If you shudder at the prospect of non-standard pallets, we have good news. The Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) has now made its official standard for pallets and slip sheets available to all interested parties.

Titled "The MH1 Standard on Pallets, Slip Sheets and Other Bases for Unit-Loads," the standard covers pallets used in the unit load method of assembling, stacking, storing, handling, and transporting materials and products. The standard, which applies to all pallets regardless of their construction material, defines terminology and nomenclature associated with pallets; provides a series of recommended pallet dimensions and sizes; and describes procedures for pallet sampling, inspection, and testing.

The standard is designed for those who manufacture, repair, sell, specify, purchase, and/or use pallets. To obtain a copy, visit www.mhia.org/bookstore and click on the Standards, Specifications and Testing link.