A stringer with cutouts (typically 9 inches) allowing forklift entry from the side, creating partial 4-way entry.
Detailed Definition
A notched stringer has two cutouts along its bottom edge that let forklift tines enter the pallet from the stringer side. On a standard 48x40 pallet the notches are commonly about 9 inches long and around 1-1/2 inches deep. They give the pallet partial four-way entry: forklift and pallet jack access from the ends, plus forklift-only access from the sides. Pallet jacks generally cannot use the notches, which are too shallow for their forks and load wheels. Cutting the notch removes wood and weakens the stringer at that point.
How notches affect pallet strength
The notch removes wood from the bottom of the stringer, where bending stress is highest when the pallet spans an opening, and its inside corners concentrate stress. Splits often start at notch corners, especially where a knot or sloping grain sits nearby. That is why a notched stringer has lower racked and fork-handling capacity than an unnotched stringer of the same size and grade, and why some heavy-duty designs use solid stringers or block pallet construction instead.
What to check on notched stringers
- Notch length, depth and position are consistent so fork tines line up on every pallet.
- Notch corners are clean, without splits running along the grain.
- No large knots sit inside or right next to a notch.
- Enough wood remains above the notch for the load.
On recycled pallets, inspect notches from below, because a split there is easy to miss from the top.
Notched stringer versus true four-way entry
Partial four-way entry is a compromise: forklifts gain side access while pallet jacks stay limited to the ends. A four-way entry pallet built with blocks can accept forks from all sides and, depending on the bottom deck layout, pallet jacks from more sides. If your staff move pallets from the sides with pallet jacks, a notched stringer pallet will slow them down.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't a pallet jack enter through the notches?
A pallet jack's forks are fairly thick, and its load wheels must reach the floor through an open space under the pallet to lift it. Stringer notches are shallow cutouts sized for forklift tines, which lift from the mast and only need a gap to slide into. So on the notched sides, only a forklift can pick the pallet. If you rely on pallet jacks, plan for end entry or choose a block pallet.
Do notches reduce how much a pallet can hold?
Yes, mainly when the pallet spans an open space, as in rack storage or when lifted by forks from the notched side. The notch removes wood from the bottom of the stringer where bending stress is highest and creates corners where splits can start. On a flat floor with the load spread evenly, the effect is smaller. Capacity ratings for notched designs should come from analysis or testing of the actual design.