History of Wood Pallets

History of Wood Pallets

It’s easy to forget about wood pallets presence. They are used all over the world from storage to DIY furniture projects. Wood pallets are simple, but they have a rich history. Here are some facts about wood pallets’ colorful history:
Pallets can withstand enormous weight and pressure. They can also be easily transported, loaded and unloaded. Wooden boxes, kegs and barrels were used to transport goods and other items in the 20th century. These methods were cumbersome, and required a lot of time to load.

Combining the invention of the wood pallet with the introduction in the 1930s of the first modern forklift, the shipping and packing industry was transformed. Things could now be vertically stored, thereby increasing warehouse space efficiency and productivity.

Also Read : Improve Your Warehouse’s Efficiency Using Pallets

Right Pallets Design

When did wooden pallets start

The wooden pallet was first invented in 1925. The wooden pallet was designed with the forklift in view. Blocks were added to the bottom plank to increase the space available for inserting fork tines.

However Wooden pallets have been in use for over 90 years,, the first wooden pallet was not like today’s solid, classic model. Pallets were initially made of a wooden board that was nailed to two or more runners boards. This raised the platform high enough for a forklift to access underneath. This skid-like pallet evolved eventually into the wooden pallet that we know today. Later, the pallet was four-sided, which allowed forklift access from all sides.

Wood was chosen as the most affordable and widely-available product available on the pallet market at the time. Wood can withstand the high-stacking storage forces.

We are all familiar with the 48-inch by forty-inch pallet that is used at Home Depot and stacked with canned goods at grocery stores. However, pallet sizes were not always uniform or square. Some were as small as 3×3 feet and others larger than 4×8 feet.

Pallets of all sizes and shapes were used by grocery stores throughout Europe in the 1960s. This made storage difficult and time-consuming. General Foods and Grocery Manufacturers of America established a standard for pallets in the industry. While many businesses use different types of wood in order to reduce costs, the 48-inch x 40-inch size is fairly uniform across the country

Also Read : What Are Pallets Used For

Pallet use in during World War 2

It is safe to say that wooden pallets were a key component of the development not only of the shipping industry but also of the global economy. During World War II, the supply chain played an important part in Pallets’ history Millions of pallets were used along supply lines.The Allied and US military used pallets to transport weapons and armaments as efficiently as possible.

Who designed the pallet?

Inventions were often made quickly during wartime and patents were not filed until after the war had ended. There was an explosion in patents after the war for many things, including wooden pallets. Robert Braun, inventor of the first wooden pallet with four sides, and Norman Cahners (inventor of a disposable pallet), were the first to patent.

Pallets in the modern now

Modern trade relies on pallets. Without pallets, businesses would have a hard time storing and transporting goods efficiently and safely. Today’s wooden pallets look just like the original two-way pallet and four-way pallet designs. These pallets are ideal for use with forklift trucks. Plastic pallets are becoming more popular and can be used to transport food and other items.

Pallets that have been heated treated for hygiene will also be available. The wooden pallet’s history dates back to around 100 years ago. It is an interesting story. You will be amazed at how many wooden pallets have been used to move furniture and food items around your home.. This solid construction is unaffected by the elements and will not be easily replaced.


The professionals at MYPALLETMARKET – JS PALLET SDN BHD are available to answer any questions you may have about wood pallets.

MYPALLETMARKET – JS PALLET SDN BHD is committed to providing high-quality, recycled wood pallets to our clients. We will also purchase your broken and used wood pallets so that you can make money from your scraps.

For more information on our wood pallet products, contact MYPALLETMARKET – JS PALLET SDN DHD today.

Categories: Wooden Pallet