4-Way Entry Wooden Pallets - Manufactured and Exported from Vietnam

A 4-way entry wooden pallet is a pallet whose base design lets a forklift or hand pallet jack slide in from any of the four sides - not just the two short ends. This single feature cuts warehouse cycle times, simplifies tight-aisle maneuvering, and eliminates the need to reorient loads at every handling point. ICD Vietnam manufactures both block and notched-stringer 4-way pallets to ISO 6780 footprint standards, with ISPM-15 heat treatment for export to the US, EU, Australia, Japan, and beyond.

Four-way entry pallets are the default choice for distribution centers, automotive plants, pharmaceutical warehouses, and any supply chain where loads move through multiple transfer points. When floor space is tight and operators cannot always approach from the same direction, the ability to enter from all four sides reduces handling steps and lowers the risk of product damage.

ICD Vietnam has produced and exported wooden pallets since 2011 - over 10 years supplying buyers across Asia, Europe, and North America. Our factory in northern Vietnam uses kiln-dried pine and acacia timber with moisture content below 18%, meeting the structural and phytosanitary requirements of major importing markets. All 4-way pallets are available with an IPPC-stamped heat-treatment certificate on request.

What Makes a Pallet "4-Way Entry"

The term refers to where the forks can enter, not the number of deckboards. A 2-way stringer pallet has three solid stringers running lengthwise; the forks can only enter from the two open ends. A 4-way pallet removes that restriction by one of two methods.

Block construction (true 4-way)

Nine solid wooden blocks - placed at the four corners, four mid-span points, and the center - replace the continuous stringers. Because there is no longitudinal member blocking the short-side openings, a forklift can enter cleanly from all four directions without any structural compromise. Block pallets carry the highest load ratings: static load up to 6,000 kg and dynamic (racked or in-motion) load up to 2,500 kg for a standard 1200x1000 mm footprint. The nine-block layout also distributes weight more evenly across the floor, which matters on racking systems where only the outer rails are supported.

Notched-stringer construction (partial 4-way)

A notched-stringer pallet starts as a conventional 3-stringer design, then rectangular notches are cut into the face of each stringer at the midpoint. These notches allow pallet jack tines to enter from the two short sides as well as the two long sides. The result is 4-way access at a lower production cost than block construction. The trade-off: each notch reduces the stringer cross-section by roughly 30-40%, bringing dynamic load capacity down to around 1,500-2,000 kg. Notched-stringer pallets are well suited to lighter goods, retail distribution, and supply chains where full forklift entry from all four sides is needed but heavy industrial loads are not involved.

Standard Sizes and Technical Specifications

ICD Vietnam supplies 4-way pallets in three standard ISO 6780 footprints and accepts custom dimensions for project-specific requirements. The table below shows typical specs; tolerances are +/-3 mm on plan dimensions and +/-5 mm on height.

Size (L x W)	Height	Static load	Dynamic load	Common markets
1200x1000 mm	150 mm	up to 6,000 kg (block)	up to 2,500 kg	EU, UK, Australia
1100x1100 mm	144 mm	up to 5,500 kg (block)	up to 2,200 kg	Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia
1140x1140 mm	150 mm	up to 5,500 kg (block)	up to 2,200 kg	Australia (AS 4068)
Custom	On request	Engineered to spec	Engineered to spec	All markets

Deckboard thickness is typically 22 mm for the top deck and 18 mm for the bottom deck. Block dimensions are 100x100x75 mm (hardwood) or LVL composite on request. Moisture content of all timber is kiln-dried to below 18% before assembly.

Key Advantages of 4-Way Entry Pallets

The operational benefits extend well beyond simple handling convenience. Here are the four reasons importers and logistics operators specify 4-way pallets over 2-way designs.

• Faster cycle times in tight spaces. When a forklift can approach from any direction, operators do not need to reposition the truck or the load. In high-throughput DCs, this alone can cut pallet handling time by 20-30% per move.
• Compatibility with selective racking. Block-type 4-way pallets are the standard for pallet racking because the nine-block base distributes the load onto the rack rails without spanning issues. Two-way stringers can cantilever unevenly on some rack geometries.
• Reduced product damage. Forced reorientation of a loaded 2-way pallet puts lateral stress on the load. Eliminating that step reduces toppling events and packaging damage, particularly for fragile or top-heavy goods.
• Automation and conveyor compatibility. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and conveyor transfer systems almost always require 4-way entry. If your buyer is running an automated warehouse, 4-way is the only acceptable pallet type.

4-Way vs. 2-Way Pallets: Which Should You Order?

The choice comes down to three variables: handling environment, load weight, and price tolerance. The table below gives a direct comparison for export buyers deciding between the two types. For a detailed breakdown, see our page on 2-way wooden pallets.

Factor	4-Way Entry	2-Way Stringer
Forklift access	All 4 sides	2 sides only
Static load (block)	up to 6,000 kg	up to 4,000 kg (standard)
Racking suitability	Excellent (block type)	Good
Automation compatible	Yes	Rarely
Unit cost (relative)	Higher	Lower
Best for	DCs, auto, pharma, cold chain	Simple point-to-point shipping

Choose 4-way when your buyer's warehouse uses racking, AGVs, or narrow aisles - or when the shipment will pass through more than two handling points before final delivery. Choose 2-way when the pallet will be used once for a direct sea-freight shipment and cost per unit is the overriding factor.

