A pallet may support a product successfully while resting on a warehouse floor but behave differently when it is lifted by a forklift or placed across warehouse rack beams.
This is because pallet load capacity is not represented by one universal number.
Paper pallet buyers should understand three separate load conditions:
– Static load
– Dynamic load
– Racking load
Each condition applies pressure to the pallet differently. A pallet that performs well under one condition should not automatically be assumed to provide the same capacity under another.
Eltete recommends assessing the product, handling method, load distribution, storage arrangement and destination before selecting a paper pallet. Its pallet solutions can be designed in different sizes, heights and configurations to optimise strength, space, material and cost for the actual application.
Why Paper Pallet Load Capacity Must Be Clearly Defined
A supplier may state that a pallet can support a particular weight, but the number has limited value unless the operating condition is explained.
For example, a pallet supporting a load while resting fully on a flat floor receives support across a large part of its base. When the same pallet is lifted, the weight becomes concentrated around its runners, deck and fork-contact areas.
When it is placed on rack beams, some sections may remain unsupported. The pallet may then need to span the space between the beams while carrying the load above it.
Eltete’s official articles therefore distinguish static, dynamic and racking load conditions and warn that these values should not be treated as identical.
What Is Static Load?
Static load is the weight supported by a pallet while the pallet remains stationary on a flat and stable surface.
A common example is a loaded paper pallet stored on a warehouse floor without being lifted or moved.
In this condition:
– The floor supports the pallet.
– The runners remain in contact with the surface.
– The load is not experiencing forklift movement.
– The pallet is not spanning an unsupported rack opening.
– There is no acceleration caused by transport equipment.
Eltete defines static load as the weight supported while the pallet remains stationary.
Examples of static-load conditions
Static load may apply when a loaded pallet is:
– Stored directly on a level warehouse floor
– Waiting at a packing station
– Positioned temporarily in a loading area
– Stored inside a container without being moved
– Standing on a fully supported platform
– Kept stationary during product preparation
The pallet’s condition may still change over time because of storage duration, humidity, stacking pressure or product movement.
“Static” means the pallet is not being moved. It does not mean that all other performance factors can be ignored.
Eltete’s 10,000 kg Static Compression Result
Eltete states that leading independent laboratories tested its paper pallets under different conditions.
Its official paper-pallet page reports that a particular four-way pallet configuration achieved up to 10,000 kg of static compression strength without failure.
This is important evidence of the potential strength of an engineered paper pallet, but it must be interpreted correctly.
The figure represents:
– A static compression result
– A particular four-way pallet configuration
– A laboratory-tested condition
– The performance of the tested design
It should not automatically be interpreted as:
– A 10,000 kg dynamic forklift capacity
– A 10,000 kg racking capacity
– The capacity of every Eltete paper pallet
– A safe working load for every product
– Approval for every storage or transport condition
Eltete’s own comparison article clearly distinguishes static compression strength from safe dynamic working capacity and states that each application must still be evaluated individually.
What Is Dynamic Load?
Dynamic load is the weight supported while the pallet is being moved.
Movement may involve:
– A forklift
– A hand pallet truck
– A conveyor
– Warehouse-handling equipment
– Automated systems
– Loading or unloading equipment
Eltete defines dynamic load as the weight supported while the pallet is moving.
Dynamic handling can create additional stress because the pallet and load may experience:
– Acceleration
– Braking
– Turning
– Vibration
– Uneven flooring
– Fork insertion
– Temporary tilting
– Changes in support position
– Repeated lifting and lowering
A pallet that safely supports a stationary load may therefore require a lower working capacity when it is repeatedly moved.
Examples of Dynamic-Load Conditions
Dynamic load applies when a loaded paper pallet is:
– Lifted from the factory floor
– Moved through a warehouse
– Loaded into a truck or container
– Removed from a vehicle
– Transported across uneven flooring
– Turned or repositioned by a forklift
– Transferred between conveyors
– Handled at a distribution centre
– Delivered to a customer’s receiving area
The complete journey should be considered.
A pallet may be handled successfully inside the manufacturer’s factory but encounter different equipment, fork dimensions, floor conditions and operating practices at the customer’s location.
Eltete advises buyers to review compatibility with forklifts, pallet trucks, conveyors, automated systems and other material-handling equipment before confirming a pallet design.
