
Air pallet systems have revolutionized the way we handle and transport goods, making it faster, more efficient, and cost-effective.
They use compressed air to lift and move pallets, eliminating the need for manual labor and reducing the risk of injury.
Air pallets can be equipped with sensors and controls to monitor and adjust the lifting process, ensuring smooth and precise movements.
This technology has been around since the 1960s, with the first air pallet system being introduced in the United States.
The benefits of air pallet systems are numerous, but one of the most significant advantages is the reduction in labor costs.
Air pallets can move up to 2,000 pounds at a time, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Their compact design also makes them perfect for use in tight spaces, such as warehouses and factories.
For your interest: Which End of Pallet Industry Standard for Lifting Pallets
What is an Air Pallet?
An air pallet is an air caster system integrated into a pallet structure, making the transport of heavy loads effortless.
The system uses four air casters to create a thin layer of air beneath the load, eliminating friction.
The dimensions of the pallet can be fully customized to your specific application.
What Is a Pallet?
A pallet is a platform used to transport goods, typically made of wood or plastic, and designed to be stacked on top of each other.
It's essential to have a sturdy pallet to support heavy loads, but did you know that traditional pallets can be quite heavy themselves?
Pallets come in various sizes, but they're usually around 40 inches by 48 inches.
These dimensions can vary depending on the specific application, but this is a common size you'll find in most warehouses.
A pallet's design allows for easy stacking and efficient use of storage space, making it a crucial component in supply chain management.
What It Does
An air pallet is designed to make moving heavy loads a breeze. Compressed air is the key to its functionality.
It uses four air casters to distribute the air, which creates a thin layer between the pallet and the floor. This thin layer lifts the load, allowing for friction-free movement.
The air casters are connected to distribution hoses that supply the compressed air. This setup enables the pallet to move smoothly and efficiently.
With an air pallet, you can move heavy loads without straining your back or damaging the floor. It's a game-changer for any industry that relies on heavy lifting.
Benefits and Advantages
Air pallets offer numerous benefits and advantages that make them an attractive solution for various industries. High capacity and stability are just a few of the advantages, thanks to the four air casters that provide a stable and safe transport solution.
Air pallets can be customized to meet specific needs, from dimensions and air caster types to additional features like lifting and drive systems. This customization enables companies to tailor the system to their unique requirements.
Efficiency, flexibility, and ease of use are also key benefits of air pallets. They enable effortless movement of heavy loads with minimal effort, making them ideal for warehouses and manufacturing environments.
Here are some of the key industries that benefit from air pallets:
- Material Handling: Ideal for moving heavy materials in warehouses and manufacturing environments.
- Transport Tools: As an integrated tool in production lines, air pallets facilitate the movement of heavy parts or modules between stations.
- Inspection & Maintenance: With the optional lifting function, loads can be raised to an ergonomic height for maintenance or inspection.
- Automated Solutions: When equipped with a drive system, air pallets can be seamlessly integrated into automated environments.
Air pallets can handle heavy loads, with some systems capable of handling up to 24 tons. This increased capacity is especially useful for companies that require frequent movement of heavy machinery.
Specifications and Options
Air pallets come in a range of sizes, from small to large, to suit different needs and applications.
The smallest air pallets have a footprint of about 16 inches by 16 inches, ideal for small items and tight spaces.
They can support loads of up to 1,000 pounds, making them suitable for a variety of tasks.
Larger air pallets, on the other hand, can have a footprint of up to 48 inches by 48 inches and support loads of up to 2,000 pounds.
Some air pallets are designed for specific industries, such as the healthcare industry, where they must meet strict cleanliness standards.
These air pallets often have a smooth, easy-to-clean surface and can be made of materials like stainless steel or plastic.
Specifications

The specifications of a product can make a big difference in its performance and overall value. The standard engine size for the new model is 2.5 liters, delivering 200 horsepower.
This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and efficient shifting. The transmission is designed to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce wear on the engine.
The new model also features a range of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning and blind spot detection. These features are designed to enhance driver safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
The interior of the new model is equipped with premium materials, including leather seats and a high-resolution touchscreen display. The display is 8 inches in size and provides easy access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings.
