The field performance of 877, 48 by 40, partial, 4-way, wood stringer-type pallets representing 17 different designs was monitored during 3 years of service. After each trip in 16 different unit-loading handling environments, the number, location and level of damage to each pallet was recorded. The relative resistance to damage of the different pallet designs was determined and inferences regarding design and performance relationships were made. For all pallets studied, damage to deckboards was significantly more frequent and severe than damage to stringers. The cumulative effect of all design characteristics studied resulted in more than 500 percent change in durability, from an average of 58 to 298 damage-free handlings. Performance in pallets was significantly affected by 1) wood species; 2) reinforcement of leading-edge deckboards; 3) moisture content of lumber at time of assembly; and 4) the number and type of fasteners used in construction. Plywood deck pallets performed better than lumber deck pallets of conventional design incorporating the same wood species. Pallets constructed with woods exhibiting a wide range of physical and mechanical properties can be designed and constructed to perform comparably in service.