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AIAG Container
A container that meets the recommendations of AIAG/Automotive Industry Action Group for configuration/dimensions and load capacity.
AIAG Pallet
A pallet that meets the recommendations of the AIAG, Automotive Industry Action Group. Recommendations concern size, dimensions, fork-entry capability, and load capacity.
AIAG Placard
Product or parts identification signs placed on containers or pallets that meet the recommendations of AIAG, The Automotive Industry Action Group.
APMHC
The Association of Professional Material Handling Consultants (APMHC) was organized in 1959 by several leaders who saw the need for more reliable, capable and professional services in the material handling consulting field.
APMHC is a professional society composed of individual consultants in the material handling field. It promotes and coordinates the exchange of ideas and information among members; encourages the improvement of analysis, synthesis, installation and training; and assists other groups in promoting material handling generally and the consulting profession specifically.
AS/RS (Automatic Storage & Retrieval Systems)
AS/RS is becoming a generic term that today refers to a variety of means under computer control for automatically depositing and retrieving loads from defined storage locations. Although both of these technologies have roots that go back some 40 to 50 years, it is only since the late 1990's that AS/RS has been used to refer to more than crane and aisle applications
Access Door
Optional lateral door that allows easy access to bulk container contents
Accessory
An additional part or component added to a piece of material handling equipment to adapt it to a given process or a given task. Designed to make the equipment more task-efficient.
Active Storage
The area where materials, parts, carton, packages, etc. are stored for use in replenishing a picking or fulfillment operation
All-way Entry Pallet
The construction of the pallet allows entry from all sides and ends by a fork truck.
Auto ID
Automatic identification. A system that utilizes bar codes and other symbologies to provide information.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Containers
Containers (metal or plastic) that are designed to be used in an automated storage and retrieval system. These may be standard "cataloged" containers or unique containers that are designed to be moved and handled by the specialized equipment utilized in an automated storage and retrieval system.
Bail
The arched handle of a vessel, container, or attaching point of a below-the-hook lifting device
Bar Coding
Utilizes a system of printed bars that are scannable and enables the user to identify a part or parcel. Used in
conjunction with a laser scanner and serves to increase accuracy and speed of product identification.
Barrel
A cylindrically shaped vessel or container generally made from plastic, wood, aluminum, or steel.
Base
The floor of a container (wire mesh, plastic, wooden, or corrugated steel).
Base Pallet
Utilized to form the base for a larger group of pallets or a larger structure.
A randomly selected pallet utilized to determine the strength or durability of a group of pallets.
Bearing Base Plate
A base of an industrial container with bearing plates and steel stacking legs
Belt Conveyor
A conveyor that utilizes endless belts, made from fabric, rubber, plastic, leather, or metal, energized by drives and operating over those drives, tail ends, bend terminals, belt idlers, or slider bed. Handles bulk materials, packages, and any object placed directly on the belt.
Belt-driven, Live-roller Conveyor
A form of powered roller conveyor which is distinguished by a drive motor connected to a wide, flat belt which contacts the underside of the roller surface causing the rollers to rotate and move the load. The load is placed directly on the belt that is supported by the rollers.
Benchmarking
A measurement process that establishes goals, operating targets, and production expectations and can be comparison in an effort to achieve maximum efficiency of operation, ie. job evaluation, rating of performance, cost estimating, and standards
Bin
A box or container used to store or ship goods.
Bin Pallet
A four-sided superstructure that is mounted on a pallet base, with or without a cover. Also known as a box or container bin pallet.
Bin Storage
May be considered a special case of shelving. The horizontal opening would typically be much narrower than that found in shelving and would have a vertical restraining member across the lower face of the bin opening.
Block Pallet
A pallet designed with blocks of material between the pallet decks or beneath the top deck that serve as strengtheners and posts
Block Stacking
The action of putting objects into a block pattern in a floor storage area, usually more than one tier in height.
Blow-molded Pallet
A pallet manufactured by heating a plastic material and extruding it into tubing. A section is cut to the desired length to create a parison that is then introduced into a mold cavity. Air is introduced into the parison to inflate the parison until it conforms to the geometry of the mold. When the part is fully formed and cooled, it is released from the mold for secondary operations such as machining and trimming
Board Placard
Placard system made from board material and used on bulk containers.
Bonded Blocking
In order that boxes do not topple or turn over when they are stacked, the boxes are overlapped in a wall configuration. This overlapping forms a bond as such.
Box
A storage or shipping container
Box Metal Container with Offset Channel Leos
A corrugated or non-corrugated steel container with legs made from channel steel to provide handling clearance and safe stacking. May be full length or located at the corners of the container.
Box Metal Container with Skid
A corrugated or non-corrugated steel container with "skid" type runners attached to the bottom.
Box. Telescope
A two-part container or vessel whose lid or top generally slips over the bottom or base
Broken Case
An open case. The term is often used interchangeably with "repack" or "Iess-than-full-case" to name the area in which materials are picked in that form
Bulk Bin
Plastic or metal bins that are designed to handle larger or "bulk" quantities of materials or merchandise. Bulk bins tend to large in size relative to other types of bins and are generally designed to be higher capacity in terms of load capabilities.
Bulk Container
Bulk containers are heavy-duty containers designed for bulk storage material handling.
Bulk Door
Optional lateral door that allows contents in the bottom of a bulk container to be reached or small parts to be discharged.
Bulk Packing
The process or act of placing numbers of small cartons or boxes into a larger single box to aid in the movement of product and to prevent damage or pilferage to the smaller cartons or boxes.
