# Skid vs pallet: what is the difference?

A <b>pallet</b> has a top deck and a bottom deck of boards, so it is stable and can be stacked and racked; a <b>skid</b> has a top deck on runners but no bottom deck. The <b>standard skid size in North America is 48 × 40 in</b>, the same as the GMA pallet, and in freight quotes 'skid' and 'pallet' often mean the same thing.

## Key takeaways

- Skid = top deck on runners, no bottom boards; pallet = top and bottom decks.
- Skids are cheaper and slide easily; pallets stack, rack and spread load better.
- Many carriers and forwarders use 'skid' as another word for pallet.
- Standard size for both in the US: 48 × 40 in.

## The difference

|  | Skid | Pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom deck | No, runners only | Yes |
| Forklift entry | Usually 2-way | 2-way (stringer) or 4-way (block) |
| Stacking and racking | Limited | Yes |
| Typical use | Heavy machines fixed to it, moving loads by dragging | Warehousing, shipping, retail distribution |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |



## Standard skid sizes

Skids follow pallet footprints. In North America 48 × 40 in is standard; 48 × 48, 42 × 42 and 40 × 48 in are also common. In Europe a 'Euro skid' is the 1200 × 800 mm EUR footprint. Machinery skids are often built to the size of the machine.

| Name | Inches | Millimetres |
|---|---|---|
| Standard US skid / GMA pallet | 48 × 40 | 1219 × 1016 |
| Square | 48 × 48 | 1219 × 1219 |
| Drum / chemical | 42 × 42 | 1067 × 1067 |
| Euro skid / EUR pallet | 47.2 × 31.5 | 1200 × 800 |
| UK / ISO | 47.2 × 39.4 | 1200 × 1000 |



## In freight quotes

LTL carriers and freight forwarders often say 'skid' for any pallet. What they need is the same: number of handling units, length × width × height including the base, and weight. Those set the density and class; see the [freight class calculator](https://cartonmath.com/freight-class-calculator/).


## How many skids fit in a 40 ft container?

The same as pallets of the same footprint: 20 skids of 48 × 40 in on the floor of a 40 ft container, single stacked. See [pallets per container](https://cartonmath.com/guides/how-many-pallets-fit-in-a-container/).


## Export rules apply to both

Solid wood skids and pallets crossing borders need ISPM 15 treatment and marking; see [heat-treated pallets](https://cartonmath.com/guides/heat-treated-pallets-ispm-15/).

## FAQ

**What is the difference between a skid and a pallet?**
A skid has a top deck on runners and no bottom deck; a pallet has both top and bottom decks, which makes it more stable and stackable.

**What is a standard skid size?**
48 × 40 in in North America, the same footprint as the standard GMA pallet.

**Is a skid the same as a pallet for shipping?**
In freight quotes usually yes: carriers use both words for a handling unit on a wooden base.

**How many skids fit in a 40 ft container?**
20 skids of 48 × 40 in on the floor, single stacked.

Source page: https://cartonmath.com/guides/skid-vs-pallet/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: CartonMath (https://cartonmath.com)