North American Pallet Sizes: Choosing the Right Format
Pallet sizes
North American shipments use different pallet formats depending on the goods, receiving warehouse and handling equipment. Before choosing a pallet, confirm the required footprint, loaded height, load rating and construction with the receiver.
For detailed measurements of the common 48 × 40-inch format, use our GMA pallet specifications guide. For shipments using the European format, see our EPAL Euro pallet guide.
Before knowing how to fit and pack pallets into your container, it is also important to know the types of pallets and their differences. There are many pallet variations, and depending the type of your merchandise and industry you’re in, you may require a certain type of pallet.
Pallets are usually constructed out of wood, but there are some that are made of plastic, metal or other materials. There is no universal or global pallet standard. Shipping companies and manufacturers around the world use varying pallet sizes. The following overview of the most commonly-used pallets in North America will help you understand the important types, best pallet types, and their differences.
| Decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Pallet footprint | The dimensions accepted by the receiver and suitable for the packed goods |
| Loaded height | Total height including the pallet, packaging and protective materials |
| Construction | The supplier’s design and compatibility with handling equipment |
| Load rating | Suitability for the intended handling, stacking and storage conditions |
| International movement | Applicable treatment and marking requirements for the materials used |
| Container loading | Actual packed dimensions, floor layout, clearances and gross weight |
Keep detailed container layouts on the pallet-loading guide, with only the short examples above on the specification pages.
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