Bulk Storage
The process of housing or storing materials and packages in larger quantities, generally using the original packaging or shipping containers or boxes.
CAMH
Certified Associate in Materials Handling (CAMH) is one of two certifications for the materials handling professional offered by the Materials Handling & Management Society. For more information visit www.mhia.org/mhms
C-hook
A device, generally attached to the hook of a lifting device via a bail, which "grabs" a coil of materials when inserted into the ID of that coil. Derives its name from the physical appearance of the device that resembles the letter "C." May utilize counter-balancing weights to add stability and balance in the lifting motion.
Cantilever Rack
A rack, utilizing "arms" cantilevered from columns, used where there is a need for a full clear shelf that can be loaded from the front without obstruction from rack support uprights.
Capacity Rating
A maximum recommended uniformly distributed static load capacity.
Capacity Requirements Planning
The function of establishing, measuring, and adjusting limits of capacity. The term CRP in this context refers to the process of determining in detail the amount of labor and machine resources required to accomplish the tasks of production.
Captive Pallet
A pallet which is designed and dedicated to a given process, system, or location/facility. Not intended to be exchanged.
Carton
A corrugated cardboard container filled at the facility for handling (shipping). A corrugated cardboard container filled at the facility for handling (shipping).
Case
An unopened container usually made of corrugated cardboard containing merchandise as it was received from the vendor.
Case Flow Rack
Utilizes the same configuration as pallet flow rack except that individual cases/cartons are deposited, stored and picked, usually by manual operator assistance.
Case Pick
The selection of merchandise packaged in shippable cartons for orders from a pick location onto a transporting device (conveyor, cart, pallet
Case Pick from Pallet
This is a selection activity performed within a specific type of storage area (often pallet rack). Merchandise movement into these locations is in pallet-load quantities from receiving or reserve storage locations. Merchandise movement out of these locations is in case quantities
Channel Base
A base for an industrial metal container with channel-shaped load-carrying members.
Closed Distribution System
Shipping system restricted to moving goods between specified plants and facilities
Closed Shelving
Sides and back of the shelving unit are enclosed with sheet steel side and back panels.
Shelving with the sides and back of the unit enclosed with sheet steel side and back panels.
Closed Upright Shelving Assembly
An assembly of two posts and one side panel either welded, riveted, or bolted together. May be specified in
lieu of individual posts and side panels
Collapsible Container
A container (metal or plastic) that may be disassembled or dismantled into separate pieces or folded in order
to save storage space. These types of containers can be reassembled or unfolded for future use.
Collapsible Pallet Container
Container that features an integrated pallet and has sidewalls that can be folded
Commercial Shelving
Shelving made from lighter gauge materials and designed to provide storage for lighter weight materials and
packages. Often carries a 350# load limit.
Compression-molded Pallet
Plastic material is placed in an open mold, which is then closed. Pressure is applied as the mold halves come
together (usually in a vertical configuration), forcing the plastic material to flow and fill the cavity.
Contained Load
AC pallet load of items or cartons (either identical or mixed in terms of size or contents).
Container
A receptacle (such as a box, enclosure) or a formed or flexible covering for the packing or shipment of articles, goods, or commodities. Containers may be constructed of plastic, welded wire, corrugated steel or aluminum.
Container Load Capacity
Maximum content weight a container can safely hold.
Container Management Company
A company that offers its services for a fee to purchase, inventory, control, and manage the containers and their movement for a manufacturer or warehouse/distribution center. These types of companies may be used to recommend purchase of containers, maintenance and cleaning of containers, "tracking" usage, and shipping/return of containers.
Container Return Ratio
Comparison of the number of collapsed containers that equal the height of one upright container. The higher the ratio, the higher the savings with return shipments
Container Tare Weight
The weight of the container itself.
Containerization
The process of packing or shipping materials in containers.
Corrugated Plastic Container
A plastic container with walls designed with two "faces" of plastic with ridges and grooves sandwiched between them. Such corrugation adds strength and stability to the walls of the container.
Corrugated Steel Container
A container fabricated from corrugated steel sheet as a completed assembly for containment, with the possible addition of structural sections for additional strength and with optional hardware added for specific use and application.
Cost per Trip
Average cost of pallet use for a single one-way trip.
Critical Components
Those components whose absence or failure would cause the equipment of which they are a part to become inadequate or unsafe for its specific purpose.
Cross Docking
The process of moving merchandise from the receiving dock to shipping for shipping without placing it first into storage locations. Information regarding the merchandise will be entered into the inventory and a transaction for shipping posted within one posting cycle, e.g. one day.
Cubing
The amount of space occupied by an item or the volume within a system or building.
Decking
The material, generally made from welded wire, which is placed on shelves, rack load beams or walks to support loads of variable sizes.
The decks or flooring of a mezzanine can be made of several different types of materials depending upon the requirements, features, and capacity of the mezzanine. These flooring/decking options may include bar
grating, plank grating, wood planking, plywood, composite materials, and cement.
Decking Section
A completely fabricated decking assembly with reinforcing members ready for installation upon supporting storage rack framing. One or more decking sections are used to form a shelf surface.
Deflection
The amount of deformation or bending in a pallet or pallet component under load.
Detachable Frame Pallet
A pallet that features a frame or superstructure that is removable.
Dock
The sorting or staging platform where shipments are loaded or unloaded.
Double-deck Pallet
A pallet constructed of both a top and bottom deck or deck boards.
