A skid is a wooden deck resting on pedestals, which provide the clearance for a forklift or pallet jack. Unlike a pallet, a skid is non-returnable and often considered a single-use disposable item in the shipping and handling industry.
Skids are the unsung heroes of the warehouse. They’re the base that holds your products. Simple, yet crucial.
They differ from pallets. Pallets are usually stronger and reusable. Skids are often single-use and might be left at the delivery location.
Skids are versatile. They’re used in various industries, from food to electronics. They’re especially common in e-commerce and order fulfillment.
Why? They make handling easier. They’re designed for easy lifting and moving with forklifts. This speeds up loading and unloading.
Bulk Food Items: A skid is used to transport large bags of rice in a food distribution center.
Electronics: A tech company uses skids to ship bulk orders of laptops to a retailer.
What’s the main difference between a skid and a pallet? A skid is generally non-returnable and considered single-use, while a pallet is designed to be reusable.
Are skids only made of wood? While wood is the most common material, skids can also be made of metal, plastic, or other materials.
Is it cost-effective to use skids? Skids are often less expensive than pallets but are usually not reusable, which could affect long-term costs.
Can skids be customized? Yes, skids can be custom-built to fit specific dimensions or weight capacities.
How are skids recycled or disposed of? Many companies recycle skids, turning them into mulch, wood chips, or other reusable materials.
