pallets

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pallets" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to flat transport structures that are used to move goods from one place to another. For example, "The delivery company was storing hundreds of goods on pallets in the warehouse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For humping pallets about 34 hours a week, he is paid less than 13 grand a year.

The Guardian - Opinion

A memorable recent installation from the ever-electrifying Marc Bijl displayed a mesmerising, life-sized black Christ standing upon a stack of white painted pallets, hands outstretched, epoxy dripping like melting wax from arms, hands and face.

The Guardian - Travel

We have used shipping pallets, chicken wire, basic tools and rakes, recycled five and 15-gallon containers, standard toilet seats, and sugarcane bagasse and dried grass.

The Guardian

Tractors towing containers and cargo pallets dash everywhere.

The Economist

Vaccines took months to deploy, delayed by fundamental problems (the time needed to develop them) and trivial ones (American shipments had to wait for the pallets carrying vaccines to receive a fumigation certificate).

The Economist

I pass giant bulldozers flattening snow for roads, forklifts carrying cargo pallets and darting snowmobiles.

The Economist

But no device is yet certified by governments to scan standard-size cargo pallets and large items.

The Economist

Rather than painting moving pen-portraits of soldiers left to rot on stinking, louse-ridden pallets in a hospital built on an open sewer as Dickens would no doubt have done she used death rates to campaign, successfully, for change.Nowadays, a census is part of the standard equipment of a functioning state.

The Economist

It now has a factory in Nyanga and a yard in Harare.Mr Saziya proudly shows off a six-bladed cutting machine, bought from China for $19,000, which can turn out planks for wooden pallets, benches for schools and ceiling installations for homes.

The Economist

He made the screws, the springs and the levers, the pallets and gears, the hands and the plain, often numberless dials.

The Economist

In 1997 a cargo plane leaving Miami crashed after pallets of denim shifted; all four of the crew and a motorist on the ground were killed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing storage or shipping, specify the type of "pallets" (e.g., wooden pallets, plastic pallets) if material is relevant to the context.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "pallets", which are used for shipping, with "palettes", which are boards used by artists to mix paint or can refer to a range of colors or a person's appreciation for tastes and flavors.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pallets" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple platforms used for supporting goods during transportation and storage. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

26%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

30%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pallets" functions primarily as a plural noun referring to transport structures used in logistics. Ludwig highlights its prevalence across diverse sectors, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. The analysis indicates that "pallets" is grammatically correct and very common, predominantly used in neutral and factual contexts. When writing about shipping and storage be specific about the type of pallet to bring clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shipping platforms

Replaces "pallets" with a more descriptive term emphasizing their function as platforms for shipping.

freight platforms

Replaces "pallets" emphasizing their use in freight transport.

cargo skids

Uses "skids" as an alternative term for "pallets", implying a similar function in moving cargo.

industrial platforms

Highlights the industrial usage of the "pallets".

wooden platforms

Specifies the material of the "pallets", focusing on the wooden construction.

moving platforms

Highlights the use of "pallets" for easy relocation of goods.

handling platforms

Emphasizes the role of "pallets" in handling goods and materials.

stacking bases

Focuses on the function of "pallets" as a base for stacking goods.

transport bases

Highlights the use of "pallets" as bases for transporting goods.

unit load devices

A more technical term for "pallets" in the context of logistics.

FAQs

How are "pallets" typically used in logistics?

"Pallets" are used as a base to assemble, stack, handle, store and transport materials and products as a unit load. This allows for efficient handling by equipment like forklifts and reduces manual labor.

What are common materials used for making "pallets"?

Common materials include wood, plastic, and metal. Wood is traditional and cost-effective, plastic is durable and hygienic, and metal is strong for heavy loads.

What are the standard dimensions of "pallets"?

The most common size is 40 x 48 inches in North America, while 1200 x 1000 mm and 1200 x 800 mm are standard in Europe. Dimensions can vary based on the industry and region.

How do plastic "pallets" compare to wooden "pallets"?

Plastic "pallets" are more durable, hygienic, and resistant to weather and pests than wooden "pallets". However, they are typically more expensive upfront, but can provide cost savings in the long run due to longer lifespans and reduced repair costs.