Mate hires out freight supports (7)

I believe the answer is:

pallets

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'freight supports' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'mate hires out' is the wordplay.
'mate' becomes 'pal' (I've seen this before).
'hires out' becomes 'lets' (I've seen this in another clue).
'pal'+'lets'='PALLETS'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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