Why Dynamic Load Is Often Lower Than Static Load
During static storage, the pallet may receive continuous support from the floor.
During movement, the pallet is supported mainly by the equipment underneath it. This can concentrate the load around selected areas.
For example, when a forklift lifts the pallet:
– The forks support only part of the pallet.
– The deck must distribute the product weight.
– The runners must transfer the load towards the forks.
– Unsupported sections may bend.
– Sudden movement may increase local stress.
– Incorrect fork positioning may damage the structure.
Dynamic capacity should therefore be confirmed independently from the static rating.
A high static figure alone is not enough to determine whether a pallet is suitable for forklift handling.
What Is Racking Load?
Racking load is the weight supported when a loaded pallet is placed on warehouse rack beams.
In a rack, the pallet may not receive full support underneath its complete base. Instead, it may rest only on two or more beams.
Eltete explains that racking can be more demanding because sections of the pallet may remain unsupported. A pallet suitable for floor storage should not automatically be considered suitable for a warehouse rack.
Why Racking Is a Different Load Condition
When a pallet is stored on the floor, the surface supports the runners across their contact areas.
When the pallet is placed on rack beams:
– Support may exist only beneath selected sections.
– The deck or runners may need to span an open space.
– The pallet may experience bending.
– Load concentration may become more critical.
– Beam position can affect performance.
– Deflection may increase over time.
The same pallet can therefore behave differently on two warehouse racks if the beam direction and spacing are different.
Information Required for Racking Applications
Before using a paper pallet on warehouse racks, the supplier should understand:
– Rack-beam direction
– Distance between beams
– Number of supporting beams
– Beam width
– Pallet dimensions
– Pallet orientation
– Total load weight
– Load distribution
– Product contact points
– Storage duration
– Required deflection limits
– Warehouse humidity
– Whether a support deck is present
Eltete’s warehouse paper-pallet guidance specifically recommends assessing rack design, beam spacing, support points, product weight, load distribution and storage duration before confirming racking suitability.
A Practical Example
Consider a product load weighing 800 kg.
The pallet may need to support that same 800 kg during three different stages:
Stage 1: Floor storage
The loaded pallet remains stationary on a level warehouse floor.
This is mainly a static-load condition.
Stage 2: Forklift handling
A forklift lifts the pallet, turns, moves across the warehouse and loads it into a truck.
This is a dynamic-load condition.
Stage 3: Warehouse rack storage
At the destination, the pallet is placed across two rack beams for several days.
This is a racking-load condition.
Although the product weight remains 800 kg, the support and forces affecting the pallet are different at each stage.
The paper pallet must therefore be designed for the most demanding relevant condition, not only for the product’s numerical weight.
Load Capacity Is Not Determined by Weight Alone
Knowing the total load weight is necessary, but it is not sufficient.
Two products with the same total weight may require completely different pallet designs.
Important factors include:
– Product footprint
– Number of cartons
– Carton arrangement
– Load distribution
– Contact points
– Centre of gravity
– Pallet dimensions
– Runner position
– Fork-entry direction
– Storage method
– Handling equipment
– Racking requirements
– Humidity exposure
– Shipping duration
Eltete’s official supplier-selection guidance asks customers to provide product dimensions, total weight, weight distribution, forklift requirements, storage method, shipping duration, humidity exposure and destination information.
Evenly Distributed Loads
An evenly distributed load spreads its weight across a larger portion of the pallet deck.
For example, multiple cartons arranged across the full pallet surface may create a broader contact area than a machine resting on four narrow feet.
A more evenly distributed load may allow the deck and runners to share the pressure more effectively.
However, the actual arrangement still needs to be evaluated because:
– Cartons may vary in weight.
– Gaps may exist between products.
– Outer cartons may deform.
– The load may shift during movement.
– The bottom layer may not support the upper layers evenly.
– Concentrated Load Points
A concentrated load places significant weight onto a limited part of the pallet.
Examples may include:
– Machinery supported by small feet
– Drums with narrow contact rings
– Equipment mounted on several brackets
– Products with uneven bases
– Heavy components positioned on one side
– Metal parts with small support areas
A pallet supporting concentrated loads may require:
– Additional runners
– Reinforced deck areas
– Weight spreaders
– Honeycomb Board components
– Different runner positions
– A stronger top board
– Product-specific support blocks
Eltete’s official content repeatedly identifies load distribution and concentrated support points as important paper-pallet design considerations.