ISPM-15 Heat Treatment for Export Orders

ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is the mandatory phytosanitary standard that governs all wooden packaging material - including pallets - used in international trade. Any pallet entering the US, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, or most other markets must carry a valid IPPC mark confirming that the wood has been heat-treated (HT) or treated by another approved method.

ICD Vietnam's factory is licensed to issue IPPC-stamped heat-treatment certificates. Our HT process raises the core wood temperature to 56°C for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes, which satisfies the ISPM-15 requirement for all importing countries. The IPPC mark is branded on both sides of every pallet before shipment. For buyers requiring full documentation, we provide a certificate of heat treatment alongside the commercial invoice and packing list. Learn more on our dedicated ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets page.

Who Uses 4-Way Entry Pallets - and Why

Different buyer types have different reasons for specifying 4-way over 2-way. Below is a breakdown by role.

For import/export managers

Import and export managers need to confirm that pallets will clear customs without delay. For 4-way block pallets destined for the EU or US: (1) confirm the IPPC mark is present on both long sides before container loading, (2) verify the heat-treatment code is HT (not MB - methyl bromide is banned in many markets), and (3) check that the country code on the mark reads VN for Vietnam-origin pallets. An ISPM-15 non-compliant pallet is subject to detention, re-treatment at destination cost, or destruction - none of which are recoverable from the freight schedule.

For warehouse and logistics managers

Warehouse managers benefit most directly from 4-way access. In a selective racking system with 2.7-3.0 m aisles, a counterbalance forklift needs roughly 3.5 m of turning radius to reposition for a 2-way pallet. With a 4-way pallet, the operator enters from whichever aisle face is closest - cutting travel distance per cycle. At a throughput of 200 pallet moves per shift, even a 15-second saving per move equals 50 minutes of recovered capacity per day. Block-type 4-way pallets also sit more stably on racking rails because the corner blocks engage the rails squarely, reducing the risk of rack collapse from off-centre loading.

Typical Applications

4-way wooden pallets are used across a wide range of industries wherever multi-directional handling, racking, or automation is involved.

• Consumer goods and FMCG export - high pallet throughput demands fast, unrestricted forklift access at every transfer point.
• Automotive parts - heavy steel components and sub-assemblies require the higher static load ratings of block construction.
• Pharmaceutical and food-grade warehousing - narrow clean-room aisles and strict handling protocols make 4-way entry mandatory in many facilities.
• Cold chain logistics - freezer warehouses use dense racking and automated cranes that require 4-way block pallets as standard.
• Port and container stuffing - loading teams working inside a 40-ft container benefit from entering from the side as well as the container doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a block pallet and a notched-stringer pallet?

A block pallet uses nine solid wooden blocks as the base supports, giving true 4-way forklift access without weakening any load-bearing member. A notched-stringer pallet starts with three continuous stringers and has rectangular cut-outs added to allow side entry - this reduces stringer cross-section by 30-40% and lowers dynamic load capacity compared to the block design. Block pallets carry higher loads and suit racking better; notched-stringer pallets cost less and are adequate for lighter or single-use shipments.

How much weight can a 4-way wooden pallet hold?

A standard 1200x1000 mm block-type 4-way wooden pallet from ICD Vietnam carries up to 6,000 kg static (uniformly distributed, pallet on a flat floor) and up to 2,500 kg dynamic (load in motion on forks). Notched-stringer 4-way pallets of the same footprint are typically rated at 1,500-2,000 kg dynamic. Always confirm the load rating for your specific size and timber specification before ordering.

Do 4-way pallets from Vietnam require ISPM-15 treatment for export?

Yes. Any wooden pallet used in international cargo must comply with ISPM-15. ICD Vietnam provides IPPC-marked, heat-treated pallets as standard for all export orders. The HT mark means the wood core reached 56°C for at least 30 minutes. If your importer is in Australia, the US, EU, Japan, or Canada, specify HT treatment at the time of order - it is included in our standard export pallet pricing.

Can ICD Vietnam produce custom-size 4-way pallets?

Yes. Beyond the three ISO 6780 standard footprints (1200x1000, 1100x1100, and 1140x1140 mm), ICD Vietnam manufactures custom dimensions to match specific container layouts, rack cell sizes, or machine footprints. Provide the required plan dimensions, maximum load, and target market - our team will confirm feasibility and provide a quotation within one business day.

Get a Quote for 4-Way Wooden Pallets

ICD Vietnam manufactures and exports 4-way entry wooden pallets - block and notched-stringer - in standard ISO footprints and custom sizes, with ISPM-15 heat treatment for all international shipments. Explore our full range on the ICD Vietnam export pallet page, or contact our sales team directly for pricing, lead times, and sample requests.

Tel / WhatsApp: +84 983 797 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
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