Methods and apparatus are provided for exchanging pallets. The apparatus includes a pallet-exchange machine having a frame assembly being configured to receive a pallet supporting a load once the pallet is positioned to do just so; a clamp assembly being supported by the frame assembly, and the clamp assembly being configured to clamp and hold the load once the pallet is positioned in the clamp assembly to do just so; and a blade assembly being configured to be movable relative to the frame assembly between a load-support position and an no-load position, and the blade assembly being configured to assist in supporting the load once the clamp assembly is actuated to clamp and to hold the load and once the blade assembly is moved from no-load position to the load-support position to do just so.