What Are Slip Sheets and Why Do Some Shipments Use Them Instead of Pallets?

Pallets have long been the default unit for shipping and storing goods, especially in cold storage. But there's a lesser-known alternative that some importers and exporters use to cut costs and save space: slip sheets.

If you’ve ever had a load show up without pallets—or been told that you need a special forklift attachment—you’ve likely dealt with slip sheets. But what exactly are they, and how do they affect how your cargo is received and stored?

What Is a Slip Sheet?

A slip sheet is a thin, flat sheet made of heavy-duty cardboard, plastic, or fiberboard. It’s placed underneath a unitized load (like cases of food, beverage, or packaged goods) and serves the same basic purpose as a pallet—to consolidate and move cargo—but with key differences:

Slip sheets don’t have a solid structure or legs

They require push-pull forklift attachments to move

They're significantly cheaper and lighter than wooden pallets

Because they don’t take up vertical space, slip sheets can reduce the overall weight and volume of a shipment—especially important for air freight or high-volume food imports.

Why Do Some Shippers Use Slip Sheets?

There are several strategic reasons importers or exporters choose slip sheets instead of pallets:

1. Cost Savings Slip sheets cost a fraction of what standard pallets do—often under $1 each compared to $10–15 for wood.
2. Space Efficiency Without the added height or thickness of a pallet, more units fit in a container or on a truck. This improves shipping efficiency.
3. Export Compliance Some countries restrict untreated wooden pallets. Slip sheets avoid fumigation or ISPM-15 compliance issues altogether.
4. Sustainability Fiberboard and plastic slip sheets are recyclable and generate less waste than one-way pallets.

How Are Slip Sheets Handled in Cold Storage?

Here’s where it gets more complex. Unlike pallets, slip sheet shipments can’t be unloaded or stored using standard forklifts. Cold storage warehouses must be equipped with push-pull forklift attachments, which grip the edge of the slip sheet and pull the load onto a metal platform.

This creates a few key considerations:

Not all cold storage facilities can handle slip sheet cargo

If not communicated ahead of time, your freight may be rejected or delayed

Transfers to pallets may incur additional labor and handling fees

At Royal Foods Distribution in Santa Clara, we support both palletized and slip sheet shipments with appropriate handling equipment. If you're importing containerized goods on slip sheets, especially perishable items, it's crucial to book a warehouse that can unload them without delay.

Should You Use Slip Sheets for Cold Chain Products?

Slip sheets make sense when:

You’re trying to maximize container space

You're shipping large volumes of case goods like frozen seafood or packaged meat

You have access to cold storage facilities that can handle them on arrival

You’re looking to reduce material costs and waste

But if you're unsure whether your consignee’s warehouse (or your customer's location) is equipped for them, pallets may still be the safer option.

Plan Ahead: Avoid Receiving Issues

If you're importing goods on slip sheets, always confirm with your warehouse:

Do they have push-pull forklift attachments?

Will they transfer to pallets on arrival if needed?

Are there extra handling fees for non-palletized cargo?

At Royal Foods Distribution, we regularly receive and transfer slip sheet loads into FDA-compliant cold storage in Santa Clara. We ensure proper handling of frozen, chilled, and dry freight—pallet or no pallet.

Need Help with Slip Sheet Shipments?

If your next container includes goods on slip sheets, contact us to confirm capacity and prepare for smooth receiving. Whether you need short-term cold storage or USDA/FDA inspection support, we’re ready to help.