Wood pallets, combined with the lift truck, are recognized as
the most efficient load handling system available today. Production of wood
pallets has risen continuously since World War II to the level where they consume
close to 12 percent of all the lumber produced in the United States. Close to
35 percent of all the hardwood lumber ends up in the 400 million pallets manufactured
each year with a product value of over $5.5 billion. On any given day, some
1.9 billion pallets are used as bases for unit loads within the United States.
With industry and government support, Virginia Tech researchers
have developed a reliability-based design and analysis methodology.
The research results are packaged in the PALLET
DESIGN SYSTEM (PDS) software that allows pallet producers
and users to tailor pallets to specific applications. PDS is leased
by over 100 users in eight countries. Additionally, Virginia Tech
provides a telefax design service for manufacturers and users.
Many others use the system by calling the department by telephone.
Recently, the research effort in this area has included recycling
used pallets. As disposal of discarded pallets becomes ever more difficult and
expensive, and as availability of the raw material is limited, there is a need
for recycling used pallets. That research project is a cooperative effort including
Virginia Tech and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service Southern Forest Research Station.
In view of the importance and continuing growth of the pallet
and container industry, the need for a strong research program focusing on wooden
pallets and containers has long been recognized. The William H. Sardo Jr. Pallet
and Container Research Laboratory meets this need. The National Wooden Pallet
and Container Association, which provided the initial funding, continues it's
strong support.