Double-deep Rack
A racking system that is used where a greater storage density is required. It accommodates two pallet loads stacked back-to-back and requires special fork trucks called reach trucks.
Double-row. Double-face Shelvinq
One generally continuous row of units joined together, back-to-back and side-to-side to be serviced from two service aisles.
Double-wing Pallet
A pallet constructed in such a way as to have the top deck extending out from opposite sides.
Drawer Storage
Storage utilizing drawers in cabinets or within shelving systems which are suitable for applications where volume of inventory turnover is low and where smaller items are being stored.
Drayage
Transportation of materials and freight on a local basis, but intermodal freight carriage may also be referred to as drayage.
Drive-in Rack
This type of rack utilizes upright frames, rails, and ties to allow a vehicle to enter a storage rack structure from one side only and pick up or deliver pallets on continuous rails. Drive-in rack is used to address repetitive products and serves to take advantage of cubic space available for storage when such unit loads do not lend themselves to block stacking.
Drive-through Rack
This rack is similar to drive-in rack except that the fork truck is capable of driving straight through the structure at any storage location along the aisle.
Dunnaqe
Materials or devices used in the securing and/or bracing of products during shipments.
Dynamic Storage System
A storage system that provides varying means of either mechanically moving storage locations or loads within the systems so as to increase storage density and/or to increase storage, retrieval and order picking throughput.
Economic Justification
A comparison of alternative material handling equipment and the assessment of its impact on a company as far as taxes, depreciation, inflation, and initial cost. Generally does involve activity-based costing.
Efficient Cubing
Refers to the optimal usage of the internal space of truck trailers.
Empty Pallet Stacker
A transporter or device used to distribute, move, and store empty pallets.
End/Side Edge Load Capacity
The maximum amount of static load that can be applied to the edge of a platform (end or side) when the lift is in any raised position.
Ergonomics
The design of working conditions to better accommodate the human body's capabilities and limitations (human factors).
Ergonomics is also known as the study of work tasks with an emphasis on reducing to a practical minimum the physiological cost of doing the work.
Euro Pallet
The standard pallet in Europe. It is 1200 mm by 800 mm in dimension and has a wood block design between the top and bottom permitting four-way or four-sided entrance by lifting forks. Although other sizes exist in Europe, they are not nearly as prominent as the Euro-pallet.
Exchange Pallet
Refers to a pallet that is used by several shippers whose ownership is transferred when the ownership of the unit load is transferred.
Expendable Pallet
A pallet utilized for a single transaction and is not expected to be returned.
Fiberboard Pallet
A pallet that is constructed from fiberboard material
Fixed-wall Pallet Container
Container that features an integrated pallet and has fixed sidewalls.
Flush Pallet
A pallet constructed in such a manner that there are no overhangs and the decks, both top and bottom, fit "flush" with the stringers on all sides.
Folding Container
A container, either metal or plastic, with sides, ends, and a base so constructed that it can be folded to a flat configuration
Fork Entry
The opening between decks beneath the top deck or beneath the stringer notch to admit forks.
Fork Strap
Strap that links the fork openings on the base of a pallet container. Fork straps can allow the use of a container on conveyors.
Four-way Block Pallet
A pallet which, by its design and construction, is accessible to a pallet jack from all four sides; a full four-way) entry pallet.
Four-way Container
A container that is accessible from all four sides for storage and retrieval purposes.
Four-way Fork Entry
Openings on all four sides of a pallet or the base of a pallet container which allow fork truck handling.
Four-way Pallet
A pallet which, by its construction, allows forks of a lift to enter the pallet from both sides and ends.
Four-way Stringer Pallet
A pallet that utilizes stringers in its construction with these stringers being notched to allow four-way insertion of forks.
Free Span
The distance between supports in a storage rack.
Front-to-back Dimension
As applied to welded wire decking, the horizontal direction of a decking section perpendicular to the beams of the storage rack.
Full-perimeter Pallet
A pallet that utilizes a block design and incorporates the use of deck boards and stringer configured in the same plane. Such a configuration results in the formation of a complete framework on both ends and both sides.
GMA Pallet (Grocery Manufacturers of America)
A pallet whose dimensions are 48"x40", is made of hardwood, and is forkliftable from all four sides. Manufactured to GMA requirements.
Gauge or Gage
A standard measure for sheet steel thickness or wire diameter.
General Purpose Pallet
A pallet that is designed and constructed for general use and is returnable. This pallet is generally double
decked in its construction
Gondola Shelving
A floor-mounted shelving system utilizing cantilevered shelves extending from one or both sides of a rigid vertical back. This form of shelving is common in retail establishments due to its ease of movement and reconfiguration.
Grab-a-block Plastic Pallet
A pallet used in distribution operations wherein the center stringer or block is grabbed by a center clamp to steady the pallet enabling goods to be stacked on it at an elevated height.
Gravity Conveyor
Conveyor on which materials are moved by gravity or by a person as opposed to a conveyor on which materials are moved with powered belts or rollers.
Gravity Roller Conveyor
A conveyor which supports the load on a series of rollers with internal ball bearing rings mounted on axles at fixed intervals in a frame. Roller conveyors come in straight sections, curved sections, and in various spur and-merge sections.
Gravity Wheel Conveyor
Ideal for light duty handling requirements where the load is flat and smooth, gravity wheel conveyors support the load on a series of skate wheels mounted on a shaft in a frame. The conveyor sections can be either rigid (straight or curved) or flexible. In the latter case, the frame is actually an accordion frame capable of being expanded or curved, making it ideal for temporary applications such as the loading and unloading of over-the-road trucks.
