Pallet size is considered an important component in the logistics and shipment industry. In freight shipment, standard pallet size handles your goods to maximize trailer space. Pallet sizes may include formal standards or informal standards. It may vary from industry to industry or country to country. But, pallet sizes can be custom-made per the supply chain’s requirements.
Let’s dive deep into the article to list standard-size information for operations in Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia.
Let’s Started with Pallet Dimensions
Many factors influence the formulation of pallet standards in the entire logistics system. The main need is coordinating with trucks, railroad wagons, storage racks and forklift forks. You may not understand why there are so many factors to consider in pallet standards. Its primary purpose is for the following two points.
- The pallet can be loaded into the carrier smoothly.
- The space utilization rate of transportation can be as high as possible.
The carriers’ inner width is an important constraint in determining pallet size.
In China, the inner width of most containers is 2330 mm. The internal width minus 50 mm is the workable space. (That is, the actual space available for placing pallets) There are two standard sizes of pallets derived from this principle. One is a square tray: 1100 mm*1100 mm. The other is a rectangular tray: 1200 mm*1000 mm. But, in actual use, the size specification of 1200 mm*1000 mm will be recommended first. According to the actual survey, the international mainstream packaging modulus is 600 mm*400 mm. Considering the principle of coordination between the pallet size and product packaging modulus, only 1200 mm*1100 mm meets the requirements. Although 1100 mm*1100 mm is very suitable for the size of the container, it does not match the packaging modulus of mainstream products worldwide.
Common standard pallet size
According to the available information, the common standard pallet size of the world’s top ten trading countries (USA, China, Germany, UK, Japan, France, Korea, Italy, Canada, India) are compiled, and the common ESD Plastic Pallet, Racking Plastic Pallet, Nestable Plastic Pallet are all available in the market. The common ESD Plastic Pallet, Racking Plastic Pallet, Nestable Plastic Pallet can be used. The following table shows the recommended sizes.
Common standard pallet size
| Area/Country | Standard Size Dimensions W*L(mm) |
|---|---|
| Asia | 1200*1000 |
| CHINA | 1200*1000（Recommend） |
| 1100*1000 | |
| JAPAN | 1200*1000 |
| 1100*1100 | |
| South Korea | 1200*1000 |
| 1100*1100A | |
| INDIA | 1200*1000 |
| European | 1200*800 |
| Germany | 1180*1265 |
| U.K. | 1200*1000 |
| 1000*1000 | |
| France | 1200*800 |
| Italy | 1200*1000 |
| North America | 1016*1219 |
| U.S.A. | 1200*1000 |
| Canada | 1200*1000 |
The above dimensions are for reference only for most of the plastic pallets required for cargo, if you need to customize, please contact SHANGHAI FAVOS PACKAGING TECH CO., LTD for more information.
What is meant by ISO Pallet Size?
There are different sizes available in pallets in the market. However, the International Organization Standardization (ISO) has approved six standard sizes for Pallets.
The ISO standardization process makes it easy to transfer goods to the international market. So, there is no point in extra delays and expenses upon arrival in a different country. This process also enables the company to calculate how many pallets are going to fit into the container for shipment
ISO Standard Pallet Size
| Dimensions W x L (mm) | Dimensions W x L (inches) | Wasted floor, ISO container | Region Most Used In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1100 x 1100 | 43.30 x 43.30 | 14% | Asia |
| 1016 x 1219 | 40 x 48 | 3.7% (20 pallets in 40 ft ISO) | North America |
| 1067 x 1067 | 42.00 x 42.00 | 11.5% | North America, Europe, Asia |
| 800 x 1200 | 31.50 x 47.24 | 15.2% | Europe; fits many doorways |
| 1165 x 1165 | 45.9 x 45.9 | 8.1% | Australia |
| 1000 x 1200 | 39.37 x 47.24 | 6.7% | Europe, Asia, similar to 40″ x 48″ |
Standard pallet Size in North America
Although the standard size for both plastic and wood pallets is 40″x48″ footprint, it is one of the six sizes determined by ISO Pallet sizes. The 40″x48″ is also determined by the Grocery Manufacturer’s Association (GMA). However, In North America, there are many pallet sizes for handling and managing the products. These sizes depend on the specific need of the industries.
Standard Pallet Sizes in North America
| Dimensions W x L (inches) | Dimensions W x L (mm) | Industries of application |
|---|---|---|
| 48 x 40 | 1219 x 1016 | Groceries |
| 42 x 42 | 1067 x 1067 | Telecommunication and paints |
| 48 x 48 | 1219 x 1219 | Drums |
| 40 x 48 | 1016 x 1219 | Military and cement |
| 48 x 42 | 1219 x 1067 | Chemicals and beverages |
| 40 x 40 | 1016 x 1016 | Dairy |
| 48 x 45 | 1219 x 1143 | Automotive |
| 44 x 44 | 1118 x 1118 | Drums and chemicals |
| 48 x 20 | 1219 x 508 | Retail |
| 35 x 45.5 | 889 x 1156 | ½ ISO containers in Military |
| 36 x 36 | 914 x 914 | Beverages |
| 48 x 36 | 1219 x 914 | Shingles, packaged paper and beverage |
Standard Pallet Size in European Countries
Many different pallet sizes have emerged in European countries as each country developed its requirements of material needs. The standard European pallet is called Euro-pallet, EPAL Pallet or EUR pallet. The dimension size of these pallets is 1200mm×800mm (31.50”×47.24”), and it is also part of the approved list by ISO Pallet sizes.
