one word: plastic

Ordering a load of plastic pallets might sound easy enough. But plastic pallet maker Rehrig Pacific warns that it's all too easy to get it wrong.

What companies often don't realize is that there's more to selecting the right pallet than just specifying dimensions and deciding whether they want units with two-way or four-way entry, Rehrig Pacific says. Ideally, the purchase decision should include input from someone knowledgeable about the differences between rackable, nestable, bulk and export pallets and who understands the distinction between, say, static load capacity and dynamic load capacity.

To help cut down on the confusion, the company has put together a list titled "The Top Seven Pallet Purchase Terms You Need to Know to Maximize Your Next Plastic Pallet Purchase." The list, along with the company's top three tips for maximizing return on a plastic pallet investment, is available on its Web site, www.rehrigpacific.com.