Gusset
An element added for additional stiffness.
HOPE
High Density Polyethylene
Helix
A spiral-wound wire used as a hinge or attaching device.
High-rise Shelving
Units in excess of 10'3" high and serviced by rolling ladders or mechanical non-entry stock pickers. Normally tied together across the top over aisles.
Honeycombing
1. The practice of removing merchandise in pallet-load quantities where the space is not exhausted in an orderly fashion. This results in inefficiencies due to the fact that the received merchandise may not be efficiently stored in the space that is created by the honeycombing.
2. The storing or withdrawal of supplies in a manner that results in vacant space that is not usable for storage of other items.
3. Creation of unoccupied space resulting from withdrawal of unit loads. This is one of the major hidden costs of warehousing.
Identification Solutions
Products such as placards, holders, and nameplates that permanently or temporarily identify containers, racks, and pallets.
Industrial Metal Container
An industrial metal container may be made of welded wire or corrugated steel. Some are solid, others have perforations, and some are made of wire mesh. They may have sliding or folding gates to provide access to contents or locking lids to provide product security. Containers may be equipped with bases, legs, or other attachments to facilitate handling; or they may be nested or stacked to save space.
Industrial Shelving
Shelving made from heavier gauge materials and designed to provide storage for heavier weight materials and packages. Often can accommodate weights of 750# or more.
Injection-molded Container/ Injection Molded Pallet
Plastic material is introduced in pellet form into a "hopper" positioned at the top of a machine and forcing it along a horizontal chamber or "barrel" of an extruder by means of the rotation of a screw. The plastic material is heated as it moves through the barrel so when it reaches an open cavity, it is a molten mass ready to assume the configuration of the mold. The mold is closed and pressure is applied to form the container.
Once the pallet is cooled and taken from the mold, it can be further processed into secondary operations such as painting, trimming or fastening
Inside Dimensions (I.D.)
The interior or inside dimension(s) of a container or package. Also, the inside or least dimension of a coil.
JIT (Just in Time)
The practice of timing inbound material flows so that they can arrive just in time before they are required. This results in smaller inventories. A JIT system requires close links among forecasting, production, scheduling, and purchasing groups as well as suppliers and carriers.
Kanban Holders
A term meaning "signboard" in Japanese refers to the instruction placards placed on warehouse carts containing materials scheduled for production. In warehousing, Kanban is essentially the same as just-in-time (JIT).
Knock-down Container
See Collapsible container.
Knock-down Tote
See Collapsible container.
LES
Logistics Execution Systems manage inventory, space, material handling equipment, labor and transportation resources to assure timely, error-free fulfillment and visibility of order status throughout the supply chain.
Label Holder/Label Placard
The label holder acts as a label holding device that allows the user to label and relabel containers, racks, and pallets.
Label Identification System
The system employed in identifying products and containers by use of various types of labels/placards/holders.
Labeling Solutions
Products such as placards and nameplates that are pressure sensitive labels that permanently or temporarily identify containers, racks, or pallets.
Ledge-type Shelving
A shelving unit designed to accommodate two different depths of shelves. Larger shelves are placed at the bottom, and the unit is stepped back with smaller shelves on top. This step-back forms a ledge across the face of the shelf. The shelving may be either open or closed type. In some instances, a ledge unit can be added to a regular shelving unit
Left-to-right Dimension
As applied to welded-wire rack decking, the horizontal direction of a decking section parallel to the beams of the rack.
Leg
An element attached to the base of a container that provides handling clearance and safe stacking.
Library Shelving
A form of cantilevered shelving that is primarily utilized in application where ease of reconfiguration is necessary. This type of shelving is configured to satisfy book and technical manual storage requirements. Space between shelves can be expanded to accommodate taller items.
Load-bearing Surface
Actual area of material in contact with and supporting a unit load.
Loading Dock
The sorting or staging platform where shipments are loaded or unloaded.
Lock
The latch mechanism on folding containers used with a U-shaped part called the staple to secure folding container walls and gates in a closed position.
Lot Reconciliation
The use of sensors to count the number of objects that pass a particular point in the material handling system for purposes of reconciling actual production or material movement with planned production.
Magnetic Placard
Placard system made of magnetic material and used on metal racks and other metal surfaces.
Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP)
A fully-integrated planning and control system providing coordination and communication among finance, marketing, and production departments. Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) takes into account plans from these entities and assists management in developing a production plan which must be adjusted on a daily or weekly basis to satisfy changes in demand. Initially MRP was a list of components needed to produce a specified quantity of items as well as when and how manufacturing intends to use these components.
Master Carton
Utilized as a larger uniform shipping carton for smaller packages or carton, the master carton serves to lessen material handling time and adds protection during shipping to the smaller items.
Master Pack
A large box that is used to pack a number of smaller boxes or containers. Aids in protecting the smaller cartons or packages and reduces the number of cartons to be handled during the material handling process.
Material Handling
Material Handling is the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. The focus is on the methods, mechanical equipment, systems and related controls used to achieve these functions.
Material Handling Principles
A principle is a general rule, fundamental, or other statement of an observed truth. Over time certain fundamental truths of material handling have been found to exist. The "principles" of material handling are often useful in analyzing, planning and managing material handling activities and systems. At the very least they form a basic foundation upon which one can begin building expertise in material handling.
These principles, which serve as a starting point to identifying potential problems and assessing need, are
- Planning
- Standardization
- Work
- Ergonomic
- Unit Load
- Space Utilization
- System
- Automation
- Environment
- Life Cycle Cost
To receive a complete explanation for each of these "Principles," contact the Material Handling Institute at (704) 676-1190 and ask for the document, "The Ten Principles of Material Handling."