The new model has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for a variety of towing applications. The towing capacity is dependent on the engine and transmission configuration.
Additional reading: Standard Pallets Size
Options

Air Pallet Options are designed to make moving heavy loads a breeze. Operator handles come in a T- or U-shaped configuration for easy maneuverability.
The Air Pallets can operate under loads with similar dimensions, making them ideal for concentrated loads. They're designed to handle loads weighing up to 28,000-lbs.
Air Pallets are perfect for areas with low ceiling and door heights, making them a great option for restricted spaces.
Easy Maneuverability
Air Pallets are designed to allow one person to move heavy loads safely and efficiently. They utilize the efficiency of the proven fluid film technology to float the load over the surface on a thin layer of air.
The low profile of the Air Pallet aluminum deck makes it easy to move loads in areas restricted by low ceiling and door heights. This is especially useful in tight spaces.
One pound of force will move 1,000-lbs of load, thanks to the Air Caster Principal. This makes it easy to maneuver heavy loads with minimal effort.
Air Pallets with four or more Air Casters are designed to operate under loads with similar dimensions. This allows for precise movement and control.
Air Pallets can move loads weighing up to 28,000-lbs, making them perfect for moving heavy bulky loads such as paper rolls and steel drums.
Optimizing Cargo Space
Using a pallet loading calculator can save you a significant amount of time and reduce errors in manual load planning.
This tool allows you to quickly and accurately plan the layout of cargo in vehicles or containers, making it a valuable resource for companies that need to optimize their cargo space.
Manual load planning can be a time-consuming process, prone to errors and inefficiencies, which is why more and more companies are turning to tools like pallet loading calculators to support this process.
By using a pallet loading calculator, you can ensure that your cargo is loaded safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of damage or loss during transportation.
Additional reading: Building from Pallets
Manufacturing and Applications
Air pallets are a game-changer for manufacturing applications, offering a lightweight and efficient way to move heavy loads.
They're perfect for handling bulky loads such as paper rolls, steel drums, and other concentrated loads in warehousing and manufacturing settings. Automatic flow control valves ensure smooth operation even with offset loads and irregular surfaces.
Air pallets are ideal for transporting loads in clean room environments, where a clean and safe working environment is crucial. They can also be used to move finished products to shipping and storage areas, precisely aligning machines over footings, and rearranging entire production lines.
Some of the key features of air pallets include:
- Slide mounted Air Caster elements for smooth movement
- Spring loaded No-Load wheels for easy maneuverability
- No-Load swivel wheels for tight spaces
- Supplementary lift bags for extra lift
- Roll Chocks-fixed for reels and rolls
- Automatic Roll Chocks for secure loading
- Guide Wheels for straight tracking on long moves
Many Manufacturing Applications
In manufacturing applications, air pallets are a game-changer. They're perfect for moving heavy, bulky loads such as paper rolls or steel drums in warehousing and manufacturing settings.
Air pallets can handle concentrated loads with ease, making them ideal for transporting loads in clean room environments. This is especially important in industries where cleanliness is paramount.
Automatic flow control valves in air pallets compensate for offset loads and irregularities in the operating surface, ensuring smooth and efficient movement of loads.
Air pallets can be used around volatile liquids and gases safely, providing a clean environment for shop personnel. This is a significant advantage over traditional load-moving alternatives.
With air pallets, you can move loads less expensively compared to other load-moving alternatives, pound for pound. This is a major cost savings, especially in industries where load movement is frequent.
Here are some standard equipment options for air pallets:
- Slide mounted Air Caster elements.
- Spring loaded No-Load wheels.
- No-Load swivel wheels.
- Supplementary lift bags (to provide extra lift)
- Roll Chocks-fixed (for reels and rolls).
- Automatic Roll Chocks
- Guide Wheels (to help the pallet track straight on long moves)
A Better Way to Move Heavy Loads
Air Pallet Systems are designed to allow one person to move heavy loads safely and efficiently. The aluminum extrusion pallets utilize the efficiency of the proven fluid film technology to float the load over the surface on a thin layer of air.
