QUESTIONNAIRE
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT FOR PALLETS

1. LOAD CONDITIONS

1. List the container types and objects to be placed on the pallet.

(i.e., bags, cases, bulk containers, barrels, blocks, machinery, etc.)

2. What are the maximum and minimum unit-load dimensions not including the pallet?
3. What are the minimum container or object dimensions by type in question 1?
4. For each unit-load type*, what are the maximum, minimum and average load levels?

* A unit-load type is a) object type, b) object size, c) footprint size;
   For example: a) bags, b) 16"x20"x9" c) 36"x36"

To simplify the process, you may wish to use unit-load type classes or categories.

5. List the type of load stabilizers used (i.e., shrink wrap, stretch wrap, adhesives, etc.) and the approximate percent bound or unbound.
6. Identify the unit-load types which incorporate pallet sheets, spacers or caps.
7. Describe, for each unit-load type, load binders used in transit.
8. Describe any product or package more moisture sensitive than untreated corrugated which will be placed on the pallet.

2. SUPPORT CONDITIONS

1. Is the pallet to be placed into racks?
2. Describe the types of racks in use (i.e., gravity feed, drive-through, conventional, ASR, etc.).
3. By unit-load type, what are the maximum and minimum unsupported free spans, racked across the 48" length and 40" width of the pallet?
4. By unit-load type, how many unit-loads high will pallet loads be stacked (maximum) in the warehouse?
5. By unit-load type, what is the maximum length of time a unit-load will remain in a rack or stack?
6. How many unit-loads high will pallet loads be stacked (maximum) in shipping?
7. What are the maximum allowable deflections (in inches) permitted in pallets and pallet parts for each support condition (stacking or racking)?

3. HANDLING CONDITIONS

1. Will the pallets be handled using forklifts? If yes, what is the range of fork length, width and spacing between forks?
2. Will pallets be handled with sheeled pallet trucks or walkies? What is the range in length and width of the forks, spacing of the forks, and lowered fork heights?
3. Will the pallet be handled in a sling mechanism? If so, what is the width of the support bar and the bar spacing? (in inches)
4. Will the pallet be subjected to roller conveyors during horizontal transport? If yes, what is the range in roller diameters and roller spacing? Are the rolls parallel, perpendicular, or both with respect to pallet length? (48" direction)
5. Will the pallet be subjected to chain conveyance? If yes, what is the range in chain width (in inches) and unsupported free span (in inches) between the chains? Is pallet movement on the chain conveyor parallel, perpendicular, or both with respect to pallet length? (48" direction)
6. Will the pallet be used in automatic palletizers and pallet dispensers?
7. Is the pallet to be 2-way, partial 4-way (notched stringer), full 4-way accessible to handling equipment?
8. Are there any sanitation or flammability performance requirements?
9. What are the maximum and minimum temperatures to which the pallet will be exposed?
10. Is the pallet a returnable or expendable?
11. As a returnable, what level of durability in handlings* is desirable?

* A handling is a single lifting, transport, and setting down of a loaded or unloaded pallet.

12. Describe any other unusual condition which would stress the pallet beyond the conditions described in completing this questionnaire.

4. MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS

1. What is the maximum allowable pallet weight?
2. What is the range of acceptable pallet heights?
3. What is the range in acceptable pallet length and width?
4. Is the pallet to be repairable?
5. Is the pallet to be nestable?
6. By percent, coverage, list any minimum top and bottom deck bearing area requirements?
7. Are deck overhangs or wings desirable and acceptable? How much overhang is

acceptable? (in inches)

8. Are openings required in pallet decks for ventilation?

PALLETIZATION AUDIT FORM

Location_____________________________________________

Date________________________________________________

Comments:_______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________