Mesh Container
Often referred to as a wire mesh container, this material handling device is made from welded metal wire mesh and possesses a substructure to give the container strength and rigidity.
Mesh Size
The center-to-center spacing of the wire elements on a wire mesh container. For example, a 2x2 = wires on two inch centers in both directions.
Metal Container
A receptacle (such as a box, enclosure) or a formed or flexible covering for the packing or shipment of articles, goods, or commodities. Containers may be constructed of plastic, welded wire, corrugated steel, or aluminum. To obtain more information on the features and benefits on materials used to construct containers, please visit the following on the Internet:
Industrial Metal Containers and Wire Decking (IMC&WD) Reusable Plastic Containers and Pallet Association (RPCPA
Metric Container
A container that has its dimensions and capacities expressed in metric terms. These containers are often designed to accommodate metric size and weight of materials or goods, Le., a one-metric-ton container as opposed to a one-imperial-ton container.
Mobile Shelving
A shelving system that is mounted on floor or overhead tracks. The self-contained unit may nest or move against other units to facilitate space savings or move away from each other to provide greater access.
Modular Drawer Cabinet
Modular drawer cabinets make efficient use of storage space by providing secured enclosed storage for small or high-value parts. The operator has a clear view of all stored items as the drawers are withdrawn from the cabinet.
An added value of modular drawers is that each drawer can be positioned or sub-divided into smaller storage cells. Modular drawer cabinets, used extensively in tool cribs, parts supply rooms, and maintenance areas, provide higher density, improved organization, more security and protection, and a greater utilization of storage space. Such modular drawer cabinets may be wheeled or fixed in place.
Modular Drawers
Housed in cabinets (wheeled or stationary), modular drawers offer high-density storage and retrieval of parts, tools, supplies, instruments, and equipment in commercial, industrial, and institutional environments. These drawers are capable of being partitioned and compartmentalized to segregate items in the drawer.
Modular Drawers in Cabinet / Modular Drawers in Shelving
Mounted integrally into cabinet structures, these modular drawers make effective use of space and can be housed nearby other nearby items to be stored
Molded Pallet
A pallet formed in a mold and made from plastic, wood particles, or wood flakes.
Multi-level Shelving
More than two levels tiered one on top of the other with each tier serviced from a separate level.
Multiple-row. Single-face Shelving
One generally continuous row of units joined together back to back to be serviced from one aisle for long
items of considerable weight.
Multiple-trip Pallet
A pallet designed and built for use in multiple trips and transports.
Nestable Pallet
A plastic pallet designed in such a way as to allow the pallet to fit or "nest" in another so as to facilitate better use of storage space.
Nesting Container
Containers that can be placed one on another, either wholly or partially, and therein saving on the total cubic displacement.
Non-corrugated Steel Container
A metal container fabricated from corrugated steel sheet and with the same characteristics as corrugated steel containers.
Non-folding Container
A container with corners permanently helixed and is subject to the same specifications as "folding containers."
Non-step Beam
A beam that offers only one horizontal surface on which the rack decking can be placed. Examples of nonstep beams are: "Box" sections, tubing channels, and I-beams.
Non-step Beam Application
An application in which the area of wire decking support in confined to the surface area on the top of the front and rear beams of the rack.
Notch
The space or indentation in the lower stringer of a pallet that enables forks from the lift to be placed for ease and safety of the lift and transport.
Notch Filet
The curved portion of the notch in the lower stringer of a pallet.
Notch Height
In a notched pallet stringer, the distance between the bottom surface of the pallet and the top of the notch.
Notched Stringer
The stringer on a pallet that possesses identical notches that are spaced such as to allow forks to enter pallet.
One-way Pallet
A pallet that is designed and constructed so as to allow fork entry from only the back or front. Also, a pallet that is considered expendable.
Open-type Shelving
Shelving unit with side and back of the unit open. Various types of bracing are used to stabilize the unit.
Open-upright Shelving Assembly
An assembly of two posts and one or more pair of side-sway braces or panel-sway braces welded, riveted, or bolted together to form the side of a shelving unit.
Order Picking
Order picking or order selection is the process of retrieving individual items (from storage locations) for the purpose of fulfilling an order for a customer. Schemes by which to achieve efficient order picking will vary widely. However, in all cases it involves locating the items in storage; creating a plan for retrieving the items; physically picking the items (either automatically or manually); sorting and/or assembling them into discrete orders; and, in the end, even packaging the orders for delivery. Although defined as a process, order picking cannot be achieved without the appropriate computer software and mechanical equipment, including the storage media, such as pallet racks, shelving, AS/RS (including carousels), and flow delivery racks, and a means for transporting items from receiving to storage and from storage to packaging and shipment. A variety of industrial trucks and conveyors will be found in most order-picking applications. Order picking may also involve robotic- like devices for physically picking discrete items from their storage location.
Outside Dimensions (0.D.)
The exterior or outside dimension(s) of a container or package. Also, the outside or greatest dimension of a coil.
Pallet
Generally constructed of plastic, metal, or wood, a pallet is a piece of transportation/movement equipment utilized in the movement of unit loads. Usually "fork-liftable" in that it is designed to accept forks between the top and bottom platforms of the unit.
Pallet Dimensions
Measurement points to determine a pallet's dimensions:
Length = distance between pallet ends (inclusive of overhang) and parallel to the stringer(s).
