which end of pallet industry standard for lifting pallets forklifts

1. The Short End vs. The Long End: The Verdict

For the most common pallet in North America—the 48" x 40" GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet—the industry standard is to lift from the 40-inch side (the short end).

Why the Short End?

The 40-inch side is the stringer side. Stringers are the solid boards (typically three) that run the full 48-inch length of the pallet.3 Entering from this side ensures that the forklift's tines are parallel to the main structural beams of the pallet.

Structural Integrity: Lifting along the stringers prevents the deck boards from snapping under heavy loads.

Load Center Optimization: By entering the 40-inch side, the load center is typically kept at the standard 24-inch mark ($48 / 2 = 24$), which aligns with the rating on most forklift data plates.

2. Technical Anatomy: Stringer Pallets vs. Block Pallets

To understand lifting standards, an operator must distinguish between the two primary pallet architectures.4

The Stringer Pallet (North American Standard)

Commonly used in the US, these pallets use long wooden beams (stringers) to support the top and bottom deck boards.5

Two-Way Entry: These can only be lifted from the 40-inch ends.

Partial Four-Way Entry: These have "notches" cut into the sides of the stringers to allow for side entry.6 However, side entry is considered a "secondary" lifting point because the notched wood is structurally weaker than the solid end.

The Block Pallet (International/Euro Standard)

Block pallets use nine solid wood blocks instead of stringers.7

True Four-Way Entry: These are designed to be lifted from any side with equal structural integrity.8

The Euro Standard: In Europe, the standard 1200mm x 800mm pallet is frequently lifted from the 1200mm (long) side in narrow-aisle environments to save space, though the short side is still preferred for maximum stability.

3. The Physics of the "Load Center"

The most technical reason for lifting from the standard end is the Load Center Distance. A forklift is a balance scale; the front wheels act as a fulcrum.

$$\text{Stability} = \text{Truck Weight} \times \text{Distance to Fulcrum} > \text{Load Weight} \times \text{Distance to Fulcrum}$$

If an operator lifts a 48" x 40" pallet from the 48-inch (long) side, the load center remains 20 inches ($40 / 2$). If they lift from the 40-inch (short) side, the load center is 24 inches.

Critical Safety Note: While lifting from the long side (48") puts the center of gravity closer to the forklift (which seems safer), it creates a wider, more unstable profile during turns. Furthermore, if you use standard 42-inch forks to lift from the 40-inch side, the forks will protrude out the back, potentially puncturing the pallet or rack behind your target.

4. Industry Standard Exceptions

While the short-end entry is the "textbook" standard, real-world logistics often demand exceptions:

Trailer Loading: To fit 30 pallets into a standard 53-foot trailer, pallets are often loaded "sideways" (entered from the 48-inch side) to maximize floor space. This is known as "pinwheeling."

Narrow Aisle Racking: In warehouses with extremely tight aisles, "side-entry" is sometimes the only way a reach truck can interface with the rack.

Double-Pallet Handling: When using a double-pallet handler attachment, the forklift enters the 40-inch sides of two pallets side-by-side.

5. OSHA Compliance and Fork Length

OSHA 1910.178(o)(5) states that "the forks shall be placed under the load as far as possible."9

If an operator attempts to lift a pallet from the side (the 48-inch side) using standard 42-inch forks, the forks do not support the far edge of the pallet. This creates a cantilever effect, where the weight of the product can cause the pallet to "tear" or roll off the tips of the forks.

Recommended Fork Lengths by Pallet Type

6. Summary Checklist for Operators

Before engaging a pallet, an operator should perform this mental "technical check":

Identify the Stringer: Is this a stringer pallet? If so, prioritize entry from the side where the stringer ends are visible.

Verify Fork Depth: Will my forks support at least 2/3 of the pallet's depth?

Check the Data Plate: Does the orientation of this load exceed the rated load center of my forklift?

Conclusion

The industry standard for lifting the common 48" x 40" pallet is the 40-inch (short) end. This orientation utilizes the full strength of the stringers, respects the 24-inch load center rating of the vehicle, and ensures the most stable transport profile. While four-way pallets offer flexibility, side-entry should be reserved for specific loading scenarios where space is at a premium and the load is well within the forklift's capacity.