I know choosing a suitable pallet size and dimensions can be a challenging process in the shipping and logistics industry.
For this reason, this guide will take you through the fundamental aspects you should know when choosing shipping pallets sizes.
Let’s dive right in.
Recommended Standard Pallet Size Dimensions
Pallets are rectangular or square-shaped flat horizontal structures that give a storing or transportation foundation to goods.
The sizes of pallets vary from one country to another.
The standardization of pallets has progressed in their sizes and reusability.
Pallet sizes and dimensions
The standardization was necessitated by the rise in global trade.
These standards are reflected on the International Organisation of Standardization (ISO) pallet list.
There are many pallet sizes around the world.
Despite this, ISO has only approved six dimensions of the available pallets.
The most used pallet dimensions are;
- Length and width: standard pallets measure 1200 mm by 1000 mm.
- The height of the pallet: in most pallets, it is 145 mm
- The size and thickness of the deck boards (80 mm wide by 190 mm long by 25 mm thick)
- Size of the stringers and blocks
Corner blocks are 160 mm long, 95 mm wide and 95 mm high.
Centre blocks are 95 mm long 95 mm wide and 95 mm high
Stringers are 1200mm long, 95 mm wide and 25 mm thick.
They also have two-wheel openings on the 1200mm length.
The wheel openings are 95 mm in height and 357.5 mm wide.
- The opening height (usually 95 mm)
The standard dimensions of the approved six pallet size are shown in the table below.
| Dimensions mm (LXW) | Dimensions inches (LXW) | unused ISO container floor area | Region of common use |
| 1219 X 1016 | 48 X 40 | 3.7% | North America |
| 1200 X 1000 | 47.24 X 39.37 | 6.7% | Europe, Asia, similar to 48’’ X 40” |
| 1165 X 1165 | 45.9 X 45.9 | 8.1% | Australia |
| 1067 X 1067 | 42.00 X 42.00 | 11.5% | North America, Europe, Asia |
| 1100 X 1100 | 43.30 X 43.30 | 14% | Asia |
| 1200 X 800 | 47.24 X 31.50 | 15.2% | Europe because it fits in most doorways |
The standard sizes of pallets vary depending on the region they are used.
The most dominant regions in shipping have their standard pallet size and dimensions for their region.
The most dominant regions are;
- Europe,
- North America, and
- Australia
Parts of pallets
Let’s look at the standard sizes for each region.
- Standard sizes of pallets in North America
| S/NO | Dimensions (WXL) inches | Dimensions (WXL) mm | Industries of application |
| 1 | 48 x 40 | 1219 x 1016 | Groceries |
| 2 | 42 x 42 | 1067 x 1067 | Telecommunication and paints |
| 3 | 48 x 48 | 1219 x 1219 | Drums |
| 4 | 40 x 48 | 1016 x 1219 | Military and cement |
| 5 | 48 x 42 | 1219 x 1067 | Chemicals and beverages |
| 6 | 40 x 40 | 1016 x 1016 | Dairy |
| 7 | 48 x 45 | 1219 x 1143 | Automotive |
| 8 | 44 x 44 | 1118 x 1118 | Drums and chemicals |
| 9 | 48 x 20 | 1219 x 508 | Retail |
| 10 | 35 x 45.5 | 889 x 1156 | ½ ISO containers in Military |
| 11 | 36 x 36 | 914 x 914 | Beverages |
| 12 | 48 x 36 | 1219 x 914 | Shingles, packaged paper and beverage |
- standard pallet sizes in Australia
| S/NO | Dimensions (WXL) inches | Dimensions (WXL) mm | Region of most use |
| 1 | 45.90 x 45.90 | 1165 x 1165 | Australia, New Zealand |
- standard pallet sizes in European countries
| S/NO | Dimensions (WXL) inches | Dimensions (WXL) mm | Industries of application |
| 1 | 31.5 x 47.24 | 800 x 1200 | EUR, EUR 1 |
| 2 | 47.24 x 39.37 | 1200 x 1000 | EUR 2 |
| 3 | 39.37 x 47.24 | 1000 x 1200 | EUR 3 |
| 4 | 31.50 x 23.62 | 800 x 600 | EUR 6 |
There are other international sizes of pallets that are used in other areas.