How Pallet Size Affects Load Performance
A larger pallet is not automatically stronger.
Increasing the distance between support points can increase the unsupported span of the deck or runners. This may influence bending during lifting or racking.
The pallet dimensions should therefore be designed together with:
– Product footprint
– Runner layout
– Fork position
– Rack-beam spacing
– Load-contact areas
– Top-deck construction
Eltete provides different pallet sizes and heights and can customise the pallet according to the product and logistics application.
How Runner Position Affects the Pallet
Pallet runners form the supporting structure underneath the load platform.
Their position can affect:
– Weight distribution
– Forklift entry
– Racking support
– Pallet stability
– Deck span
– Load transfer
– Handling direction
Eltete paper pallets use PallRun® pallet feet, which combine laminated U-profiles, a kraftliner surface and paper cores. Eltete identifies these pallet feet as an important source of its paper pallet strength and humidity resistance.
The number and position of runners should be selected according to the load and handling process rather than using the same layout for every pallet.
Two-Way and Four-Way Paper Pallets
Eltete offers paper pallet configurations with two-way and four-way entry.
Two-way pallet
A two-way pallet is approached from two opposing directions.
This configuration may allow runners to provide more continuous support in selected designs, but compatibility depends on the actual pallet structure and equipment.
Four-way pallet
A four-way pallet allows handling access from four directions.
This can provide more operational flexibility, but the entry arrangement and supporting structure must still match the load and handling requirements.
Buyers should not assume that a two-way or four-way label determines the pallet’s capacity. The complete construction must be assessed.
Forklift Compatibility
The forklift must be compatible with the pallet design.
Important details include:
– Fork width
– Fork thickness
– Distance between forks
– Fork length
– Entry height
– Entry direction
– Mast movement
– Required lifting clearance
– Operator handling method
Incorrect insertion may:
– Strike a pallet runner
– Damage the top deck
– Lift the load unevenly
– Apply pressure outside the designed support areas
– Cause the pallet or product to tilt
Eltete recommends confirming forklift-entry direction and fork clearance when developing a paper pallet solution.
Hand Pallet Truck Compatibility
Some paper pallet designs may be compatible with hand pallet trucks, but this must be confirmed before implementation.
Eltete identifies several compatibility factors:
– Pallet height
– Runner construction
– Fork-wheel clearance
– Entry opening
– Bottom-board design
– Product weight
A pallet that can be lifted by a forklift may not automatically allow the front wheels of a hand pallet truck to pass through or beneath its structure.
Conveyor and Automated-System Compatibility
Paper pallets may also move through:
– Roller conveyors
– Belt conveyors
– Automated warehouses
– Robotic handling systems
– Pallet transfer stations
The pallet base must be compatible with the equipment’s support pattern.
A conveyor may place pressure on different parts of the pallet from a forklift. Gaps between conveyor rollers may also create temporary unsupported spans.
Eltete recommends confirming compatibility with conveyors and automated systems as part of the pallet-selection process.
How Storage Duration Affects Load Requirements
Load capacity should not be considered only at the moment the pallet is first loaded.
A pallet may remain under pressure for:
– Several minutes
– Several hours
– Several days
– Several weeks
– A long international shipment
Longer storage may increase the importance of:
– Continuous compression
– Deflection
– Humidity
– Packaging deformation
– Product settling
– Rack support
– Load alignment
Eltete asks customers to provide storage-duration information when assessing warehouse and export paper pallet applications.
How Humidity Can Affect Paper Pallet Performance
Paper-based transport packaging should be protected from prolonged water exposure and unsuitable storage conditions.
Eltete recommends evaluating:
– Warehouse humidity
– Container condensation
– Wet floors
– Outdoor loading
– Sea-freight duration
– Cold-storage conditions
– Destination climate
Eltete’s paper pallet construction is described as humidity resistant, but its official moisture guidance also makes clear that moisture resistance does not mean the pallet is automatically waterproof.
The load capacity should therefore be evaluated under the expected environmental conditions, not only in a dry laboratory setting.
