Standard Pallet Sizes report
The pallet is a platform device used to place goods and products as unit loads during stacking and handling. As an important loading, unloading, storage, and transportation equipment in the logistics operation process, pallets are used in conjunction with forklifts to play a huge role in modern logistics.
For carriers, pallet shipping makes freight handling more efficient and helps maximize trailer space. While they can be custom-made, there are some pallet sizes considered standard within the freight shipping industry. The pallet comes in different sizes and materials. For example, wooden pallets are the most widely used globally, and they are the first choice because of their low price, high bending strength, high load-bearing capacity, and easy repair.
If you ship large quantities of goods or ship large or heavy goods that need to be protected during transfer and safely delivered, using pallets is one of the more efficient ways to ship and deliver. We want to explain more details about the standard pallet sizes in the following article.
Pallet Sizes Guide
Pallet sizes still vary considerably between different countries, although much progress has been made regarding standardization and reusability. It was crucial as increased global trade necessitated standard pallet dimensions, as seen in the ISO Pallet size chart below. However, throughout North America, the standard pallet size is 48" x 40". This pallet size was popularized and standardized by the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA).
ISO Pallet Sizes
Among the many different pallet sizes available, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has approved six pallet dimension which are now widely used as standard pallet size around the globe.
| Dimensions mm (WxL) | Dimensions inches (WxL) | Wasted floor, ISO container | Region Most Used In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1016 x 1216 mm | 40" x 48" | 3.7% (20 pallets in 40 ft ISO) | North America |
| 1000 x 1200 mm | 39.37" x 47.24" | 6.7% | Europe, Asia, similar to 40" x 48" |
| 1165 x 1165 mm | 45.9" x 45.9" | 8.1% | Australia |
| 1067 x 1067 mm | 42" x 42" | 11.5% | North America, Europe, Asia |
| 1100 x 1100 mm | 43.3" x 43.3" | 14% | Asia |
| 800 x 1200 mm | 31.5" x 47.24" | 15.2% | Europe; fits many doorways |
North America Pallet Sizes
While the 40" x 48" pallet is the most common in North America, it is not the only standard pallet size. Several different standard pallet dimensions are used for dairy, beverages, automotive, chemical, and defense industries. You can know some of these common pallet dimensions in the following chart.
| Dimensions mm (WxL) | Dimensions inches (WxL) | Production Rank | Industries Using |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1016 x 1216 mm | 40" x 48" | 1 | Grocery, many others |
| 1067 x 1067 mm | 42" x 42" | 3 | Telecommunications, Paint |
| 1219 x 1219 mm | 48" x 48" | 3 | Drums |
| 1219 x 1016 mm | 48" x 40" | 4 | Military, Cement |
| 1219 x 1067 mm | 48" x 42" | 5 | Chemical, Beverage |
| 1016 x 1016 mm | 40" x 40" | 6 | Dairy |
| 1219 x 1143 | 48" x 45" | 7 | Automotive |
| 1118 x 1118 | 44" x 44" | 8 | Drums, Chemical |
| 914 x 914 | 36" x 36" | 9 | Beverage |
| 1219 x 914 | 48" x 36" | 10 | Beverage, Shingles, Packaged Paper |
| 889 x 1156 | 35" x 45.5" | - | Military 1/2 ISO container, fits 36" standard doors |
| 1219 x 508 | 48" x 20" | - | Retail |
European Pallet Sizes
In Europe, many different pallets have emerged over the years as each country developed its own material handling needs. The standard European pallet known as the EUR Pallet, Europallet or EPAL Pallet. Its dimensions are 1200mm×800mm (31.50"×47.24") and is one of the six approved ISO Pallet sizes.
| EU Pallet Type | Dimensions mm (WxL) | Dimensions inches (WxL) | ISO Pallet Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR, EUR1 | 800 X 1200 mm | 31.5" x 47.24" | ISO1 same size as EUR |
| EUR2 | 1200 x 1000 mm | 47.24" x 39.37" | ISO2 |
| EUR3 | 1000 x 1200 mm | 39.37" x 47.24" | |
| EUR6 | 800 x 600 mm | 31.50" x 23.62" | ISO0, half the size of EUR |
| 600 x 400 mm | 23.62" x 15.75" | quarter the size of EUR | |
| 400 x 300 mm | 15.75" x 11.81" | one-eighth the size of EUR |
Asian Pallet Sizes
The most popular pallet sizes used in Asia are the square 1100mm x 1100mm (43.30″ × 43.30″) and the 1200mm x 1000mm (39.37″ × 47.24″). Both are included in the approved ISO Pallet list. The 1200mm x 1000mm pallet is better suited for export from Asia to Europe and the USA as these dimensions integrate nicely into European and US systems.Australian Pallet Sizes
The most common pallet size in Australia is 1165mm × 1165mm (45.87″ × 45.87″). It is also on the list of ISO Pallet sizes. These dimensions enable two pallets to fit snugly side by side into the Australian railway container, slightly wider than standard ISO containers.
The above standard pallet size charts for different countries or regions are a good starting point when considering exporting your goods to a different country, and do not want to incur the extra expenses and time delays of transferring your goods to local pallets upon arrival. With standard pallet sizes, it is also easy to calculate how much your shipping will cost.
