Partial four-way entry pallets accept forklift tines from all four sides, through notches cut in the stringers on two sides, but pallet jacks can usually enter only from the two stringer ends.
Detailed Definition
Partial four-way entry is a feature of notched stringer pallets such as the common 48x40 GMA-style design. The stringer ends give full openings for forklifts and pallet jacks. Notches cut into the stringers let forklift tines enter from the two 48-inch sides, but the notches are not designed for pallet jacks. Because notching removes wood from the stringers, the pallet is generally weaker when lifted through the notches, which is why partial four-way is a middle ground between two-way and full four-way designs.
Which sides take which equipment
- Stringer ends (the 40-inch sides on a 48x40): forklifts and pallet jacks.
- Notched sides (the 48-inch sides): forklifts only, with tines through the notches.
- Pallet jacks from the notched sides: generally not workable, so plan aisles and staging so jacks approach from the ends.
Load capacity through the notches
A notch reduces the depth of the stringer at that point, and the notch corners concentrate stress. Lifting a heavy load through the notches therefore puts more strain on the pallet than lifting from the ends. Design tools such as the Pallet Design System can evaluate capacity for different support conditions. For heavy loads, lift from the stringer ends when possible and watch for cracks starting at notch corners.
When to specify full four-way instead
If pallet jacks must enter from every side, or if loads are routinely lifted from all directions on conveyors or in automated systems, a block pallet with true four-way entry is usually the better fit. Two-way pallets suit operations where loads are always handled from the ends. Check customer requirements too, since some receivers specify the entry type they need for their equipment.
Authoritative Sources
- Material Handling Institute (MHI): the largest US trade association for material handling, logistics, and supply chain technologies.
- National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA): the US trade association representing wood pallet manufacturers, recyclers, and component producers, founded in 1947.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pallet jack lift a partial four-way pallet from the side?
Usually not. The notches are cut for forklift tines, and a pallet jack's forks and load wheels are not designed to enter through them. Pallet jacks normally handle notched stringer pallets only from the two stringer ends. If your operation relies on pallet jacks approaching from any side, specify a block pallet with full four-way entry instead of a notched stringer design.
Is the standard GMA-style pallet partial four-way?
Yes. The typical GMA-style 48x40 pallet is a three-stringer design with notched stringers, which gives partial four-way entry: full access at the stringer ends and forklift access through the notches on the 48-inch sides. Specifications can vary, so a buyer who needs a particular notch size or position should state it on the drawing or purchase specification.