European Pallet sizes
| EURO pallet type | Dimension (W x L) in mm | Dimension (W x L) in Inches | ISO Pallet Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR, EUR 1 | 800 mm x 1200 mm | 31.50″ x 47.24″ | ISO 1 same size as EUR |
| EUR 2 | 1200 mm x 1000 mm | 47.24″ x 39.37″ | ISO 2 |
| EUR 3 | 1000 mm x 1,200 mm | 39.37″ x 47.24″ | |
| 800 mm x 600 mm | 31.50″ x 23.62″ | ISO 0, half the size of EUR | |
| 600 mm x 400 mm | 23.62″ x 15.75″ | quarter the size of EUR | |
| 400 mm x 300 mm | 15.75″ x 11.81″ | one-eighth the size of EUR |
Standard Pallet size in Australia
Here is a glimpse of Pallet standardization in Australia
| Dimensions (WXL) inches | Dimensions (WXL) mm | Region of most use |
|---|---|---|
| 45.90 x 45.90 | 1165 x 1165 | Australia, New Zealand |
International Pallet Sizes
There are other international sizes used in different countries.
| 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 | New Zealand, USA and Italy |
| Wooden pallet | 47.24 x 39.37 x 6.38 | 1200 x 1000 x 162 | UK, Latin America, New Zealand, India and other European countries |
| Wooden pallet | 31.50 x 23.62 x 6.53 | 800 x 600 x 166 | France |
| Wooden & metal pallets | 31.50 x 23.62 x 6.42 | 800 x 600 x 163 | USA, UK and most European countries |
| Wooden pallets | 47.24 x 47.24 x 6.06 | 1200 x 1200 154 | China and India |
| Timber half pallet | 47.24 x 20 x 5.04 | 1220 x 508 x 128 | Canada |
| Wooden pallet | 47.24 x 39.37 x 6.06 | 1200 x 1000 x 154 | New Zealand |
| Bearer pallet | 59 x 47.24 x 6.13 | 1500 x 1200 x 176 | South Africa and Namibia |
| Bearer pallet | 47.24 x 47.24 x 5.90 | 1200 x 1200 x 150 | Namibia and South Africa |
| Wooden pallet | 45.87 x 45.87 5.90 | 1165 x 1165 x 150 | Australia and New Zealand |
| Wooden pallet | 47.24 x 31.50 x 5.67 | 1200 x 800 x 144 | Europe, South Africa, UK and India |
| Pallet Mercosur | 47.24 x 39.37 x 5.71 | 1200 x 1000 x 145 | Argentina and USA |
| Automotive Pallet | 47.24 x 39.37 x 5.67 | 1200 x 1000 x 144 | Most European Countries, Brazil, Argentina |
| Automotive Half Pallet | 3.93 x 23.62 x 5.67 | 100 x 600 x 144 | Most European Countries, Brazil, Argentina |
| Blue Shield Plastic Pallet | 47.24 x 39.37 x 5.90 | 1200 x 1000 x 150 | China, Thailand, South Africa |
| Plastic Dolly | 23.62 x 15.75 x 6.81 | 600 x 400 x 173 | Austria, Switzerland |
| Automotive Pallet – US Standard | 45.87 x 48.90 x 5.98 | 1166 x 1242 x 152 | USA, Canada, Mexico |
| Plastic Pallet – 3 Runner | 47.24 x 39.37 x 5.90 | 1200 x 1000 x 150 | China |
| Plastic Display Pallet | 47.24 x 31.50 x 6.30 | 1200 x 800 x 160 | Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom |
Why are standard pallet sizes essential?
After diving into sizes, let’s explore why standard pallet sizes are essential. Modern supply chains optimize operations from start to finish by following standard pallet sizes. Using standard size means the forklift won’t need to adjust fork openings. And also, non-conforming doesn’t require manual intervention.
Here are the reasons why the supply chain needs standard pallet size.
- Efficiency and Automation: The use of a standard pallet size means that goods can move more efficiently. It also reduces the disruption necessary to drive goods. Moreover, handlings systems and automated warehouses need standardization in the dimensions of pallets.
- Promotion of reuse: The use of standard pallet size help to promote the reuse of pallets as compared to custom-made pallets. For instance, in the case of standard pool pallets, empty pallets can be operated by any pool member. But in customized pallets, there’s always a need to relocate the pallets back to the original shipper.
- Elimination of labor: The practice of non-standard-sized pallets promotes labor inefficiencies. Because they deal with re-boarding goods from non-conforming pallets or with unusual-sized pallets that have malfunctioned in conveyors or storage systems. Standard Pallets eliminates labor inefficiencies
- Eliminating solid waste: Once non-standard-sized or custom-made pallets are used, they accumulate due to less market value. Whereas the customer of standard-sized pallets may exist, a strong secondary market may appear.
- Less pricing: The size Standard- pallets are made in large quantities, and refurbishing used pallets is also maintained. This availability and good condition of used pallets generate more competitive pricing.