A pallet is a flat transport structure that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack. A pallet is the structural foundation of a unit load which allows handling and storage. Goods or shipping containers are often placed on a pallet secured with strapping, stretch wrap or shrink wrap and shipped. While most pallets are wooden, pallets can also be made of plastic, metal, paper, and recycled materials. Each material has advantages and disadvantages relative to the others.

Metal pallets such as steel and aluminium are usually used for transporting heavy goods and long-term outdoor storage. They are easy to clean offering high sanitation.

Wooden Pallet are strong and durable and reliable load carriers. They are easily repaired by remove and replace the damaged boards. They need to Treated in accordance to ISPM15 phytosanitary compliance to be incapable of carrier of insects or micro-organism.

Plastic Pallet are made of HDPE which display high loading capacity with resistance to shock, weathering and corrosion. Due to their durability they are often recycled. They can be easily washed for sanitary purpose. Plastic Pallet are difficult to repair once damage, they are commonly melted down to be remoulded.

Paper Pallets are often used for light loads. They are inexpensive to transport due to their light weight and recyclable. However, paper pallet do not fare well in to the weather elements overtime.