Wooden skids vs pallets: start beneath the load

A machinery foot, a carton base and a bundle of long components place different demands on their support. Choosing a wooden skid starts with those contact points and the way the loaded unit will be lifted.

What is a wooden skid?

A skid commonly has a deck or supporting members carried on runners, without a full bottom deck. Pallet and skid terminology varies, so send a drawing or underside photograph rather than relying on the product name. Runner position, entry openings and the actual construction determine whether the design fits your handling system.

Our wooden skid range is the starting point for supply enquiries. Use this guide to prepare the load brief before asking for a quotation.

Map the support points

For equipment, show where feet or frames transfer weight into the deck. Give the total mass and the position of concentrated loads. For long products, identify unsupported spans and how bundles are restrained. A larger footprint alone does not establish load capacity.

• Mark each bearing point and any fixing or bolt position on the drawing.
• Show the product footprint, overhang and centre-of-gravity concerns.
• Identify areas that must remain clear for straps, forks or packing equipment.
• State whether the loaded unit is stored on a floor, stacked or supported on beams.

Check the equipment at both ends

Confirm fork approach directions and the openings needed by the actual lifting equipment. A runner arrangement that admits forklift forks may obstruct a pallet truck’s wheels. Do not assume that a two-way skid works with every pump truck. Share equipment dimensions or receiving-site restrictions before the build is agreed.

For racking or lifting a heavy machine, ask for the design to be assessed for the intended support conditions. This guide does not assign a safe working load to an unspecified skid.

Keep export treatment in the order brief

Industrial wood skids used as regulated export packaging may need ISPM15 treatment and marking. Treatment addresses pest risk, not mechanical suitability. The export pallet order checklist helps coordinate design, treatment and receiving information.

To enquire, send your drawing, loaded weight, quantity and postcode through our wooden skids for sale page. Include the delivery date and any repeat-order requirement. Discuss custom dimensions where a stock construction does not match the load.

Export treatment guidance checked 13 November 2026. Confirm current destination requirements before dispatch: Forestry Commission wood packaging guidance.

Discuss your specification

Email your drawing, quantity, load and receiving postcode. Our team can discuss the supply options for your order.