Pallet Sizes

6 Standard Pallet Sizes

The standard size pallet in the United States is a 48 inch by 40 inch pallet commonly referred to as a 48 x 40 pallet. The 48 x 40 wooden pallet is the industry standard. The GMA (Grocery Manufacturer’s Association) standard pallet is also a 48 x40. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has helped the freight and logistics industry by approving 6 standard pallet sizes for international use. The standard pallet size is important because global trade has increased during the last 100 years and a standard pallet size can reduce freight cost. Freight cost is reduced when standard pallets are used because less truck space is wasted. Also when standard pallet sizes are used shippers charge less handling fees. Pallet prices for standard prices are also more stable. When your are done with the pallets you can make money with pallet recycling.

6 ISO Standard Pallet Sizes

North American Standard Pallet Size

Dimensions in inches (length x width): 48 x 40 Dimensions in millimeters (length x width): 1219 x 1016 Dimensions in inches (length x width): 42 x 42 Dimensions in millimeters (length x width): 1067 x 1067

Europe Standard Pallet Size

Dimensions in inches (length x width): 47.24 x 39.37 Dimensions in millimeters (length x width): 1200 x 1000 Dimensions in inches (length x width): 47.24 x 31.5 Dimensions in millimeters (length x width): 1200 x 800

Australia Standard Pallet Size

Dimensions in inches (length x width): 45.9 x 45.9 Dimensions in millimeters (length x width): 1165 x 1165

Asia Standard Pallet Size

Dimensions in inches (length x width): 43.3 x 43.3 Dimensions in millimeters (length x width): 1100 x 1100

More North American Pallet Sizes

6 Standard Pallet Sizes

Dimensions in inches (length x width): 48 x 48 Uses for the 48 x 48 pallet size: Drum storage, drum shipment, larger shipments

Dimensions in inches (length x width): 40 x 48 Industries and usage for the 40 x 48 pallet size: military and concrete producers

Dimensions in inches (length x width): 48 x 42 Industries and usage for the 48 x 42 pallet size: Food, Beverage, Chemicals, general shipping

Dimensions in inches (length x width): 48 x 45 Industries and usage for the 48 x 45 pallet size: Automotive, shipping tires

Dimensions in inches (length x width): 44 x 44 Industries using the 44 x 44 pallet size: Smaller drum pallet

Dimensions in inches (length x width): 36 x 36 Industries using the 36 x 36 pallet size: Food and Beverage

Dimensions in inches (length x width): 48 x 20 Industries using the 48 x 20 pallet size: Retail

More European Pallet Sizes

The standard European pallet size is called a EUR 1. A defining feature of the EUR pallet is the EPAL stamp on the left corner leg. This allows easy identification. On the right leg is the EUR stamp. The EUR pallet also has stamps to identify what type of wood it is made out of, which produced the pallets and the year it was made. EUR pallet sizes are as follows: EUR 1 pallet measures 1200 mm x 800 mm or 47.24 inches x 31.50 inches EUR 2 pallet measures 1,200 mm x 1,000 mm or 47.24 inches x 39.37 inches EUR 3 pallet measures 1,000 mm x 1,200 mm or 39.37 inches x 47.24 inches EUR 6 pallet measures 800 mm x 600 mm or 31.50 inches x 23.62 inches

More Information of Pallets

The definition of a pallet is a platform that is used to place goods on for shipping. Forklifts and pallet jacks can pick up pallets. Pallets help reduce costs in storage and shipping. Most pallets are wood but others can be made of plastic, metal, and cardboard.

Basic Types of Pallets

Wood Pallet

The 2 most common type of wood pallet is the stringer and block pallet. The stringer pallet has boards on the sides and middle of the pallet that make a frame for the deck boards to sit on. A block pallet is made with 9 blocks with boards that connect them together. These blocks and boards are the frame and is what the deck boards sit on to make the pallet. Both the stringer pallet and the block pallet can be a 4 way entry pallet, which means a forklift can enter all sides. Although the block pallet is stronger than the stringer pallet the stringer pallet is used more often because the price is cheaper.

Plastic Pallets

Plastic pallets have advantages compared to wood pallets but you will pay a higher price for plastic pallets and they are harder to find. Plastic pallets can be recycled and they are also made from recycled plastic in some cases. Plastic pallets are good to use in the food industry, as there are several food grade options. You can wash a plastic pallet if it gets dirty. Plastic pallets are durable and can be shipped overseas.

Corrugated Pallets

Corrugated Pallets are really lightweight and can reduce shipping costs. IKEA is a well-known company that has switched to corrugated pallets. Corrugated pallets are very easy to recycle because any paper recycler can take them. Also corrugated pallets are safe, as they do not have any nails and wood boards cant break and splinter off. The only draw back of a corrugated pallet is that they are typically only used one time. This means after one use they have too much wear and tear to be used again.