Width = distance between pallet sides at right angles to the pallet length inclusive of any overhang.
Height = distance from the outer edges of the bottom deck boards to the outer edges of the top deck board.
Pallet dimensions are generally shown in inches.
Pallet Dispenser / Pallet Feeder
A pallet feeder is a device used for feeding empty pallets.
It is often known as a pallet dispenser.
Pallet Double Wing
A pallet constructed in such a way as to have the top deck extending out from opposite sides.
Pallet Exchange Program
A program agreed upon by several shippers and receivers with each party assuming responsibility for the total inventory of pallets. These parties exchange pallets on a one-for-one basis with each transaction recorded and documented. Program provides cost savings in off loading time and time pressures on warehousing personnel.
Pallet Flow Rack
May be considered back-to-back selective rack. Inclined conveyor wheel sections are installed in the rack enabling back-loaded pallets to flow by gravity to the front or pick face. Pallet flow rack is useful for the movement of fast-moving items and serves to increase density of storage and throughput.
Pallet Length
The first dimension stated in categorizing or describing a pallet
Pallet Life
The usable life of a pallet and is expressed in time in use or in the number of trips that the pallet has been in service.
Pallet Lifter
A below-the-hook lifting device that utilizes forks in its design and serves to take the role of forklift forks while utilizing the capabilities of a crane and/or hoist. Generally, counterweighted at its top and attached via a bail and-hook arrangement.
Pallet Pattern
The layer-by-Ayer arrangement or pattern of boxes/cartons as they are placed on a pallet.
Pallet Performance
The performance of a pallet as expressed in terms of durability, stability (lateral), degree of stiffness or rigidity, and strength.
Pallet Rack
A single or multi-level structural storage system that is utilized to support high stacking of single items or palletized loads.
Pallet Truck
A manually-powered fork truck. The operator physically pushes the forks into the opening on the pallet and "jacks" the ratcheting lift mechanism so as to raise the pallet off the floor. Once lifted, the load can be manually moved from place to place.
Pallet-stacking Frame
A load-securing device that often can take the place of containers or bins. This device consists on iron posts and connecting frame members resting on the four corners of a pallet creating an open container in appearance with a certain amount of load retention ability. The frames are removable for storage, but when in use, the loaded pallets can be block stacked on the floor. This is a particular advantage for unit loads that would not stack safely without the rigid frame. There are other attachments such as special metal frames and welded wire gates, but none of these allow for pallet stacking.
Palletizer
Palletizers are special machines capable of building a complete unit load on a pallet. Although the most common application is for cases, some palletizers can also handle sacks and bags. A less common palletizer application would be for special products such as sheet stock. There are two general methods employed for automatically building a full pallet. One makes use of a fixed position or overhead gantry robot with end effectors suited to the individual loads, such as vacuum lifts or a gripper. The other method employs more complex mechanisms for forming pallet layers off line, one at a time, and then shifting or transferring each successive layer onto the pallet as it is lowered via a lift/lower table.
Picker Pallet
A pallet used in distribution operations wherein the center stringer or block is grabbed by a center clamp to steady the pallet, enabling goods to be stacked on it at an elevated height.
Plastic Pallet
A device used for moving and storing freight. It is used as a base for assembling, storing, stacking, handling, and transporting goods as a unit load. Commonly, it is about four feet square and is so constructed to facilitate the placement of a lift truck's forks between the levels of a platform so it may be moved easily.
A pallet molded from plastic or made up of plastic components.
Portable Rack
Self-contained steel rack units made up of bases and/or decks and posts. Portable rack may be welded or collapsible units either having a knockdown feature which can be a space saver when units are not in use.
Push-back Rack
Utilizing wheels in the rack structure, this rack system allows palletized goods and materials to be stored by being pushed up a gently graded ramp. Stored materials are allowed to flow down the ramp to the aisle. This rack configuration allows for deep storage at each rack level.
RMI (Rack Manufacturers Institute. Inc.)
The Rack Manufacturers Institute, Inc. is an independent incorporated trade association affiliated with the Material Handling Industry. The membership of RMI is made up of companies that produce the preponderance of industrial storage racks.
Rack Manufacturers Institute
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28217
Phone: (704) 676-1190 Fax: (704) 676-1199
John Nofsinger, Managing Director - jnofsinger@mhia.org or etaylor@mhia.org
Rack
A single- or multi-level structural storage system that is utilized to support high stacking of single items or palletized loads
Rack Decking
See Decking.
Rack Standards
Authoritative guides or directives used in the manufacture, sales, and use of storage rack systems and components.
Rack-supported Building
A complete independent storage rack system that is the basic structural system of a building. A storage or warehouse facility in which storage rack functions as the structural support for the roof.
Rated Capacity
The maximum load which can be applied according to the manufacturer's specification.
Rated Load
The maximum capacity as specified by the equipment nameplate.
Rated-load Capacity
The maximum load for which the equipment is designed by the manufacturer.
Records Shelving
A shelving storage system to store files and records. The units are sized at the time of order to "fit" the parameters of the files and records to be stored. These shelving systems are generally closed on three sides and may have retractable or swing up and down opening covers, all to provide security, protection, and cleanliness.
May also be known as "Archive shelving."
Reinforcing Member
The component of rack decking which increases the capacity rating, and rigidity of the assembly. Examples are: channels, tubes, rods, etc.
Rental Pallet
A pallet owned by a third party, different from the actual user.
