Commercial freight and logistics rely on specialized equipment to move and stabilize goods efficiently. The shipping skid is a fundamental platform designed for the movement and temporary storage of products. Skids elevate cargo off the floor, protecting it from moisture and facilitating manipulation by machinery. Understanding the specific design and function of a skid is important for optimizing warehousing and transportation operations.
Defining a Shipping Skid
A shipping skid is defined as a single-deck loading platform intended for internal handling and transport using mechanized equipment. This platform provides a stable base for stacking goods, keeping the load raised above the ground. Skids are moved by material handling devices, such as forklifts or pallet jacks, which slide under the deck to lift the unit. A defining characteristic is the permanent runners, often called stringers, that rest directly on the floor, providing necessary elevation and support.
Skid Construction and Key Features
The physical structure of a skid consists of two main elements: the flat, load-bearing top deck boards and the sturdy runners underneath. The top deck provides the surface where cargo is placed and secured for movement or storage. The runners, typically two or three parallel beams, are attached perpendicular to the deck boards, creating separation from the ground. This elevation allows forklift tines to fully enter the unit from two sides for lifting and transport. The most distinguishing feature is the deliberate absence of a bottom deck.
Skids vs. Pallets: Key Differences
The primary difference between a skid and a pallet lies in their structural composition. A pallet is constructed with both a top deck and a bottom deck, creating a complete, double-faced unit. A skid uses only a single top deck supported by runners, making the lack of a bottom deck the defining structural differentiator. The pallet’s bottom deck provides greater stability and rigidity, making it suitable for stacking loaded units during shipping.
This structural difference influences mobility and entry for handling equipment. Skids typically allow for two-way entry, meaning forks enter only from the sides parallel to the stringers. Many modern pallets are designed for four-way entry, offering greater flexibility in tight warehouse spaces. Pallets are designed for long-distance shipping and high stacking, while skids are often preferred for temporary storage and movement within a facility.
Functional Advantages of Using Skids
Shippers utilize skids because their unique design offers specific logistical benefits regarding space and movement. The absence of a bottom deck allows empty skids to be “nested” or stacked inside one another. This nesting capability significantly reduces the vertical storage space required for empty equipment in a warehouse or during return shipping, maximizing the use of valuable floor space.
The continuous runners also give the skid a functional advantage in handling. The solid base makes it easier to drag or slide the entire unit across certain floor surfaces without the risk of splintering or catching on uneven pavement. This makes skids useful in applications where goods need to be pulled or pushed short distances before being lifted.
Common Materials Used for Skids
Skids are manufactured from a variety of materials, selected based on cost, durability, and the specific environment of use. Wood remains the most common choice due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of repair in most industrial settings. Plastic skids are frequently used in food, pharmaceutical, or cleanroom environments because they are easily sanitized, resist moisture, and offer greater durability over time. Metal skids, often made from steel or aluminum, are reserved for extremely heavy-duty applications requiring maximum strength and long-term, repeated use.