Who Uses Single-Face Pallets? Stakeholders and Roles Explained

Introduction

Who uses single-face pallets? The short answer: a range of supply chain participants who value low cost, light weight, and short service life. This friendly overview breaks down the typical users, their needs, and how single-face pallets fit into their workflows.

Manufacturers and packagers

Many manufacturers choose single-face pallets for outbound shipments where cost control is important. Examples include businesses producing seasonal merchandise, consumer goods, and agricultural products. Manufacturers benefit from the lower material and handling costs, especially when pallets will not return. Packaging teams use single-face pallets for palletizing bulk cartons destined for nearby distribution centers or retail locations.

Exporters and freight forwarders

Exporters commonly use single-face pallets for international shipments that won’t be repatriated. Because they use less material and are lighter, they reduce shipping costs. Freight forwarders and consolidation centers often recommend single-face pallets for cost-sensitive consignments, provided the receiving party accepts them. Exporters must ensure pallets meet phytosanitary regulations — for wooden pallets this may require heat treatment or fumigation.

Retailers and merchandisers

Retail operations sometimes receive goods on single-face pallets, particularly for display items or products with short shelf life. Stores that use conveyor-based checkout and display areas may not require a bottom deck. Visual merchandisers appreciate the low cost for temporary displays, though they typically transfer goods to shelving or displays that provide greater stability.

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers

3PLs that handle high volumes of inbound and outbound goods may use single-face pallets for consolidated, non-returnable loads. Some 3PLs maintain a mixed pallet pool: reusable pallets for long-term storage and single-face pallets for one-way or volume-based shipments. The decision often depends on client preferences and return logistics feasibility.

Transport companies and less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers

Transport providers accept single-face pallets as part of their cargo mix, especially when dealing with standardized, evenly distributed loads. LTL carriers may prefer pallets that are stable and stackable; single-face pallets can be acceptable when pallets are properly secured and loads are within weight limits. Carriers concerned with stacking and handling efficiency may opt for alternative pallet types where repeatability and durability are required.

Small businesses and e-commerce sellers

Small manufacturers and e-commerce sellers often use single-face pallets for cost-effective shipping to regional distributors or bulk buyers. They are especially practical for sellers who arrange direct shipment into retail distribution centers that will repalletize goods on arrival.

Event organizers and temporary installations

Temporary events benefit from single-face pallets for stage structures, temporary platforms, or display bases where pallets do not need heavy-duty, long-term performance. Their low cost and light weight simplify logistics for short-term setups and takedowns.

When single-face pallets are not ideal

Businesses that require frequent pallet returns, heavy-duty stacking, or automation-friendly pallets typically avoid single-face designs. Warehouses using automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automatic palletizers, or high-density racking often prefer double-face or block pallets for predictable handling and durability.

Who manages them internally?

Within organizations, responsibilities include procurement (sourcing the correct pallet type), warehouse operations (handling, stacking, inspection), quality teams (checking compliance with regulatory requirements), and sustainability managers (evaluating reuse and recycling options). Procurement professionals negotiate volumes and material choices, while operations teams train staff on safe handling of single-face pallets to avoid damage and injury.

Examples in practice

Example 1: A fruit packer uses wooden single-face pallets to ship pallets of boxed fruit to nearby markets; the pallets are not returned. Example 2: A promotional goods manufacturer ships seasonal displays to retail chains on single-face pallets to save cost; stores unpack and use materials for store fixtures. Example 3: A 3PL moves consolidated LTL shipments using single-face pallets for certain clients who accept one-way pallet use.

Summary



Single-face pallets are used across many parts of the supply chain by those prioritizing cost and lightweight shipments. Manufacturers, exporters, retailers, 3PLs, and small businesses find them useful when reuse is not required and loads are compatible. Understanding who uses them helps you decide whether they fit your operation and where process changes (inspection, handling, compliance) are needed.