully-dimensioned
• Pallet Size is listed as Length x Width.
2-D and 3-D pallet drawings.
• Pallet-class can be either Stringer-class or Block-
class.
• Deck-style can be Single-Face, Double-Face Non- Materials: complete details are provided for all materials
reversible, or Double-Face Reversible. used in construction of the pallet, including Fasteners, New
• Entry-style can be 2-way, partial 4-way, or full 4-way. Lumber, Recycled Lumber, and Composite Panels.
• Use class can be Reusable or Single-Use.
Manufacture class can be New, Remanufactured, or
Remanufactured/Combo.
Fasteners: Detailed Fastener Specifications are required in
order to predict pallet performance. Pallet performance is
highly dependent on the connections between components,
Pallet Treatments: identifies whether Heat Treating or which in turn are highly dependent on the fastener withdrawal
Fumigation is performed for ISPM-15 Compliance, and resistance and fastener shear resistance in the connections.
whether Conditioning (Drying) of pallet is performed after
manufacture and assembly.

Components: for each component group, the style and type New Lumber: New Lumber components are those produced
and the number and actual dimensions of each component from cants, rough-sawn lumber, or dimension lumber which
are listed. The fastening schedule is shown graphically on has not previously been used.
the pallet drawings. • Species Class: Each PDS Species Class contains
from one to several wood species. Species within
each Class are either commonly used together without
Style: Deck Styles for Block-class pallets include differentiation and/or they have similar mechanical
Deckboard/Stringerboard, Panel (no stringerboards), and properties.
Panel/Stringerboard. • Grade: defines the Lumber Characteristic Restrictions
permitted within the Pallet Component. Component
Type: Deckboards can be New Lumber, Recycled Lumber, Grades were developed to control structural and
or Wood Composite (Panel Strips). functional performance. PDS Component Grades
include single grades (Select, Premium, Standard,
Utility, and Economy), as well as mixed, or &BTR,
Dimensions: number and actual (average) dimensions of grades (Premium &BTR, Standard &BTR, Utility &BTR,
components at time of manufacture. Due to sawing variation, and Economy &BTR). For single grades, all the
exact dimensions will vary from component to component components are of the quality defined by that grade.
within acceptable tolerances defined by the Uniform For &BTR grades, the minimum grade component is
Standard for Wood Pallets (www.palletcentral.com). identified, but components of all higher grades are also
included.
• Lumber Mix: PDS allows up to 5 different Species
Special Manufacturing Features: forklift entry notches, Classes and/or Grades within a single New Lumber
strapping notches and slots, and chamfers are specified Specification. This is necessary when a mixture of
within the component group receiving these manufacturing Species Classes is used for components.
features. • Moisture Content of the lumber components at time of
manufacture and pallet assembly must be specified in
PDS.

Volume: based on actual specified component dimensions.

Spec Sheet Notes: provides a place for the Preparer to input This is NOT the total volume of lumber required to produce
any additional or custom information to be displayed at the pallet components, which would include saw kerf, end trim,
bottom of the Pallet Specification. and culling of below-grade material.
National Wooden Pallet and Container Association The PDS Unit Load Specification and
www.palletcentral.com Guide to the Pallet Design System© (PDS) Drawings identifies the pallet design and
provides specifications for the containers
Unit Load Specification and Drawings and load stabilizers. Arrangement of
containers on pallet, and overall weight and
dimensions of Unit Load are shown.

Customer: identifies company for whom PDS design work PDS can use either U.S. Customary Units (inches, lbs)
was performed. or S.I. Units (mm, kg)

Pallet ID: identification of this particular pallet design, chosen

by Customer or Preparer. Prepared by: identifies company licensed to use PDS and
perform PDS design work. The Preparer understands the
importance of correct pallet specification and construction and
Drawing Number, Specification Date, and Revision Info:
the effect on the pallet’s ability to protect and safely support
optional information to identify this particular specification.
Customer’s containers during transport and storage.

Classification: identifies size and general design and

construction of pallet.
• Pallet Size is listed as Length x Width.
• Pallet-class can be either Stringer-class or Block-
Interface of Pallet and Containers:
class.
2D Top View of Unit Load showing interface of bottom of
• Deck-style can be Single-Face, Double-Face Non- containers with top deck of pallet.
reversible, or Double-Face Reversible.
• Entry-style can be 2-way, partial 4-way, or full 4-way.
• Use class can be Multiple-Use or Limited-Use.
Manufacture class can be New, Remanufactured, or
Remanufactured/Combo.

Pallet Treatments: identifies whether Heat Treating or

Fumigation is performed for ISPM-15 Compliance, and
whether Conditioning (Drying) of pallet is performed after
manufacture and assembly.

