Abstract: Aspects of a pallet assembly are disclosed including two engagement stringers having a plurality of perpendicular stringers therebetween and engaged, end to end, to each engagement stringer, and one or more inert support surfaces supported thereby. The one or more support surfaces are a plurality of top slats supported and held directly by the frame comprising the stringers and the engagement stringers. The top slats include a structure that is complementary to a feature defined by the frame and that allows the top slats to mate with and be held by the frame. The pallet assembly demands fasteners for assembling the frame; however, in at least one aspect, the pallet assembly of the present disclosure also demands fasteners for attaching the top slats to the frame. In another aspect, the stringers and the engagement stringers each comprise one or more target inserts for reinforcing the frame of the pallet assembly.