Abstract: Provided is (i) a method for reinforcing pallet board loads having internal ventilation channels and (ii) a pallet board brace useful in such method. The method comprises:(a) stacking each tier of the pallet board load in a preselected configuration such that the sides of the boxes on each tier form at least two open channels in fluid communication with one another, wherein at least one end of each channel is open to the exterior of the tier and wherein each channel is at least one inch wide; and(b) bracing the boxes to prevent them from shifting laterally into the open channels by interposing spacing elements between the boxes on opposites sides of the channels, the spacing elements being disposed in fixed relationship to one another by a suitable rigid structure.