A skid is often considered to be a platform on runners or other vertical supports, such as a skid foundation. But what is a skid, from a material handling perspective? The definition of skids ranges from being a substitute to pallet, to a specific type of pallets.
Unfortunately, in commerce, such confusion about terms can result in inefficiency. Most can agree that the skid is a loading platform. The definition of skid is commonly thought to be synonymous with pallet, a point of view shared with www.dictionary.com, although one that might be debated by pallet professionals. According to that website, a skid is a low mobile platform on which goods are placed for ease in handling, moving, etc. Dictionary.com meanwhile defines the pallet as a small, low, portable platform on which goods are placed for storage or moving, as in a warehouse or vehicle. Based on these definitions, the skid and pallet do seem to be one and the same.
