---
title: "Pallet"
description: "A pallet is a flat transport structure used to increase the ease of handling, speed of loading and unloading, and protection of cargo during the transportation process."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flexport.com/glossary/pallet/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-10-08T14:58:53Z
topics:
  - "eCom Fulfillment"
---

# Pallet

A pallet is a flat transport structure used to increase the ease of handling, speed of loading and unloading, and protection of cargo during the transportation process.

## What is a pallet?

A pallet is a flat transport structure used to increase the ease of handling, speed of loading/unloading, and protection of cargo during the transportation process.

There are two main kinds of pallets: [stringer pallets and block pallets](https://www.flexport.com/help/shipping-pallet-types/).

If you are shipping to an Amazon FBA warehouse, note that [LTL](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/less-than-truckload/) shipments must be palletized, and [Amazon will only accept](https://www.flexport.com/help/amazon-pallet-requirements-fcl/) wood pallets.

![A wooden shipping pallet with slatted top deck boards and stringer blocks underneath for forklift entry.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ynj1yl20/development/fb9c11ed378aef474ffb5e35552381de583dbf8b-355x201.jpg?w=355&q=75&fit=max&auto=format)

## How do stringer and block pallets differ?

Stringer pallets use parallel boards under the deck, and forklifts typically enter from two sides. Block pallets use blocks between the deck boards, so forklifts and pallet jacks can usually enter from all four sides. Pallets are commonly made of wood, plastic or metal.

## How do you choose a pallet?

Match the pallet to your cargo weight, your carrier's requirements and your destination. International shipments often need heat-treated wood to meet International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15), which govern wood packaging. Plan for stack height too, since carriers and warehouses typically set limits.

Back to the [full glossary](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flexport.com/glossary/pallet/](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/pallet/) for AI/LLM consumption.*