Standard Pallet Sizes: US vs Euro Pallets
Quick overview
The common US pallet footprint is 48 × 40 inches (about 1,219 × 1,016 mm). An EPAL 1 Euro pallet measures 1,200 × 800 mm (about 47.2 × 31.5 inches). These are different footprints; neither is the required pallet for every shipment. Choose a format the receiving facility can handle, then measure the finished, loaded pallet for the freight quote.
US pallet vs Euro pallet: dimensions
| Feature | Common US GMA format | EPAL 1 Euro pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Base dimensions | 48 × 40 in | 1,200 × 800 mm |
| Approximate dimensions in the other unit | 1,219 × 1,016 mm | 47.2 × 31.5 in |
| Base area | About 1.24 m² | 0.96 m² |
| Pallet height and weight | Confirm the actual pallet design with the supplier | EPAL specifies 144 mm height and approximately 25 kg for its Euro pallet |
| Load rating | Depends on the pallet's construction and condition | EPAL specifies a 1,500 kg safe working load for its Euro pallet; handling conditions still matter |
The 48 × 40-inch footprint is common in the US, but “standard US pallet” does not describe a single construction or load rating. An EPAL pallet is a defined product specification. A different pallet that happens to measure 1,200 × 800 mm should not automatically be described as an EPAL pallet. For the specifications of each format, see the GMA pallet guide and EPAL Euro pallet guide.
Which pallet should you use for a US–Europe shipment?
Start with the receiving instructions. Ask the consignee or warehouse whether it accepts the proposed footprint, pallet material, maximum loaded height and weight, and the way the pallet can be lifted. If the shipment passes through more than one warehouse, check the requirements of each handoff.
Check the goods before changing pallet formats. A smaller pallet footprint does not mean the same cartons will fit at the same height. Repalletizing can change the number of units, the packed height and the amount of protective material required.
Check the packaging for international movement. If you use solid-wood pallets, confirm applicable treatment and marking requirements, including ISPM 15. The destination's rules and the actual pallet material matter; a pallet's footprint alone tells you nothing about its treatment status.
Measure the loaded pallet, not just its base
Suppose a finished palletized unit is 1.50 m high, including the pallet, cartons and wrapping. If the load stays within the base:
| Illustrative unit | Calculation | External-volume estimate |
|---|---|---|
| One 48 × 40-inch palletized unit | 1.2192 × 1.016 × 1.50 m | 1.86 m³ |
| One EPAL-size palletized unit | 1.20 × 0.80 × 1.50 m | 1.44 m³ |
This is a dimension example, not a claim that the same goods fit on both pallets. Measure the actual loaded length, width and height, including any overhang. Record the gross weight including the pallet and packaging. Enter those figures in the CBM calculator.
For a smaller ocean shipment, use the measured units in the LCL shipping calculator. If you are planning a full container, see how many pallets fit in a 20-foot or 40-foot container. A base-area calculation alone does not establish how many loaded pallets will fit through the door, meet weight limits or be secured safely.
Pallet details to send with a freight request
- Pallet format and actual loaded length, width and height.
- Number of loaded pallets and gross weight per pallet.
- Any cargo or wrapping extending beyond the pallet edges.
- Whether the units can be stacked, and any handling restrictions.
- Pallet material and applicable wood-packaging treatment details.
- The receiving facility's pallet and delivery requirements.
If either format is acceptable, compare the complete packed shipment in both configurations before booking.
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