3-D Container Drawings: provides perspective view and

2-D Unit Load Drawings: Side and End Views show the dimensions of the individual containers
entire Unit Load (pallet, containers, and load stabilizers) and
overall dimensions

Container Type: available types include

Corrugated Box, Bags, Pails, Drums, Bulk Box, or Bulk Bag

Container Specifications: style, material specifications, and

dimensions of containers

3-D Unit Load Drawings: provides perspective view of the

Summary of number of containers and weight of Unit Load
entire Unit Load (pallet, containers, and load stabilizers)

Load Stabilizers: style and type of materials used to secure

containers to pallet and/or to offer further protection to
containers
 National Wooden Pallet and Container Association
www.palletcentral.com Guide to the Pallet Design System© (PDS) The PDS Pallet Structural Analysis uses
a reliability-based engineering analysis to
Pallet Structural Analysis predict the performance of the pallet
described on the Pallet Specification
Sheet under the Load and Support
Conditions specified by the Preparer.
General Load Type specifies the load model used in the
Structural Analysis of the pallet. The Safe Load Capacity of
the pallet is dependent on the Load Type. PDS contains
several General Load Types which can be used to represent
most common pallet loads.

Custom Load Type (optional) specifies the type of tertiary

containers (corrugated boxes, shipping bags, pails, bulk
boxes, bulk bags) plus any load stabilizers (stretch wrap, Safe Maximum Load: PDS reports the safe load capacity
strapping) for the unitized loads. The Safe Load Capacity based on pallet strength. This safe load capacity is NOT the
and Deflection will be adjusted based on performance of this load which would cause the pallet to fail. Rather it is the safe
custom unit load. working load which includes safety levels calibrated to
industry accepted practice based on successful pallet designs
used throughout the world.
Weight of Actual Load: if specified, PDS will display any
Safe Maximum Load or Maximum Load for Deflection Limit
less than the Actual Load in red.
Deflection at Maximum Load: PDS reports the pallet
Load Weight Variability indicates how much the weight of deflection at the safe load. The deflection in a loaded pallet
the load on each pallet may vary. If the pallet is used to will increase over time. Most of this increase will occur within
support the same load each and every time, the variability is the first few days, after which the rate of increase in deflection
Low. If the pallet is used to support loads ranging from cotton will subside. PDS estimates the deflection after 30 days.
balls to cans of soup, the variability is High. Since PDS uses
a reliability-based engineering analysis, load variability affects
the predicted safe load capacity.
The Critical Member is identified in the Pallet Structural
Analysis Results for each Support Condition. The Critical
Service Environment: Most shipping and handling Member is the component that is most highly stressed
environments are classified as a Dry Service Environment, in (compared to its strength) and which therefore limits the Safe
which the pallet is NOT continuously exposed to liquid water Load Capacity of the pallet. If the Pallet Designer wishes to
or extremely high humidity, and the wood will reach an increase the safe load capacity of the pallet, he/she can do so
Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) of 19% or less. Wet most efficiently by increasing the strength of the Critical
Service Environments are those in which the pallet is Member or making some other design change which
frequently or continuously exposed to liquid water or decreases the stress in the Critical Member.
extremely high humidity, and the wood will reach an
Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) greater than 19%.

Maximum Load for Deflection Limit: If a Deflection Limit is

specified, PDS will report the safe load to maintain this
deflection limit if less than the safe load limited by pallet
Racked Across Length indicates the pallet is supported only strength.
at its ends, either in a rack system or conveyor.

Span is the distance between the supports in a rack system If Weight of Actual Load was specified, PDS will display any
or a conveyor. Safe Maximum Load or Maximum Load for Deflection Limit
less than the Actual Load in red.

Racked Across Width indicates the pallet is supported only

at its edges, either in a rack system or conveyor.

Shelf Support indicates the pallet is completely supported by

rigid shelving within a rack system.
User Specified Deflection Limit: If there is a known limit to
how much pallet deflection can be tolerated in a handling
system, either because of a fragile product on a pallet or
Forklift Support indicates the pallet is lifted and transported deflection-sensitive handling equipment, this User-Specified
while supported under the top deck by rigid forktines. Unlike Deflection Limit can be input.
other storage support conditions, Forklift Support is assumed
to be a short-term loading.

Stacked Support assumes the floor supports the bottom

pallet in a stack. A Stacked 1 High Analysis will always be
provided. PDS can analyze the pallet when 2 or more Unit
Loads are in a Stack, either in the warehouse or in shipping.
The lowermost pallet has the highest stressed top deck. The
second pallet up has the highest stressed bottom deck.
PDS indicates which deck limits the safe load capacity.
National Wooden Pallet and Container Association The PDS Pallet Durability Analysis
www.palletcentral.com Guide to the Pallet Design System© (PDS) uses a computer simulation coupled
with an engineering analysis to
Pallet Durability Analysis predict the Service Life, in terms of
Handling Cycles, for the pallet
described on the Pallet Specification
Sheet under the Service
Environment Conditions defined on
this Pallet Durability Analysis sheet.

