A Complete Guide to Standard Pallet Sizes and Their Importance

When shipping goods through trucks, ships, or other means, the cargo needs to be packed and handled carefully to avoid damage. Pallets play a crucial role in protecting goods during transport. They make it easier to move, load, and store goods across the supply chain. Whether shipping internationally or within the country, pallets ensure that products remain safe and can be transported efficiently.

In this blog, we will explore standard pallet sizes, their importance, types, and other key factors. Plus, we’ll discuss how these pallets make shipping easier and more efficient.

What Are Standard Pallet Sizes?

Pallet sizes vary based on region, industry, and the material used to make them. However, in North America, the most common standard pallet size is 48 inches x 40 inches. This size is recognized by the Consumer Brand Association (CBA). Two other common pallet sizes in North America are 42 inches x 42 inches and 48 inches x 48 inches.

For international trade, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has established six different standard pallet sizes. These sizes depend on the country and the shipping regulations involved.

Why Are Standard Pallet Sizes Important?

Standardizing pallet sizes is key to making the supply chain work smoothly and efficiently. Here’s why pallet size standardization matters:

• Efficient Supply Chain Management: Standard pallet sizes streamline the entire process, ensuring that goods are transported smoothly both domestically and internationally.
• Compatibility with Equipment: Standardized pallets work with forklifts, trucks, and other handling equipment, making loading and unloading faster and easier.
• Optimal Space Usage: Pallets help maximize the use of space in trucks, warehouses, and storage facilities, reducing wasted space and optimizing transportation.
• Easy to Handle: Automated production and transportation systems can easily handle standard pallet sizes without needing constant adjustments.
• Consistency Across Vendors: If multiple suppliers are involved, having standard pallet sizes ensures smooth operations without issues related to pallet incompatibility.

Types of Pallets Used in Shipping

When it comes to shipping goods internationally, there are several types of pallets that are commonly used. Each type has unique features that suit different kinds of cargo. Here are a few types of pallets commonly used:

1. Stringer Pallets

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   • These are the most common type of pallets made from wood. They have boards (called stringers) on each side to give the pallet extra support.
   • Two-way stringer pallets allow forklifts to lift them from two sides.
   • Four-way stringer pallets allow forklifts to access them from all sides, making them more flexible for handling.
   • These are the most common type of pallets made from wood. They have boards (called stringers) on each side to give the pallet extra support.
   • Two-way stringer pallets allow forklifts to lift them from two sides.
   • Four-way stringer pallets allow forklifts to access them from all sides, making them more flexible for handling.

2. Solid Deck Pallets

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   • These pallets have a solid, continuous surface with no gaps. They are often made from wood and are very durable.
   • Solid deck pallets are ideal for transporting small or fragile items because the solid surface offers better protection and stability.
   • These pallets have a solid, continuous surface with no gaps. They are often made from wood and are very durable.
   • Solid deck pallets are ideal for transporting small or fragile items because the solid surface offers better protection and stability.

3. Block Pallets

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   • Block pallets are also known as four-way pallets, as forklifts can access them from all four sides.
   • These pallets use more wood, making them stronger and more durable than other types. They are used for heavier goods.
   • Block pallets are also known as four-way pallets, as forklifts can access them from all four sides.
   • These pallets use more wood, making them stronger and more durable than other types. They are used for heavier goods.

4. Double Wing Pallets

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   • In this type, the deckboards extend beyond the stringers, creating a wing-like effect.
   • Double wing pallets offer a larger surface area, making it possible to transport a higher volume of goods securely.
   • In this type, the deckboards extend beyond the stringers, creating a wing-like effect.
   • Double wing pallets offer a larger surface area, making it possible to transport a higher volume of goods securely.

5. Double Face Pallets

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   • These pallets have decks on both the top and bottom, which adds extra strength and stability.
   • Double face pallets evenly distribute the weight of the cargo, making them ideal for heavy loads.
   • These pallets have decks on both the top and bottom, which adds extra strength and stability.
   • Double face pallets evenly distribute the weight of the cargo, making them ideal for heavy loads.
   • These pallets have decks on both the top and bottom, which adds extra strength and stability.
   • Double face pallets evenly distribute the weight of the cargo, making them ideal for heavy loads.

When Standard Pallets Are Not Suitable

Although standard pallet sizes work for most shipping needs, there are situations where custom pallets are needed. For example, if a product has unique dimensions or is fragile, a custom-sized pallet may be required to protect the goods better during transportation.

In such cases, companies must design pallets with specific measurements to match the product’s needs and prevent damage.

Maximum Pallet Size

In North America, the largest standard wooden pallet size is 48 inches x 48 inches. These large pallets are often used to transport liquids like oil stored in 55-gallon drums.

For air cargo, the largest pallet size usually measures 96 inches x 125 inches, though this size may vary depending on the airline or the type of goods being shipped.

Loaded Pallets

Loaded pallets refer to pallets that are stacked with goods or other pallets for storage or shipping. When loading pallets, it is important to ensure that the weight is evenly distributed to avoid any accidents or damage.

Proper stacking and securing of goods are critical for ensuring that the cargo remains stable and doesn’t put too much strain on the pallets or the goods below.

How Many Pallets Fit in a 40-Foot Container?

If you are using a 40-foot high cube container, you can fit approximately:

• 20 to 21 pallets (48 inches x 40 inches), which are the standard North American pallet size.
• 24 standard European pallets can fit in the same container, as these pallets are slightly smaller.

Pallet Coloring and Markings

Pallets often come in different colors or have stamps and markings on them. These markings provide useful information about the pallets, including their quality and whether they are safe for international shipping.

• IPPC Stamp: Pallets used for international shipping usually have an International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) stamp. This stamp indicates that the wood has been treated to meet international standards.
• Colored Pallets: Many pallet pool companies use different colors to distinguish their pallets. For example:
  • Red pallets: Used by PECO (United States) and La Palette Rouge (Europe)
  • Blue pallets: Used by Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool (Australia)
  • Brown pallets: Used by IPP Logipal (Europe)
• ISPM-15 Stamp: Pallets that meet the International Standards For Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM-15) are treated with methyl bromide or heat to comply with international regulations.
• Lumber Grading Markings: These markings tell you the quality of the wood used in the pallet, including whether it is dried or unseasoned.

Conclusion

Pallets play a vital role in ensuring that goods are transported safely and efficiently across the supply chain. By using standard pallet sizes, companies can optimize their shipping processes, reduce handling time, and maximize space in trucks and warehouses. Whether you’re shipping goods domestically or internationally, knowing the right type of pallet and the correct size can make all the difference in keeping your products safe and reducing costs.

Remember, while standard pallets are the most commonly used, custom-sized pallets may be required for unique products or fragile items to ensure their safe transportation.

FAQs About Standard Pallet Sizes

1. What is the weight of a standard pallet?
   • A standard pallet typically weighs between 30 to 48 pounds.
2. What is the height of a standard pallet?
   • The height of a standard pallet is usually around 6 inches.
3. How much weight can a standard pallet hold?
   • A standard pallet can hold up to 4,600 pounds of goods.

Also Read: What Are High Cube Containers in Shipping? Meaning, Types and Uses