SIZE GUIDE

Pallet Sizes Guide

Understanding pallet sizes is crucial for efficient shipping. All sizes available in new or used options for sustainable savings.

Pallet Sizes Guide

Why Choose Us

Quality, reliability, and value for all your pallet needs.

Same-Day Delivery

Fast regional delivery

Quality Guaranteed

Inspected pallets

Buy & Sell

Cash for pallets

Eco-Friendly

Sustainable services

Used Pallets: Save up to 50% with quality inspected used pallets. Same-day delivery available.

Get a Free Quote

We'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Standard Pallet Sizes

SizeNameCommon UseAvailability
48" x 40"GMA PalletGrocery, retail, general shippingIn Stock
42" x 42"Telecom PalletTelecommunications, paintIn Stock
48" x 48"Drum PalletDrums, barrels, square loadsIn Stock
40" x 48"Military PalletMilitary, cementIn Stock
48" x 42"Chemical PalletChemicals, beveragesIn Stock
48" x 45"Automotive PalletAutomotive industryMade to Order

GMA Pallet - The Industry Standard

The 48" x 40" GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet is the most common pallet in North America, accounting for approximately 30% of all new wood pallets produced.

  • Dimensions: 48" L x 40" W x 6" H
  • Weight: 37-50 lbs (depending on grade)
  • Load capacity: 2,500 lbs (dynamic)
  • Entry: 4-way forklift entry
48" x 40"

Most popular size in USA

International Pallet Sizes

Europe

800mm x 1200mm

31.5" x 47.2"

EUR Pallet

Asia

1100mm x 1100mm

43.3" x 43.3"

Asian Standard

Australia

1165mm x 1165mm

45.9" x 45.9"

Australian Standard

North America

1219mm x 1016mm

48" x 40"

GMA Standard

ISO Standard

1000mm x 1200mm

39.4" x 47.2"

ISO Pallet

Half Pallet

800mm x 600mm

31.5" x 23.6"

Display Pallet

Custom Sizes Available

Don't see the size you need? We manufacture custom pallets to any specification. Common custom requests include:

  • • Half pallets
  • • Quarter pallets
  • • Display pallets
  • • Heavy-duty pallets
  • • Oversized pallets
  • • Specialty shapes
  • • Export pallets
  • • Block pallets
  • • Rackable pallets

Pallet Size Guide

Choosing Sizes for Sustainability

Standard 48x40 pallets are easiest to resell and exchange, maximizing sustainability. Non-standard sizes may end up recycled sooner because they're harder to reuse. When possible, design your packaging around standard pallet dimensions. This approach supports circular economy while often reducing costs.

Size Impact on Pricing

Standard 48x40 pallets cost less due to high demand and availability. Non-standard sizes require custom manufacturing or specialized sourcing. Larger pallets use more material, increasing costs. Half-pallets often cost more per square foot than full pallets. Balance size requirements against budget constraints.

Matching Size to Product

Product overhang should not exceed 1-2 inches for safe handling. Underhang wastes cube efficiency in transport. Calculate how your carton dimensions fit on standard pallet sizes. Multiple SKUs may share pallets - design for your most common products. We help analyze optimal pallet size for your mix.

Size and Truck Efficiency

Standard 48x40 pallets fit perfectly in 53-foot trailers - 26 floor positions double-stacked. Non-standard sizes may waste trailer space or require reconfiguration. Container shipping may favor different sizes based on container width. Optimize pallet size for your primary shipping method.

Size and Warehouse Storage

Pallet racking systems are designed around standard sizes. Non-standard pallets may not fit standard rack beams. Floor storage requires consistent sizes for stable stacking. Mixing sizes complicates warehouse operations. Check with your warehouse team before specifying unusual dimensions.

Load Capacity by Size

Larger pallets don't always hold more weight - construction matters more. Standard 48x40 pallets typically support 2,500 lbs dynamic load. Custom sizes can be built for higher capacities with proper engineering. Static capacity in racking differs from dynamic capacity in transport. Specify your load requirements clearly.

Availability by Size

48x40 GMA pallets ship same-day from inventory. Other common sizes like 48x48 and 42x42 are usually stocked. Less common sizes require 1-3 day lead times to source. Custom sizes need 7-14 days for manufacturing. Plan procurement based on size availability to avoid delays.

International Size Considerations

Export shipments may require different sizes for regional compatibility. European markets prefer 800x1200mm (EUR) pallets. Asian markets often use 1100x1100mm dimensions. Using local sizes at destination improves supply chain efficiency. We can source or build international standard sizes for export needs.

Need Help Choosing the Right Size?

Our experts can help you select the perfect pallet size for your application.

Get Expert Advice