Most end users pay attention to the design of their pallets after they have problems. Earlier This year, Costco Wholesale turned that model on its head, revamping its pallet spec to improve operations and avoid problems.

They've carried your food, they've carried your clothes, your medicine, and probably part of your house. But unless you work with those industrial, stackable platforms, it's unlikely that you've heard about pallets, or the ongoing pallet wars.

Ikea, which uses 10 million pallets to supply its stores with bookcases, pillows and candles, will ditch wood by January in favor of a lighter, thinner, paper-based alternative the Swedish company says will shave 10 percent from transport costs.