As a type of unit-load equipment similar to shipping containers, pallets are now widely used in production, transportation, warehousing, and distribution; they are considered one of the two key innovations in the 20th-century logistics industry. Serving as vital equipment for loading, unloading, storage, and transport, pallets play a significant role in modern logistics, particularly when used in conjunction with forklifts. The benefits pallets bring to the modern logistics industry include enabling the unitization and standardization of packaging, protecting goods, and facilitating both the physical flow of goods and commercial transactions.
Pallets can be categorized into at least two types based on their function: the everyday tray used for carrying dishes and meals, and the pallet used in logistics. While the former is used to hold plates and bowls, logistics pallets come in a wide variety of types, classified according to material, application, deck configuration, forklift entry method, and structural design.
