What Is A Slip Sheet Tab?

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A slip sheet tab (also called a lip) is the extended flap on a slip sheet that a push/pull forklift attachment grabs to pull the load onto the platen and later push it off at the destination.

In plain English: the tab is the “handle” that makes slip sheets usable. No tab = no reliable pull.

Now let’s break it down the way it matters on the dock: what it does, why it fails, and how to choose the right tab setup so you don’t create a receiving nightmare.

What The Tab Does (The Only Job It Has)

The tab exists for one reason:

âś… So the push/pull clamp can grab it and move the load.

A push/pull attachment:

  1. clamps onto the tab

  2. pulls the slip sheet (and the product) onto a metal platen

  3. transports the load

  4. pushes the load off at delivery

So the tab is the connection point between your load and the handling equipment.

Why The Tab Matters So Much

The tab isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s the most abused part of the slip sheet.

If the tab fails:

  • the clamp can’t hold

  • the load won’t pull cleanly

  • the sheet tears

  • cartons can shift

  • unloading slows down

  • receivers get pissed (and sometimes reject the lane)

So tab design directly affects:

  • speed of loading/unloading

  • load stability

  • failure rate

  • whether slip sheets are practical at all

Common Slip Sheet Tab Styles

1) Single Tab (Most Common)

One tab on one side.

Used when:

  • the handling direction is consistent

  • receivers always pull from the same side

  • cost and simplicity matter

2) Two Tabs (More Flexibility)

Tabs on two sides (usually opposite sides).

Used when:

  • you need flexibility for how loads are oriented

  • the receiver may pull from either direction

  • docks aren’t consistent

3) Four Tabs (Maximum Flexibility)

Tabs on all four sides.

Used when:

  • loads might be handled from any direction

  • you have multiple receiving sites

  • you want “no excuses” flexibility

Four-tab is the “make this idiot-proof” option — but it can cost more and requires proper stacking so tabs aren’t crushed.

What A Tab Is Made From

The tab is part of the slip sheet material:

  • Plastic slip sheet → plastic tab (more tear-resistant, moisture-resistant)

  • Paper slip sheet → paperboard tab (good for dry lanes, can tear if under-spec’d)

  • Fiber slip sheet → dense fiberboard tab (stronger than basic paperboard)

The heavier the load and rougher the lane, the more you want strength at the tab.

The #1 Problem With Tabs: Tearing

Tab tearing happens because of:

  • load too heavy for the sheet grade

  • clamp pressure too aggressive or inconsistent

  • pulling angle is wrong

  • tab is too short or too thin

  • edge of the tab gets damaged in transit or staging

  • friction is too high between load and sheet/platen

Most “slip sheets don’t work” complaints are actually tab + spec mismatch complaints.

How To Choose The Right Tab Setup (Quick)

Pick based on these real-world factors:

1) Receiving Dock Consistency

  • Same dock, same orientation every time → single tab is fine

  • Multiple receivers / unpredictable orientation → two or four tabs

2) Load Weight

Heavier load = stronger tab requirement.
This often means:

  • thicker gauge plastic

  • higher grade fiberboard

  • reinforced or coated material (depending on lane)

3) Handling Speed and Abuse Level

Fast-paced DC with tight dock turns = choose a tougher tab setup.
If they’re rough, don’t spec the cheapest sheet and expect miracles.

4) Moisture / Environment

Humidity and wet docks can weaken paper-based tabs.
If moisture is possible, plastic or coated fiber becomes smarter.

Best Practices So Tabs Don’t Get Destroyed

  • Don’t let product sit on the tab area (keep the tab clear)

  • Train operators not to clamp too far into the load

  • Make sure the push/pull clamps align straight on the tab

  • Choose the right sheet grade for the load weight

  • Use stretch wrap to stabilize the load so pulling doesn’t shift cartons

Do those and slip sheets become smooth and predictable.

Bottom Line

A slip sheet tab is the lip/flap on a slip sheet that a push/pull forklift attachment clamps onto to pull and push the load. It’s the key contact point for handling, and the most common failure point if the sheet grade, tab design, or handling setup is mismatched to the load and lane.

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