A lead board is the outermost deckboard at either end of a pallet deck. Its name describes its position near the end where equipment approaches, rather than a particular wood species or board size. Pallet drawings may specify lead boards separately from the interior boards because their dimensions or connection details can differ.
When reporting damage, specify which end and deck are affected instead of simply saying an edge board is broken. A clear photograph helps distinguish a lead board from a stringer or another part of the base. Do not infer that a pallet remains usable just because its interior boards look sound. See our pallet audit guide for the wider inspection process.