A pallet is a flat platform used to move goods. Machines like forklifts can easily lift and carry them. Pallets help keep items stable and secure. They can hold a lot of weight, sometimes over 1 000 kg. This makes storing and shipping products much faster and better. As of 2020, about half a billion pallets are made each year and about two billion pallets are in use across the United States alone.
Early versions of pallets date back to ancient Egypt. Modern pallets became very popular during World War II. Most pallets are made of wood. Some are made from plastic, metal, or even paper. Wooden pallets must be treated to stop bugs from spreading globally. This important rule is called ISPM 15. Plastic pallets are very strong and last many trips. They are easy to clean and do not get splinters. Plastic pallets also do not need the bug treatments.