Returnable Container Labeling
The method used to mark/identify returnable/reusable container and pallets to insure that they returned to the proper destination. Can be as simple as stenciling or as sophisticated as bar coding.
Returnable Plastic Container
Refers to collapsible, hand-held plastic containers used mostly for produce handling in closed-loop packaging systems.
Returnable/Reusable Pallet
A pallet designed to be used for more than one trip.
Reusable Pallet
A pallet designed and constructed for use on a "more than once" basis.
Reusable Plastic Container
Storage or transport vessels made of durable molded plastic. Intended to be used more than once.
Reversible Pallet
A pallet designed and constructed to use both the top and bottom deck boards as load bearing members.
Rigid Container
A rigid wire, steel or plastic container with a rigid structural framework for strength and stiffness and is not capable of being folded flat.
Runner Bar
An element of the base of an industrial container that provides additional floor-bearing area and improved conveyor movement.
SMA
Shelving Manufacturers Association
A Product Section of the Material Handling Industry of America
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28217
Phone: 704-676-1190 Fax: 704-676-1199
Tom Meinert, Managing Director - tmeinert@mhia.org
The Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SMA) was formed in 1974 by visionary industry leaders as a Product Section of the Material Handling Industry of America, a non-profit Trade Association. SMA's mission includes development and advancement of standards and activities to advance the quality, safety and general fitness for intended use of Industrial/Storage Equipment.
SMA member companies are concerned, conscientious manufacturers affiliated in an industry association to provide voluntary standards for the design of steel industrial/storage equipment and to formulate guidelines for the proper use, operation, and maintenance of these products.
Principal among these products are steel shelving, industrial mezzanines, work and assembly stations, modular drawer equipment, clothing storage lockers, movable base storage equipment, storage containers, and directly related equipment.
Selective Rack
Steel storage racks arranged in either single or back-to-back (double) rows. Each of the rows offers a bay or number of bays in the down-aisle direction. Pallets are generally positioned side-by-side in the down-aisle direction at each level of the bay. The advantage to this configuration of rack is that all pallets are accessible from the facing aisle.
Shelf
A storage surface located above the floor level and usually contained in shelving system or rack system.
The formed steel sheet that attaches horizontally to the posts and supports the load. Shelves are available in many sizes and a number of capacities.
Shelves should be specified based on the customer's requirements and uniform load capacity that the shelf must support. Steel gauge, shelf formation, and reinforcing vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and thus determine shelf capacity.
Shelf Depth
The horizontal distance measured between the outside faces of beams.
Shelf Divider
A formed steel partition placed within the shelf opening to subdivide it into smaller compartments. Some types of dividers include: full height, angle, tapered, sliding, floating.
Shelf Opening
The basic shelving compartment formed between two shelves within a unit of shelving.
Shelf Reinforcement
A variety of flat bars, angles, channels or other formed sections that are placed within or under the shelf to reinforce the shelf and prevent damage due to shock loading.
Shelving
A storage system designed to accept and store non-palletized loads placed thereon, either manually, semi automatically, or automatically such as by an automated retrieval mechanism. In its basic open form, shelving is comprised of upright posts, the desired number of formed steel sheet panels that constitute horizontal shelves, and end and back braces. Sheet steel back and side panels may be substituted for bracing to form enclosed shelving units.
Shelving Panel-sway Brace
An alternate to the side-sway brace. A panel of steel which attaches to the front and rear post to prevent front-to-rear sway."
Shelving Post System
The vertical upright member that supports the horizontal shelf. Posts are manufactured in a variety of configurations
Shelving Service Aisle
The area in front of a unit or row of units required to service (pick or place stock into or out of the shelving unit).
Shelving Side Panel
A sheet steel panel attaches to the front and rear post to enclose the side of the unit, or as a partition between units placed side by side.
Shelving Side-sway Brace
Two pieces of flat or formed steel stock attached to the front and rear posts to prevent front to rear sway
Single-deck Pallet
A pallet possessing one load-bearing deck.
Single-deep Rack
The simplest of all racking systems. This rack is selective and accommodates only a single pallet.
Single-row. Double-face Shelving
One generally continuous row of units joined together side to side to be serviced from either front or back by two service aisles. May also be identified as "pass- through" shelving.
Single-row. Single-face Shelving
One generally continuous row of units joined together and side to side to be serviced from one service aisle.
Skid
A pallet that does not utilize a bottom deck. Generally supports the top deck by means of blocks and stringers.
Slave Pallet
A pallet used in an automated rack system.
Solid-deck Pallet
A pallet constructed with no spacing along the deck(s).
Solid-side Pallet
A pallet constructed such that the stringer sides are not notched.
Stack-and-nest Container
A combination container that has both stacking and nesting features. Can be stacked ands nested in 90 degree and 180 degree combination.
Stack-only Container
A container that possesses self-supporting and straight walls. This feature means that the container walls are straight and can support the total weight of several stacked containers. Stackability reduces the required floor or rack storage space for empty containers.
Stackable Container
Hand-held container that can be stacked or nested when turned 180 degrees.
Stacking Frames
Portable storage aids for attachment to pallets to enable stacking of unstable items two, three, or more units high.
Stacking Interlock
Refers to the mechanism that locks containers when they are stacked on top of another container. This feature allows safe and secure shipping load units.
Stacking Pallet
A pallet constructed in such a manner as to allow one pallet complete with load to be placed on another without damage to the lower unit load. This is generally achieved by utilizing a superstructure within the pallet.
Stacking Saddle or Arch
An element of the leg of a container that engages the container wall below to ensure safe stacking.