Paper Pallet Load Capacity During Sea Freight
Sea-freight shipments may involve:
– Long transport duration
– Container condensation
– Multiple handling stages
– Port storage
– Forklift movement
– Load vibration
– Temperature changes
– Customer warehouse storage
The pallet may experience static, dynamic and possibly racking conditions during the same shipment.
For example:
– The load is stored on the factory floor.
– It is moved by forklift.
– It is loaded into a container.
– It remains stationary during sea transportation.
– It is unloaded and moved again.
– It may be placed into a warehouse rack.
The paper pallet should therefore be assessed for the complete journey rather than only for factory storage.
Paper Pallet Load Capacity During Air Freight
Paper pallets can be relevant to air freight because Eltete identifies their lower weight as a potential transportation advantage.
However, a lighter pallet must still provide the required capacity under:
– Forklift handling
– Airport cargo movement
– Unit-load preparation
– Temporary storage
– Destination handling
The pallet should not be made lighter by removing necessary structural support.
The objective is to optimise material and weight while maintaining the load performance required by the application.
Static Compression Strength vs Safe Working Load
A laboratory compression result and an operational safe working load are not automatically the same.
Static compression testing may show how a selected pallet behaves under controlled stationary pressure.
A safe working load must also account for actual use, which may involve:
– Handling impacts
– Dynamic movement
– Product variation
– Uneven loading
– Environmental exposure
– Equipment differences
– Storage duration
– Operational safety margins
Eltete’s published 10,000 kg figure should therefore remain clearly described as a static compression result for a tested four-way pallet configuration.
What Buyers Should Ask a Paper Pallet Supplier
Before approving a paper pallet, ask:
– About the load rating
– Is the stated capacity static, dynamic or racking?
– What load distribution was assumed?
– Is the figure based on testing?
– Does it apply to this exact pallet design?
– What environmental conditions were considered?
– About handling
– Is the pallet suitable for forklifts?
– Can it be used with a hand pallet truck?
– Is it compatible with conveyors?
– What is the approved entry direction?
– What fork clearance is required?
– About racking
– Can the pallet be placed on rack beams?
– What beam spacing was assessed?
– Which direction should the runners face?
– Is additional deck support required?
– What storage duration is approved?
– About the product
– Are concentrated load points supported?
– Is the product weight evenly distributed?
– Are additional weight spreaders needed?
– Should the deck or runners be reinforced?
Eltete’s official supplier guide specifically recommends asking whether a capacity is static, dynamic or racking and whether the pallet is suitable for warehouse racks and the intended handling equipment.
Information to Provide to Eltete
To develop an accurate pallet recommendation, provide:
– Product name or description
– Product dimensions
– Total packed weight
– Quantity per pallet
– Carton dimensions
– Pallet dimensions
– Bottom contact points
– Weight distribution
– Centre of gravity
– Required fork-entry direction
– Forklift specifications
– Hand pallet truck requirements
– Conveyor information
– Rack-beam direction
– Rack-beam spacing
– Storage duration
– Stacking requirements
– Shipping method
– Export destination
– Expected humidity conditions
– Customer packaging requirements
– Photographs or technical drawings
Eltete’s official guidance recommends supplying this application information instead of requesting a pallet only by length, width and total weight.
Should Buyers Use One Capacity for All Operations?
No single rating should be applied to every operating condition unless the pallet has been specifically evaluated and approved for all those conditions.
For example, do not assume that:
– Static capacity equals dynamic capacity.
– Dynamic capacity equals racking capacity.
– Floor storage approval equals rack approval.
– One tested pallet represents every custom size.
– One load rating applies to every product arrangement.
– A laboratory result guarantees performance under all environmental conditions.
The pallet specification should identify the relevant operating condition clearly.
How Should a Paper Pallet Be Evaluated Before Full Use?
Eltete’s official content recommends evaluating and testing paper pallet designs before large-scale implementation.
Depending on the application, an assessment may include:
– Static load evaluation
– Forklift handling trials
– Dynamic movement trials
– Compression testing
– Stacking evaluation
– Pallet-rack assessment
– Conveyor compatibility
– Trial shipments
– Packaging-condition reviews
Eltete’s company profile also states that it can provide in-house compression, bending and strapping tests when required.