| Product name | L x W x H in inches | L x W x H in mm | Countries of most use |
| Timber block pallet | 48 x 40 x 5.55 | 1219 x 1016 x 141 | USA, Italy and New Zealand |
| Wooden pallet | 47.24 x 39.37 x 6.38 | 1200 x 1000 x 162 | Latin America, India, UK, New Zealand and most European countries |
| Wooden & metal pallets | 31.50 x 23.62 x 6.42 | 800 x 600 x 163 | USA, UK and most European countries |
| Wooden pallet | 31.50 x 23.62 x 6.53 | 800 x 600 x 166 | France |
| Wooden pallets | 47.24 x 47.24 x 6.06 | 1200 x 1200 154 | India and China |
| Wooden pallet | 47.24 x 39.37 x 6.06 | 1200 x 1000 x 154 | New Zealand |
| Timber half pallet | 47.24 x 20 x 5.04 | 1220 x 508 x 128 | Canada |
| Bearer pallet | 47.24 x 47.24 x 5.90 | 1200 x 1200 x 150 | Namibia and South Africa |
| Bearer pallet | 59 x 47.24 x 6.13 | 1500 x 1200 x 176 | Namibia and South Africa |
| Wooden pallet | 47.24 x 31.50 x 5.67 | 1200 x 800 x 144 | Europe, South Africa, UK and India |
| Wooden pallet | 45.87 x 45.87 5.90 | 1165 x 1165 x 150 | Australia and New Zealand |
| Pallet Mercosur | 47.24 x 39.37 x 5.71 | 1200 x 1000 x 145 | Argentina and USA |
Custom pallets, however, have no standard sizes and dimensions.
They are designed with specified dimensions by the end-user.
These critical measurements are used for specific supply chain and logistic demands.
The factors involved in designing custom pallets and their sizes are;
- Transport mode
- Destination of the supply chain
- The handling procedures required for the package
- The environmental conditions need by the package
- The size of the package
The custom pallets must meet the weight requirements for loading and the durability of the pallets.
They are not all made of the same size.
Some dimensions include;
- 48 x 45 inches custom pallet: they provide maximum support for Gaylord boxes.
They are most used in the automotive industry.
- 102 x 52 inches pallets: require large and overweight package support.
Most used in the aviation industry.
- 32 x30 inches pallets are four-way types of pallets.
Are beneficial in warehouse storage and access
Mostly used in the e-commerce industry.
- 18 x 18 inches skid: most common in steel and metal industry.
They are best in supporting heavy steel that is rolled or coils
How Pallet Size And Dimensions Determine Weight Carry Capacity
Plastic shipping pallets dimensions
A standard pallet can carry between 3700 pounds to 4600 pounds.
The strength and load capacity of pallets is determined by their size, material and design of construction.
Two same-size pallets can support different weights depending on the material used.
Bottom decked pallets can support more load because of the extra deck at the bottom.
The dimensions also decide the surface area that can support the load capacity.
How Size And Dimensions Determine Price Of Shipping Pallets
There are numerous standard pallets sizes used in shipping.
Bigger pallets will cost more material to construct.
This in effect increases the price of the pallets.
Design dimensions also affect the price of the pallet.
For example, stringer pallets will cost more than block pallets because;
- They can handle more weight
- The stringer boards’ cost adds to the overall cost of pallets.
- They are sturdier and durable compared to block pallets.
How Pallet Size And Dimension Determine Use And Application
The sizes and dimensions of pallets affect the area they can be used.
Each pallet is more effective in its designed area of application.
| Dimensions mm (LXW) | Dimensions inches (LXW) | Dominant areas of application |
| 1219 X 1016 | 48 X 40 | Grocery |
| 1200 X 1000 | 47.24 X 39.37 | Military and cement |
| 1165 X 1165 | 45.9 X 45.9 | Chemicals and beverages |
| 1067 X 1067 | 42.00 X 42.00 | Telecommunication, paint |
| 1100 X 1100 | 43.30 X 43.30 | Drums and chemicals |
| 1200 X 800 | 47.24 X 31.50 | Military ½ ISO container |
Additional Information:
How To Prepare Pallets For Global Shipment
Pallets Manufacturers In China
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