Pallet C e nt ral • Janu a r y -Fe b r u a r y 2 0 25
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In 2025, PDS will introduce bolts and screws as
alternative fastener options for heav y-duty pallets
and skids. ese fasteners have undergone extensive
testing at Virginia Tech over the past two years,
supported by a joint grant from the Softwood
Export Council and the Pallet Foundation.
Creep—continued deflection over time—has
become a key focus for industry leaders, as it plays a
critical role in predicting pallet performance during
long-term storage and in lab tests like ISO 8611.
NWPCA is leading the first-ever long-term, full-
scale creep testing of block pallets made from kiln-
dried softwood, green hardwood, and conditioned
hardwood. Early results confirm PDS deflection
estimates for dry lumber. However, in certain
applications, such as the butted board connections in
perimeter base pallets, green lumber may experience
increased deflections. is testing will accelerate
in 2025 to account for factors like board thickness,
fastener size, and the use of green softwoods.
Additionally, we are expanding our partnerships
and research efforts in Mexico. NWPCA will
collaborate with the University of Monterrey to
enhance in-person training programs in the region
and further develop lab testing and applied research
initiatives. e university will conduct ISO 8611
testing on dozens of block pallets generously
donated by NWPCA members in Mexico. is
data will help demonstrate how PDS reliability-
based designs compare to ISO testing methods in
evaluating pallet performance. Looking ahead, we
aim to integrate an ISO test simulator into PDS,
enabling virtual testing of pallet designs before
proceeding with costly laboratory evaluations.
Interested in exploring PDS? Start with
a free trial: PalletDesignSystem.com.