Service Environment Conditions:

Handling Environment Severity reflects the general

handling and treatment of pallets in their service
environment.
• Rough Handling and Treatment occurs in
Each Handling Cycle assumes an average of 15 service environments using untrained or
pallet handlings, with a handling defined as a single unskilled material handling personnel, cluttered
lifting, movement, and set-down of a pallet. or crowded handling areas, rapid and non-
careful pallet handling, frequent manual
handling and dropping of pallets, and non-
fragile and relatively low-value loads.
• Average Handling and Treatment is the
typical service environment using moderately
skilled material handling personnel, reasonably
For Reusable pallets, the Handling Cycle Simulation well organized handling areas, moderately
proceeds until a specific component requires careful pallet handling, minimal manual
replacement but has already been replaced the handling and dropping of pallets, and
allowed number of times. The Predicted Service somewhat damage-sensitive or relatively
Life is that number of Cycles. valuable loads.
• Good Handling and Treatment occurs in
For Single-Use pallets, which are not intended to be service environments using trained or skilled
repaired or re-used, the Handling Cycle Simulation material handling personnel, automated
proceeds until a component requires repair or handling systems, well organized handling
replacement. The Predicted Service Life is that areas, careful pallet handling at moderate
number of Cycles. speed, infrequent or careful manual handling,
and fragile and relatively high-value loads.

Intended Service-Duty reflects the approximate unit

load weight and determines the weight to be used in
the handling cycle simulation.
• Light-Duty Loads uses 1000 lbs.
• Medium-Duty Loads uses 2000 lbs.
• Heavy-Duty Loads uses 3000 lbs.

The following assumptions regarding component repairs and replacements are used in the simulation and Pallet Service Life Analysis:

• Connections in boards can be repaired once without having to replace the board. A repaired connection is restored to 65% of its original damage resistance. In boards, only repairs to connections are allowed.

• A replaced board is restored to 100% of its original damage resistance, but its connections lose 10% with each replacement.

• The number of times a board can be replaced depends on the stringer width: boards can be replaced twice for stringer widths of 1.5 to 2 inches, once if stringer width is less than 1.5 inches, and three times
if stringer width is greater than 2 inches. The same rule applies to block widths for block pallets.

• Stringers can be repaired twice without having to be replaced. They are restored to 65% of their original damage resistance when repaired, 100% when replaced. Stringers can be replaced one time.

• In the Handling Cycle Simulation, forces and impacts are distributed equally among the number of specific components (e.g. the two Top Leadboards, or four Corner Blocks), and so the Damage Level for all
the components of that specific type will remain equal. Therefore, when a repair or replacement is required, all these specific components (eg. both the Top Leadboards or all four Corner Blocks) must be
repaired or replaced.
National Wooden Pallet and Container Association The PDS Pallet Physical Property Analysis
www.palletcentral.com Guide to the Pallet Design System© (PDS) estimates the average Pallet Weight and the
Dimensional Changes due to Wood Drying
Pallet Physical Property Analysis for the pallet described on the Pallet
Specification Sheet.

As wood dries below Fiber Saturation

Average Pallet Weight At Manufacture Point (about 28% MC), the wood
is based on estimated component fibers essentially pack tighter
weights at specified moisture content. together. This results in a noticeable
Pallet weights will decrease if lumber decrease in dimension across the
components lose moisture to reach grain, but only a tiny decrease along
equilibrium with the environment. the grain. For lumber pallet
Estimated Pallet Weights at 25%, 19%, components, the width and thickness
15%, and 12% MC are provided for dimensions will decrease slightly, but
reference (if less than MC at their length remains essentially the
manufacture.) same.

While component dimensions may

slightly decrease with drying,
If lumber components lose moisture to component strength and stiffness
reach equilibrium with the environment, increases!
they also decrease slightly in cross
section. The estimated dimensional A general rule of thumb is a 1%
change is reported as Shrinkage and is decrease in width or thickness with a
provided for Manufacture to 19% MC and 5% decrease in MC (below Fiber
Manufacture to 15% MC (if less than MC Saturation Point).
at manufacture.)

The cellular structure of wood shrinks differently in two The orientation of the cells across the width and thickness of
directions, based on the anatomy of the tree. Wood lumber components are usually a combination of the tangential and
shrinks about twice as much tangentially as radially. radial direction.

PDS provides shrinkage measurements based on the average of

tangential and radial shrinkage, with a (+/-) value based on the
range possible for pure tangential or pure radial shrinkage.