Skid vs Pallet Explained: Which One Should You Use for Shipping in Australia?

Skid vs pallet: which is better for your Australian shipping needs? Choosing between the two can be confusing, especially in freight, warehousing, or e-commerce logistics.

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. A skid is a simpler, lower platform, while a pallet includes a bottom deck for added stability. These small design differences have a big impact on how goods are stored, moved, and shipped. The wrong choice can mean damaged goods, storage issues, or higher freight costs.

If you manage warehouse operations, schedule courier pickups, or plan interstate freight, it’s important to know which option fits your situation.

This article explains the difference between skids and pallets in clear terms. You’ll learn how they compare in cost, handling, stability, and real-world freight applications across Australia.

Whether you're shipping heavy machinery or e-commerce parcels, the right choice can save time and money. Let’s start with a quick comparison.

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Skid vs Pallet in Australia: Quick Summary

In Australian freight and logistics, the main difference between a skid and a pallet lies in their base design: skids have no bottom deck, while pallets have both top and bottom decks for greater support. 

This affects how they are used and handled. Skids are often chosen for static loads, heavy machinery, or situations where goods remain stationary, such as long-term warehouse storage or staging. Their simple design makes them cost-effective and easy to slide into position, especially in tight spaces.

Pallets provide superior stability and are designed for dynamic handling with forklifts and pallet jacks. They are ideal for fast-moving freight, efficient stacking, and use in racking systems. Consequently, pallets are the preferred option in most Australian supply chains, particularly in retail, distribution, and export. 

Selecting the correct base, like skids for static or heavy-duty storage and pallets for active distribution, supports AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) compliance by demonstrating secure, efficient, and optimised freight handling practices.

What Is a Skid in Shipping? 

A skid is a flat platform used to support goods during storage or transport. Unlike a pallet, it has no bottom deck boards, making it sit lower to the ground with less weight.

Manufacturers typically make skids from timber, plastic, or metal. Timber skids are used for general warehouse needs. Plastic skids suit clean environments like food or medical storage. Metal skids are ideal for heavy-duty industrial equipment.

Skids are useful in static storage, especially in warehouses where items don’t move often. They can be dragged across floors, making them practical on some factory sites.

Skids are uncommon in modern courier freight networks due to their lack of forklift compatibility, but they remain valuable in cost-sensitive or specialised industrial environments. Now that we’ve defined skids, let’s look at how pallets compare.

What Is a Pallet?

A pallet has both a top and bottom deck, providing added strength and stability. This design makes it ideal for stacking, lifting, and storing goods during transport.

Pallets are most commonly made from timber. One of the most widely used in Australian supply chains is the standardised CHEP pallet, provided by the Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool, which is known for its durability and reusability. Plastic pallets are used in cleanroom or export scenarios, while metal pallets support bulky or high-value items.

Pallets are built for forklifts, pallet jacks, and racking systems. They’re essential in fast-moving freight environments like warehouses and distribution centres.

Understanding how pallets work helps you make better shipping and storage choices.

Skid vs Pallet: Key Differences

Small design differences between skids and pallets can significantly impact your logistics setup. Here’s a quick comparison of how skids and pallets differ.

Skids are suitable for static storage where items don’t need stacking or lifting. Pallets are ideal for dynamic freight environments and integrated logistics systems.

When to Use a Skid vs a Pallet in Australian Freight

Choosing between a skid and a pallet can make a a significant difference in your freight costs and handling efficiency. The right choice depends on how you're storing, moving, and delivering your goods.

For floor storage or static freight, skids are often the cheaper option. They’re cheaper to produce and take up less vertical space. Skids are ideal for bulk flat storage, especially in warehouses where items stay in place for long periods.  For example, a large industrial generator may be delivered on a skid and left in place until installation.

Pallets, on the other hand, are better suited to fast-paced supply chains. Their design allows quick and efficient handling. Unlike crates, which fully enclose goods, both skids and pallets leave items exposed for handling and visibility.

4 Tips for Shipping Skids and Pallets in Australia

Now that you know when to use each option, here are four tips to help you prepare your freight correctly, whether you're shipping skids or pallets. 

Tip 1: Secure Your Freight with Wrap and Straps

Always secure your goods tightly, regardless of whether you’re using a skid or a pallet. Use stretch wrap, corner boards, and strapping where needed. This prevents items from shifting, especially if you're using skids, which are less stable during transit.

Tip 2: Stack and Distribute Weight Safely

Distribute weight evenly across the surface of the skids and pallets. This is essential for pallets when you’re stacking multiple units. Skids work best when supporting heavy, low-profile items that remain stationary during storage or use. Avoid tall stacks on skids, as they lack the bottom deck support of a pallet.

Tip 3: Choose Based on Freight and Handling

Consider how your goods will be moved, stored, and handled throughout the shipping process. Use skids for items that will remain stationary for extended periods or when dealing with heavy, non-stackable equipment. Shipments that require frequent handling, racking, or multi-stop transport, pick pallets as they offer greater efficiency and compatibility with standard logistics systems. 

Tip 4: Integrate with Couriers & Freight Services

Couriers & Freight offers flexible solutions for both skids and pallets. Our network supports domestic delivery, metro courier pickups, and tailored freight management. We can help you decide which option works best for your shipment.

No matter what you're shipping, a smart setup leads to fewer delays and better results.

Skid vs Pallet: Pick the Right One For Your Business

The skid vs pallet decision depends on what you're shipping, how it's stored, and how it's handled.

Skids are simple, low-cost platforms suited to static loads and heavy equipment. Pallets are stable, stackable, and designed for forklift-friendly environments.

Choosing the right option protects your goods, speeds up handling, and reduces freight costs.

Need help choosing the right freight platform? Talk to our team for expert guidance. Couriers & Freight specialises in skid and pallet freight across Australia. 

Ship Smarter with the Right Freight Platform

Reduce freight costs and avoid delays by choosing the right option for your goods. Get expert advice and instant quotes from Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now