Static Storage System
A storage system where there is no mechanical movement of either the storage locations or the loads within the systems once they are deposited.
Step Beam
A beam that provides two horizontal surfaces on which the rack decking can be placed. Usually the top surface supports the deck and the lower surface supports the reinforcing members.
Storage
The process or act of positioning and placing items (cartons, packages, pallet unit loads, etc.) in an area set aside for holding these items or staging these items for shipment.
Storage Aisle
An access route to storage areas such as rack bays, slots for pallets, bins or containers.
Storage Rack
A single- or multi-level structural storage system that is utilized to support high stacking of single items or palletized loads.
Straight-wall Container
A container made from plastic or metal whose walls are not corrugated but are indeed straight walls with no ridges or perforations.
Strapping
A load-stabilizing and securing method wherein a variety of materials can literally be used to wrap or tie down a load or individual item for movement and protection. These materials include cold-rolled, low- and medium carbon steel; hot-rolled, high-tension steel; polyester; nylon; and polypropylene. Each of these materials has special properties that need to be closely matched to the load requirement.
Strength Factor
The ratio of ultimate strength of a material to its design stress and maximum rated capacity.
Structural Foam-molded Pallet
Structural foam molding is a variation of the injection-molded process whereby a compounded plastic material is introduced into an extruder in pellet form, heated to a molten state, and then formed by means of a rotating- screw into one or more mold cavities. The material adopts the configuration of the mold; and, once cooled, it is injected as a fully formed pallet.
With structural foam molding, a blowing agent is introduced to and mixed thoroughly through the plastic prior to its injection into the mold cavities. The heating process activates the blowing agent and creates a cellular structure within the molten material.
This cellular structure not only saves on raw material requirement, but it produces a part with an elevated strength-to-weight ratio.
Structural Rack
Steel storage rack made from hot-rolled steel shapes, generally conforming to the requirements of AISC such as angle, beams, or tubing.
Supply Chain
The supply chain consists of the physical and communication paths connecting multiple, interrelated businesses. Material, goods, products and information flow through these paths from their points of origin or source (often viewed as beginning with raw material) to the final end consumer. This flow is sometimes extended to include the eventual disposal, recycling or return of goods.
Third Party Logistics
Third Party Logistics, or 3PL is a business arrangement whereby logistics services, often including
warehousing, are contracted to an independent business that specializes in such services and is not connected through direct ownership to the producer or factory requiring the service.
Throwaway Pallet
A pallet whose planned usage is limited to one use and then is discarded.
Tie
Term used to describe a layer of product positioned in a unit load or on a pallet.
Tiedown
A means by which a unit load is secured to a pallet, usually by means of stretch wrapping, shrink wrapping, or strapping.
Tier
Generally refers to one layer of a unitized pallet load. Also, may refer to layers of storage that are of the same height.
Tote
A container generally used for order-picking and shipping of items. Usually small in size and easily moved by hand or other lifting devices and designed to be durable and reusable.
Tray
Plastic or metal container utilized to house or carry small parts and items. Often use in conjunction with carts or shelving for this movement or storage.
Two-level Shelving
Two levels tiered one on top of each other with each tier serviced from a separate level.
Two-way Pallet
A pallet constructed with stringers that does not have notches, so that fork tines can be inserted only from the two open ends.
Type I Pallet: Single-faced, non-reversible pallet.
Type II Pallet: Double-faced, flush-stringer or block, non-reversible pallet.
Type III Pallet: Double-faced, flush-stringer or block, reversible pallet.
Type IV Pallet: Double-faced, single-wing, non-reversible pallet.
Type V Pallet: Single-faced, single-wing, non-reversible pallet.
Type VI Pallet: Double-faced, double-wing, reversible pallet.
Underhaul
Refers to the less-than-complete utilization of the full pallet area and is generally the amount of space between the outer edge of the cartons or packages and the edges of the pallet.
Uniformly Distributed Load
The per-square-inch weight of the pallet load does not vary from one point to another on the pallet. Indicates that the load on a pallet is evenly distributed.
Any static load that is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the rack deck.
A load, as on a shelf, or pair of load beams, supported by all, or nearly all of the shelf or beam supporting surfaces
Unit
As applied to shelving, a single structure comprising upright posts and horizontal shelves. This is the basic unit in shelving and does not exceed in width and depth the nominal maximum dimensions of one shelf.
Unit Load AS/RS
A type of automatic storage and retrieval system that handles large loads (500 to 1000 Ibs. and up) that are often placed on pallets or contained in pallet size plastic, wooden or industrial metal containers. Certain large loads, for example steel coils or paper rolls, may also be handled without a pallet base or container.
Unit Load Picking
The act of removing unit loads from stock or storage.
Warehouse
A facility utilized to store, protect, and secure items for inventory or staging for shipment.
Waterfall
Descriptive term for the flanged portion of the wire mesh rack decking. Most commonly the waterfall extends downwards over the outside face of the beam.
The waterfall should extend past the radius of the beam a sufficient distance to minimize the potential for accidental displacement of the decking.
Welded Wire Container
A metal container fabricated from welded wire as a completed assembly for containment, with the possible addition of structural sections for additional strength and with optional hardware added for specific use and application. There are three (3) basic types of welded wire containers: folding, non-folding, and rigid.
Wire Decking
See Decking
Wire Mesh Spacing
The nominal center-to-center spacing of the wire mesh configuration.
Yield Strength
The guaranteed minimum yield point stress of the material as specified by the steel supplier.
Terms supplied by the Material Handling Industry of America
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