When you buy plastic pallets in bulk, the bottom structure is just as important as the deck. The base design controls how pallets nest, sit on racking and interact with forklift forks. The three most common bottom patterns are the 9-leg (nine-foot), Chuan-style (three-runner) and Tian-style (full-perimeter) designs. Each is built for different loads, storage systems and material-handling equipment.
Need the specs first? See our complete plastic pallet sizes and dimensions guide with charts for every standard footprint.
At LSY Plastic, we mold pallets in all three base styles for logistics, cold storage and export clients. This guide compares the structures so you can choose the right one for your warehouse or shipping line.
What Is a 9-Leg (Nine-Foot) Plastic Pallet?
The 9-leg pallet has nine hollow feet arranged in a 3×3 grid. It is the lightest and most economical of the three styles. Because the feet are hollow, identical pallets nest inside one another when empty, reducing return freight by 60–70 percent.
Best uses for 9-leg pallets
- One-way export shipments where pallets are not returned
- Light-duty warehouse storage on flat floors
- Air freight and container loading where every kilogram matters
Limitations
9-leg pallets are not designed for racking. The point-load concentration on nine small feet can cause deflection on beam racks. If you need rack storage, read our pallet racking compatibility guide before you order.
What Is a Chuan-Style (Three-Runner) Pallet?
The Chuan-style base has three continuous runners—one in the center and one on each side. This creates long, straight channels that give forklifts and pallet jacks stable entry from two sides. Chuan pallets are the standard choice for medium-duty racking and stacking.
Key advantages
- Even weight distribution across three runners reduces stress cracks
- Compatible with most beam racks when steel reinforcement is added
- Higher dynamic load capacity than 9-leg designs of the same weight
Runner spacing and fork entry
Standard Chuan runners are spaced to match ISO fork dimensions (540 mm between outer runners). If your fleet uses non-standard forks, ask your supplier for a dimensional drawing before production. At LSY, we validate runner spacing against client fork widths during DFM review to avoid field rejection.
What Is a Tian-Style (Full-Perimeter) Pallet?
The Tian-style base has a solid perimeter frame with cross-members inside, forming a closed rectangular support ring. It is the strongest of the three designs and is often used for double-deck (reversible) pallets.
Where Tian-style pallets win
- Heavy racking loads above 1,500 kg per pallet position
- High-bay warehouses where pallet deflection must be minimized
- Reversible applications where either deck can face upward
Trade-offs
Tian-style pallets use 20–30 percent more material than 9-leg pallets of the same footprint, so they cost more and weigh more. For export, the extra weight can eat into your shipping budget. Our pallet weight comparison breaks down the numbers by size and material.
Comparison Table: 9-Leg vs Chuan vs Tian
| Feature | 9-Leg | Chuan-Style | Tian-Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical static load | 1,000–2,000 kg | 2,000–4,000 kg | 3,000–6,000 kg |
| Rack load (standard) | Not rated | 800–1,200 kg | 1,200–2,000 kg |
| Nesting reduction | 60–70% | 20–30% | None (non-nesting) |
| Entry directions | 4-way | 2-way or 4-way | 4-way |
| Steel reinforcement | Rare | Common | Standard |
| Best for | Export, air freight | Racking, stacking | Heavy racking, reversible |
How Bottom Structure Affects Forklift Access
Forklift entry is not automatic. A 9-leg pallet with wide foot spacing may allow 4-way entry, but a Chuan pallet with narrow runners may only allow 2-way entry unless notches are molded into the runners. If you switch between counterbalance forklifts and hand pallet jacks, confirm that the runner height and notch spacing match both types of equipment.
For a full breakdown of entry directions and warehouse efficiency, see our 2-way vs 4-way entry pallet guide.
Steel Reinforcement and Base Style
Steel tubes are inserted into the runners or perimeter frame during molding. Chuan and Tian designs accept reinforcement naturally because the runners are long and straight. 9-leg designs can be reinforced, but the short foot tubes provide less torsional rigidity. If your rack load exceeds 1,000 kg, order a Chuan or Tian pallet with steel tubes.
Choosing the Right Base for Your Application
- Export one-way shipping: 9-leg nesting pallets keep freight costs low.
- Warehouse racking with return loops: Chuan-style with steel reinforcement balances cost and strength.
- Heavy bulk goods or high-bay storage: Tian-style full-perimeter pallets minimize deflection.
- Reversible double-deck needs: Tian-style is the only practical choice.
Conclusion
The bottom structure of a plastic pallet determines where it can be used, how much it costs to ship and how long it will last under load. 9-leg pallets are light and cheap but rack poorly. Chuan pallets are the versatile middle ground. Tian pallets are heavy-duty and reversible but carry a material premium. Match the base to your storage system, not just your budget.
Need pallets engineered for your specific racking or forklift fleet? Send your rack dimensions and load requirements to LSY Plastic on WhatsApp +86 19311059570 or email fstyx01@lsyplastic.com. We produce 9-leg, Chuan and Tian pallets in HDPE and PP, with optional steel reinforcement, at our 20,000 m² factory in Foshan.