Euro Pallet Dimensions, Weight and EPAL Specifications

Quick Overview

An EPAL Euro pallet, also called EPAL 1, has a footprint of 1,200 × 800 mm and stands 144 mm high. When preparing a shipment, check the pallet specification alongside the dimensions and weight of the complete packed load.

EPAL Euro pallet dimensions and specifications

Source: EPAL’s official Euro pallet specifications.

Shipping between Europe and the US? See the US vs Euro pallet size comparison for footprint and quote-measurement differences.

The empty pallet height is different from the height of a loaded shipment. For a freight quote, measure from the bottom of the pallet to the highest point of the packed goods.

Is every Euro-size pallet an EPAL pallet?

A pallet with a 1,200 × 800 mm footprint is not automatically an EPAL pallet. The footprint describes its size; EPAL identification also involves the prescribed markings and compliance with the association’s requirements.

Check the EPAL marks, production identification and applicable treatment marks against the official EPAL identification guide. Do not rely on an EUR logo alone to establish EPAL status.

A plastic pallet can have the same footprint, but the wooden EPAL 1 specifications above should not be applied to it.

How much weight can a Euro pallet carry?

EPAL publishes a safe working load of 1,500 kg for EPAL 1. That figure should not be treated as a universal rating for every pallet with the same dimensions.

Check the pallet’s condition, the way the load is distributed and the intended handling or storage arrangement. Damaged pallets require assessment against EPAL’s criteria. See the EPAL specifications and condition requirements.

For the shipping quote, provide the gross weight of each loaded pallet, including the pallet, goods and packaging.

Calculate the volume of a loaded Euro pallet

Use the outside dimensions of the complete packed shipment:

Length × width × total loaded height = volume in cubic meters

Hypothetical example: eight loaded pallets each measure 1.20 × 0.80 × 1.10 m, including the pallet base and packaging.

• Volume per pallet: 1.056 m³
• Total volume: 8.448 m³, or approximately 8.45 CBM

If cartons or protective packaging extend beyond the pallet edges, use those larger measurements.

The CBM calculator can total the volume. It does not confirm a loading layout or the final chargeable quantity for every service.

How many Euro pallets fit in a container?

The answer depends on the pallet layout, actual container dimensions, package overhang, loading clearance and cargo weight.

Illustrative 20ft floor layout: using pallets with an exact 1.20 × 0.80 m footprint, without overhang:

This calculated arrangement fits within the 5.900 × 2.352 m internal floor dimensions of Hapag-Lloyd’s 20ft standard container example.

It is a geometric example, not a guaranteed loading plan or maximum capacity. Confirm the loaded dimensions, door clearance, handling method, securing space and weight before booking. Eleven floor positions also do not mean eleven pallets can automatically be double-stacked.

See the container pallet-loading guide for further planning.

Wood treatment for international shipments

ISPM 15 addresses phytosanitary treatment and marking of regulated wood packaging used in international trade. Its scope includes raw-wood packaging and dunnage; some processed-wood materials are excluded. Check the destination’s requirements for your shipment. IPPC: ISPM 15.

EPAL states that newly produced EPAL Euro pallets have been heat-treated under ISPM 15 since 2010. EPAL branding and the IPPC treatment mark serve different purposes, so check both where relevant. EPAL treatment and marking requirements.

For cargo entering the United States, consult the current USDA APHIS wood-packaging guidance.

Euro pallet or GMA pallet?

The EPAL 1 footprint is 1,200 × 800 mm. The common GMA footprint is 48 × 40 inches, equivalent to 1,219.2 × 1,016 mm.

Choose a pallet accepted by the receiving warehouse and suitable for its handling equipment. Check the buyer’s specifications before packing, especially when shipping between Europe and North America.

Read the GMA pallet dimensions guide for the US format.

Get a quote for palletized freight

Prepare your origin, destination, cargo-ready date, pallet count, packed dimensions and gross weight. State whether the goods can be stacked and whether pickup or delivery requires special equipment.

Compare ocean freight options.