Pallets vs. Skids: What's the Difference and Which One Does Your Business Need?

Whether you call them pallets or skids, these flat platforms are the backbone of modern logistics. But they are not the same thing — and choosing the wrong one can cost your operation time and money.

What Is a Pallet?

A pallet is a flat transport structure with a top and bottom deck separated by stringers or blocks. The double-deck design allows forklifts and pallet jacks to enter from all four sides (in the case of block pallets) or two sides (for stringer pallets). Pallets are the most common platform used in warehousing, shipping, and retail distribution across Canada.

What Is a Skid?

A skid is single-deck — it only has a top surface supported by feet or runners, with no bottom deck. Because of this, skids are lower to the ground and cannot be picked up from all sides. They are typically used for heavier loads that don't need to be racked, such as machinery bases, dies, or production equipment. Skids are also the historical predecessor to the modern pallet.

Key Differences at a Glance

Pallets have two decks; skids have one. Pallets can be racked; skids generally cannot. Skids are better suited for stationary heavy loads, while pallets are designed for dynamic transport. Pallets are standard in most supply chains. Skids are common in manufacturing floors where equipment needs to be slid into position rather than lifted.

Which Is Right for Your Business?

If you are shipping products through a distribution network, stacking goods in a warehouse rack, or working with a 3PL, you almost certainly need pallets. If you are moving heavy manufacturing equipment, steel coils, or industrial machinery within a facility, skids may be the better option. Many Ontario businesses use both. Serv-U-Pallets Inc. supplies both pallets and custom wood skids to businesses across Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, and the GTA.

Why This Distinction Matters for Supply Chain Efficiency

Using a skid where a pallet is needed can cause issues with racking systems, automated conveyors, and loading dock equipment. Similarly, over-specifying a pallet for a static heavy load wastes money. Getting the right platform from the start reduces product damage, speeds up inbound and outbound processes, and keeps your material handling equipment running safely.