Testing should use the actual or representative:
– Product
– Pallet configuration
– Load arrangement
– Equipment
– Storage method
– Environmental condition
– Inspection Before Every Use
Even an approved pallet should be inspected before loading or movement.
Check for:
– Water exposure
– Crushed runners
– Torn deck material
– Separation between components
– Forklift impact
– Bent or damaged support areas
– Contamination
– Uneven placement
– Incorrect load arrangement
Eltete advises storing paper pallets indoors, protecting them from rain and wet floors, placing them on a flat surface and inspecting them before use.
A pallet that has been damaged or exposed to unsuitable conditions should not automatically be used according to its original rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is static load for a paper pallet?
Static load is the weight supported while the loaded paper pallet remains stationary on a flat and stable surface.
What is dynamic load for a paper pallet?
Dynamic load is the weight supported while the pallet is being moved using equipment such as a forklift, pallet truck or conveyor.
What is racking load?
Racking load is the weight supported while the pallet rests on warehouse rack beams. Some parts of the pallet may remain unsupported in this condition.
Are static and dynamic load capacities the same?
No. Static and dynamic conditions apply pressure differently. A pallet may support a greater load while stationary than while being lifted and moved.
Is racking load the same as static load?
No. Static floor storage normally provides broad support beneath the pallet, while a warehouse rack may support it only at selected beams.
Can every paper pallet be placed on warehouse racks?
No. Eltete states that some designs may be suitable for racking, but compatibility must be confirmed according to the rack design, beam spacing, pallet construction and load.
How much weight can an Eltete paper pallet support?
There is no one capacity for every Eltete paper pallet. Performance depends on the dimensions, construction, runners, load distribution, handling and storage conditions.
Eltete reports up to 10,000 kg of static compression strength for one independently tested four-way pallet configuration without failure. This is not a universal dynamic or racking load rating.
Can Eltete paper pallets carry heavy products?
Eltete describes its paper pallets as suitable for heavy loads. The exact pallet must be developed and evaluated according to the product weight, load distribution and handling requirements.
Does product weight alone determine pallet capacity?
No. Load distribution, product contact points, pallet size, runner position, handling equipment, storage duration, environment and racking requirements must also be considered.
Why are concentrated loads important?
A concentrated load places significant pressure onto a limited part of the pallet. It may require additional support, stronger deck material, repositioned runners or weight-spreading components.
Can a forklift damage a paper pallet?
Incorrect fork insertion, impact, unsuitable fork dimensions or lifting outside the approved entry points can damage any pallet. The forklift and pallet design must be compatible.
Can paper pallets be used with hand pallet trucks?
Some designs may be compatible. Eltete recommends confirming pallet height, runner structure, wheel clearance, entry opening, bottom construction and load weight.
Can paper pallets be used on conveyors?
They may be suitable when the pallet base and support pattern are compatible with the conveyor system. Conveyor requirements should be provided during pallet design.
Does humidity affect paper pallet load capacity?
Prolonged moisture and unsuitable storage conditions may affect paper-based packaging. Eltete recommends reviewing humidity, container condensation, storage duration and water exposure when selecting the pallet.
Is an Eltete paper pallet waterproof?
Eltete describes its paper pallets as humidity resistant, but this should not be interpreted as meaning that every pallet is waterproof. The approved design and environmental conditions must be confirmed.
Should a pallet be tested before large export shipments?
Testing and trial handling may be required, especially for new products, heavy loads, concentrated load points or racking applications. Eltete’s official supplier guidance recommends sample evaluation before full implementation.
What information does Eltete need?
Eltete should receive product dimensions, packed weight, load distribution, pallet dimensions, equipment information, entry direction, storage method, racking details, shipment method, destination and environmental conditions.
Select the Pallet for the Real Operating Condition
A paper pallet should not be chosen using only one general weight figure.
Static, dynamic and racking loads describe different operating conditions:
Static load applies during stationary floor storage.
Dynamic load applies while the pallet is being moved.
Racking load applies when the pallet is supported by warehouse rack beams.
The correct Eltete paper pallet depends on the product dimensions, packed weight, load distribution, support points, runner arrangement, handling equipment, storage method, environmental conditions and destination.
Contact Eltete Malaysia with the complete application details so the pallet can be evaluated according to the actual journey rather than only the product’s total weight.
