A Brief Guide on Skids

If you are not aware of all of the packaging alternatives available in the warehousing industry, the term ‘skid’ might be alien to you. A skid is a commercial packaging component that plays a critical role in warehouse operations. Understanding how to use skids warehouse packaging is crucial to ensuring the efficiency of the supply chain.

What is a Skid?

So, when you wonder, what are these support platforms? It’s only natural to proceed with a definition. This support platform is essentially a single-deck platform or a pallet with runners. In other words, it will have a top platform on which you can place your palletized products but not a bottom platform like a pallet.

The deck or platform is supported by runners, sometimes known as stringers, which create the frame’s base. In other words, like a sled with runners, these support  platforms are grounded or floored with the help of their stringers. Most people even refer to the stringers on these platforms as runners, and the support medium used to transport freight is frequently referred to as sleds or sledges.

Are Skid and Pallet the Same?

The words skid and pallet are frequently interchanged in commercial transport and logistics applications. But, these support platforms have several distinct individual characteristics. The skid was, in essence, the first sort of pallet ever created or utilized. That is to say, while it is generally correct to use the two phrases synonymously, it is critical to understand the optimum applications and differences of both.

These specialized support mediums typically lack the sturdiness, strength, and stability required for long-term storage. The force of transferring a palletized cargo and utilizing a forklift generates a tremendous amount of stress on a pallet or rother platform system when it is loaded and emptied frequently. While pallets can handle force and balance the weight thanks to the bottom platform boards, the same type of loading might cause these platforms to collapse. From a packing design standpoint, the missing lower platform boards make these support systems less stable from a loading and transport point of view.

What is the Best Use for These Support Platforms?

For large machinery, platforms without bottom boards can act as an excellent base. They enable the industrial equipment to be shipped from the maker to its final location, and they can also function as a permanent base once it arrives. The platform supports machinery off the ground, like a commercial HVAC unit. These rugged platforms also enable heavy machinery to be hauled into the correct location, which is difficult with a pallet.

Custom skids warehouse solutions can be developed with the proper materials and manufactured for your specific product application, transit requirements, capacity, and user intent. These support mediums are often specially designed for manufacturers that use them as a permanent base for their goods.

Final Thoughts:

Although the terms pallet and skid are frequently interchanged, their significant individual characteristics might help you determine whether your requirements are better satisfied by a skid or a pallet. The pallet is the general selection for most businesses; however, there are some instances where a skid might be preferable.