Computing Pallet Requirements.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

5-120(min)

1 fork truck

(2) In the same operation, a requirement exists to

move 192 pallets the same distance in the same time

frame.

192

5-120

4forktrucks

(3) A requirement exists to relocate 4,064 pallet loads a

4-29. Computing Pallet Requirements.

distance of 1,500 feet. Time allotted is 3 days. Since

the distance is greater than 400 feet (max travel

a. The investment in pallets.

This can be

distance of fork truck), tractor trains are required. One

substantial and should be based upon definite

tractor and 4 trailers carry 8 pallets in a 20-minute round

requirements. The standard pallet is 40 by 48 inches.

trip cycle. It takes 5 minutes for 1 forklift truck to load a

Allowing for overhang (roughly 25 pct), the square feet

train and 8 minutes to unload and stack.

occupied by each pallet is approximately 16 feet (4 by 4

ft). If height permits stacking 4 pallets high, 4 pallets

Step 1

are required for each 16 square feet of net usable floor

Computer pieces of equipment required.

space.

R = 4,064 pallets x 0.33 hrs (20 min) - 24 hrs

b. Not all space is usable. Roof supports, aisles,

8 pallets/train

mechanical equipment required for the building, and

= 7 tractors

other structural losses reduce the gross space to net

Step 2

usable space which should be the basis for computing

7 trailer trains x 5 min - 20 min

pallets.

1 trailer train

c. Percent of occupancy is another consideration.

= 2 forklift trucks for loading

Assuming a goal of 85 percent occupancy of net space

Step 3

is a target, the following is an example of use of the

7 trailer trains x 8 - 20

formula shown in figure 4-106: Compute the pallet

1 trailer train

requirements for 100,000 gross square feet of storage

= 3 forklift trucks for unloading/stacking

space, 70 percent net usable and 85 percent occupancy

with stacking 4 pallets high.

The entire operation will take 7 tractors, 28 trailers (4

trailers per tractor), and 5 forklift trucks with 12

operators to complete the job in 3 days.

(100,000

70x.85)x4

14,875 pallets.

4-71