One pound of force will move 1,000-lbs of load, making it a game-changer for manufacturing applications. This is achieved through the Air Caster Principal, which creates a thin, friction-less film of air 0.003 - 0.005 inches thick.
Air Pallets with four or more Air Casters are designed to operate under loads with similar dimensions, making them ideal for small concentrated loads weighing up to 28,000-lbs. This means you can move heavy loads with precision and control.

The system can be used around volatile liquids and gases safely, and your shop personnel are working in a clean environment without the side effects of internal combustion engine emissions. This makes it perfect for clean room environments and areas with sensitive equipment.
Here are some key benefits of using Air Pallets:
- Low initial investment and operating & maintenance costs
- Can replace forklifts, cranes, pallet jacks, and conveyors at a fraction of the cost
- Pound for pound, you can move loads less expensively compared to other load moving alternatives
Safety and Security
Air pallets are designed with safety in mind, working with standard shop air and eliminating the need for costly maintenance. This is because air pallets don't have any moving parts that require upkeep.
The air manifold on one end of the pallet, complete with ¾” NPT fittings, is a key component of this design. Automatic flow control valves also come standard, automatically compensating for offset loads and irregularities in the floor surface.
To prepare and secure pallets for transport, it's essential to choose the right pallet, package goods in collective units, and secure the load. This helps minimize the risk of damaging goods during transport.
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Air pallets excel in terms of safety, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries by providing precise control over the movement of goods. This increased safety factor can also lead to reduced insurance costs for businesses.
Here are the key components of an air pallet system:
- Air manifold on one end of pallet with ¾” NPT fittings.
- Automatic flow control valves: automatically compensate for offset loads and irregularities in floor surface.
- Pressure regulator
- On/off valve for operator control
Innovations and Design
Air pallets are getting a high-tech makeover, and it's all thanks to innovative materials and design. Modern technologies are influencing the development of air cargo pallet construction, introducing new solutions.
Carbon composites are being used in some pallet models, offering even greater strength with minimal weight. This is a game-changer for air transport costs and fuel savings.
Smart pallets with built-in sensors are also becoming more common, allowing carriers to monitor transport conditions like temperature, humidity, and geographical location. This enables them to provide an even higher level of safety and security for the transported goods.
The use of aluminium or plastic instead of wood is a key aspect of air cargo pallets, helping to reduce their weight and save fuel. This is especially important for air transport costs.
Despite their low weight, air cargo pallets must be characterized by a high level of strength, which aluminium and high-quality plastic provide.
Worth a look: Air Cargo Pallets
Aviation and Transport
Air pallets are used to transport cargo in the aviation industry, where they can be loaded into aircraft quickly and efficiently.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommends the use of air pallets for cargo transport due to their ability to reduce handling time and increase safety.
Air pallets can be used to transport a wide range of cargo, including perishable goods, electronics, and machinery.
In the transport industry, air pallets can be used to transport cargo over long distances, often saving time and reducing the risk of damage.
Air pallets can be equipped with specialized containers to protect fragile or sensitive cargo during transport.
Air pallets can be used in conjunction with other cargo handling equipment, such as forklifts and cranes, to streamline the transport process.
Air pallets are often used in airports and cargo facilities, where they can be easily loaded and unloaded from aircraft and other vehicles.
On a similar theme: Industry Pallets
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get free pallets?
To get free pallets, you can either have them donated or find them in a dumpster, but be aware that taking pallets from behind a business without permission is considered stealing.
What size is a pallet airfreight?
A standard air freight pallet measures 304cm x 210cm, suitable for various aircraft types. This size pallet is widely used for air cargo transportation.
Sources
- https://www.aerogo.com/products/aero-pallet/
- https://www.aerofilmsystems.com/product/air-pallet/
- https://asesystems.com/air-caster/air-pallet/
- https://www.goodloading.com/en/blog/pallets/air-cargo-pallet-dimensions-and-characteristics/
- https://www.hovair.com/air-pallets-vs-traditional-pallets-a-comparative-analysis/
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