4-way vs 2-way Pallets: Entry Types Explained
The difference between 4-way, 2-way and partial 4-way entry pallets, and why the choice determines whether your forklift can lift them efficiently or not.
The short answer
Buy 4-way entry pallets unless you have a specific cost-driven reason not to. 4-way lets a forklift enter from any side, which matters for tight aisles, automated systems, cross-docking and any operation where handling flexibility saves minutes per shift. 2-way is cheaper but only works when your handling pattern is strictly one-direction.
4-way entry pallets
A 4-way pallet has fork pockets on all four sides. A forklift or pallet truck can enter from the long side, the short side, or any of the four edges. 4-way entry is the default on all block pallets and most modern UK standard pallets. It is mandatory for conveyor infeed, automated AS/RS systems, pallet wrappers and high-density warehouses with tight aisles.
2-way entry pallets
A 2-way pallet only accepts forklift entry from two opposite long sides. It is typically a stringer pallet where the stringers run the full length with no notches. Cheaper to build (less material, simpler construction), lighter, and still perfectly functional when your operation uses pallet trucks only and always approaches from the same direction.
Partial 4-way entry
A stringer pallet with notches cut into the stringers to allow limited forklift access from the short sides. Cheaper than full 4-way but more flexible than 2-way. Good compromise for mixed handling environments. Most US GMA pallets are partial 4-way.
Head-to-head: when each one wins
- Handling flexibility: 4-way wins completely. Saves forklift repositioning time in tight aisles.
- Automated systems: 4-way is mandatory. Conveyor infeed, stretch wrappers, AS/RS, cross-dock: all expect full 4-way.
- Cost: 2-way wins. Usually 10-20% cheaper per pallet due to simpler construction.
- Load rating: tied. Both types can be specified with identical load ratings; entry pattern does not determine strength.
- Block vs stringer construction: all block pallets (including EPAL Euros) are 4-way by default. All stringer pallets default to 2-way unless notched.
- Racking: 4-way is safer in beam racking because it can be placed and retrieved from either side; 2-way forces one-direction handling.
Which should you buy?
Buy 4-way if: you run a modern warehouse, use automated systems, have tight aisles, cross-dock, store in beam racking, or want handling flexibility. Covers 90% of UK operations. See new wooden pallets and used wooden pallets for stock.
Buy 2-way if: you run a simple manual operation with pump-trucks only, always approach pallets from the same direction, and cost-per-pallet is the overriding factor. Common in one-way export where appearance and handling speed don't matter.
Buy partial 4-way if: you want some directional flexibility without paying full 4-way pricing, or you are exporting to the US (where stringer partial 4-way is the native format). See the types of pallets guide for block vs stringer detail.
4-way vs 2-way pallets: common questions
Yes, but only from the two long sides. Pallet truck forks need to enter between the bottom deck boards, and on a 2-way pallet those gaps only exist on the two opposite long sides. If your handling pattern always approaches from the long side, 2-way works fine. If you need to approach from the short side, 2-way won't work and you'll need 4-way.
Yes. All EPAL-certified Euro pallets are 4-way block pallets. The EPAL standard mandates it. Non-EPAL "Euro-sized" pallets may be 2-way but cannot be sold as EPAL-certified.
No. Load rating depends on timber thickness, board count, block/stringer spec and construction quality, not on entry pattern. A well-built 2-way pallet and a well-built 4-way pallet can have identical load ratings.
More material and construction complexity. Block pallets (4-way by default) use 9 solid blocks vs 3 continuous stringers on stringer pallets. More wood per pallet plus more assembly labour. The premium is typically 10-20% over comparable 2-way stringer.
Technically possible but not recommended in-house. Notching a stringer pallet changes its load rating and structural integrity. If you need partial 4-way, buy it that way from a manufacturer who calibrates the notch depth correctly. Cutting notches in existing 2-way pallets risks cracking under load.
Most UK supermarkets (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons) mandate 4-way entry, usually via CHEP or LPR pooled block pallets. Check your buyer's spec before dispatch. 2-way pallets will be rejected at the DC.