Supplemental Non-Wood Pallet Program.

Significant progress has been made to develop pallets made from materials including plastics, paperboard, steel, aluminum, and various combinations. The wood shortages and rising costs have compelled pallet users to consider alternate materials. The versatility of plastics has been recognized and accepted by many manufacturers and is knocking on the door of the DOD pallet situation. Although many designs are acceptable, certain pallet materials, when subjected to elevated temperatures in the range of 140F to 160F, or subjected to the static loading associated with storage, do not meet DOD requirements. Excessive deflection is the main cause for rejection in both cases. This report outlines progress made on the Supplemental Non-Wood Pallet Program towards establishing criteria for non-wooden general cargo pallets for use within the DOD material handling systems.