Packaging Glossary
Definitions of common terms and industry jargon used in industrial packaging. A reference guide for gaylord boxes, pallets, IBC totes, and more.
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B
Block Pallet
A pallet with blocks between the deck boards and bottom boards, allowing four-way forklift entry.
Bulk Bin
Another term for gaylord box; a large container for storing and shipping bulk materials.
D
Deck Board
The horizontal boards that form the top or bottom surface of a pallet.
F
Four-Way Pallet
A pallet that can be entered by a forklift from all four sides.
G
Gaylord Box
A large corrugated container designed to sit on a pallet, typically 48x40 inches at the base.
GMA Pallet
The standard 48x40 inch pallet size established by the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
Grade A Pallet
A pallet in like-new condition with minimal wear and no repairs.
Grade B Pallet
A pallet in good condition with light wear and possibly minor repairs.
Grade C Pallet
A functional pallet with visible wear and repairs, suitable for one-way shipping.
H
HDPE
High-Density Polyethylene, the plastic material commonly used for IBC tote inner bottles.
Heat Treatment
A process of heating wood pallets to kill pests, required for international shipping (ISPM 15).
I
IBC Tote
Intermediate Bulk Container; a reusable container for liquids, typically 275-330 gallons.
ISPM 15
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15; regulations for wood packaging in international trade.
N
Notched Stringer
A stringer with notches cut to allow partial four-way forklift entry.
O
OCC
Old Corrugated Containers; recycled cardboard material.
Octabin
An eight-sided corrugated container, similar to a gaylord box.
P
Pallet
A flat wooden, plastic, or composite structure used for stacking, storing, and transporting goods.
Pallet Collar
A hinged frame that attaches to a pallet to create a bin, often stackable.
R
Reconditioned
Used containers or totes that have been cleaned, inspected, and repaired to meet quality standards.
S
Stringer
The parallel boards that connect deck boards in a stringer pallet.
Stringer Pallet
A pallet with two or three parallel stringers connecting the deck boards, typically two-way entry.
T
Tare Weight
The weight of an empty container, pallet, or tote.
Two-Way Pallet
A pallet that can only be entered by a forklift from two opposite sides.
W
Wing Pallet
A pallet where the deck boards extend beyond the stringers or blocks.