How Much Does a Pallet Weigh? Empty vs Loaded Weight

Quick Overview

• Empty pallet weight: The pallet itself, before goods and additional packaging are added.
• Loaded gross weight: The complete palletised unit, including goods, cartons, the pallet and securing materials.
• Load capacity: The load a pallet is rated to support under specified conditions. It is not the pallet’s own weight.

Use a supplier’s specification for an initial estimate, then weigh the finished unit before submitting final shipment details.

How Much Does an Empty Pallet Weigh?

The following are published examples for named products, not universal weights for their size or material.

The Craemer figure applies to the stated article; other H1 configurations have different specifications. Likewise, the CHEP example does not establish the weight of every GMA-format pallet.

For footprints and format-specific details, see our Euro pallet guide and GMA pallet guide.

Why Pallets of the Same Size Can Weigh Differently

A footprint identifies floor space, not the amount of material used. Wooden block and stringer constructions can use different board sections, timber species and reinforcement. Moisture, repairs and condition can also affect the weight.

Plastic pallets vary in resin, deck design, runners and reinforcement. Pressed-wood, corrugated and metal pallets have their own specifications. Do not assume that one material is always lighter or that a lighter pallet has the same load capacity.

Choose a pallet that suits the goods, handling equipment and receiving requirements before comparing its tare weight.

How to Calculate Loaded Pallet Weight

Loaded gross weight = goods weight + packaging and securing-material weight + empty pallet weight

Count each component once. If your carton weights already include their contents and packaging, do not add those same materials again.

Worked example

This hypothetical shipment contains 40 cartons on one pallet.

Ten identical finished units would total 4,450 kg. If the pallets, contents or packaging differ, weigh and record each unit separately.

The 25 kg pallet figure is an example input, not a default to apply to every shipment.

Pallet Weight Is Different from Load Capacity

A weight specification and a load rating answer different questions.

For example, EPAL publishes an approximate pallet weight of 25 kg and a separate safe working load of 1,500 kg for EPAL 1. The 1,500 kg figure is not its empty weight or a universal rating for every storage arrangement.

Use the applicable rating and loading conditions for the actual pallet. Concentrated loads, uneven support, damage and stacking arrangements require their own checks.

How to Weigh a Pallet for Shipping

1. Finish packing first. Include cartons, wrapping, straps, protective materials and the pallet.
2. Use suitable weighing equipment. Check that its capacity and platform suit the complete unit and that it is correctly zeroed.
3. Record the complete gross weight. If you tare out the pallet or another support, add back everything that will travel.
4. Match the weight to a pallet ID. Update the packing list and quotation details after any packing change.

Do not subtract the pallet weight when a carrier asks for the gross weight of the palletised unit.

What Weight Should You Give Your Freight Forwarder?

Provide the actual gross weight and external packed dimensions of each pallet, together with the quantity, goods description and stackability.

Air and courier services may compare actual weight with volumetric weight. Use the chargeable and volumetric weight calculator with the factor specified for your service.

For ocean freight, weight is only one part of the quotation. Packed volume, shipment type, route, handling and local charges also matter.

Once the shipment details are ready, use the ocean freight calculator to start a quotation enquiry.