Currently, various standard pallet size in feet are used in countries around the world. Pallets are flat transport structures used to hold goods in a stable position when lifted by forklifts or other lifting equipment.
Developed countries implement the most efficient transportation method where pallets play a crucial role in facilitating the loading and unloading of goods using forklifts for transfer to trucks or containers. This pallet-based loading and unloading system is called the total palletization system.
To decide which pallet size to use for a company or country, one of the easiest ways is to choose the standard pallet size in feet most commonly used by existing companies.
However, selecting a pallet size is not that simple. Several factors must also be considered, including comfort, strength, ease of maintenance and repair, and cost. Pallet size must also consider the size of the container used for shipping.
To know which standard pallet size in feet you need to choose, find out in this article!
Contents
American Pallet Size in Feet
The American standard pallet size in feet is 4’ × 3.33’, equivalent to 48 inches × 40 inches. Its standard name is GMA pallet (Grocery Manufacturers Association), and its typical weight capacity is 2,000–2,500 lbs.
This pallet size is the most commonly used for shipping and warehousing in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. When using American pallets for shipping containers, especially standard 20’ and 40’ containers, there are some important considerations.
You can typically fit 10 standard GMA pallets in a single stack (floor-loaded) of a 20’ container. With double stacking (if possible with the cargo), the 20’ container can fit up to 20 pallets
Meanwhile, if you use a 40’ container, you can typically fit 20 standard GMA pallets in a single stack. With double stacking, this size can fit up to 40 pallets
These numbers assume floor loading with no extra packaging around the pallets. If you use racking or internal bracing, the number may be slightly less.
European Pallet Size in Feet
Euro pallet dimension is 3.94 ft × 2.63 ft, or 47.24 in × 31.5 in. Euro pallets are slightly narrower than GMA pallets, which helps optimize space in ISO containers.
Just like the name, the pallet is popularly used in Europe. They are best for intra-European and global exports.
They are preferred in European logistics and are commonly used in international trade. EPAL-certified pallets are standardized for strength, safety, and reusability.
If you are about to fit the European pallet, the 20’ container can fit 11 Euro pallets on the floor, a tight fit with minimal clearance. Pallets are often arranged in a “European block stow” pattern for better space efficiency, with configuration: 5 along the length + 2 crosswise.
Meanwhile, for the 40’ container, you can fit 23-25 Euro pallets. This can be double stacked if cargo and regulations allow (up to 50 pallets total), with a common configuration: 11 along the length + 2 crosswise (tight block stow).
Other Pallet Size in Feet
Other than the American and European pallets, there are also Australian and Asian pallets with these specifications:
Australian Pallet
The Australian standard pallet is commonly found in Australia but is rarely found elsewhere. It is a square pallet originally made of hardwood 3.8’ × 3.8’ in size, which fits perfectly in the RACE container of the Australian Railway.
They are ill-suited for the standard 20’ and 40’ ISO shipping containers used around the globe in storage and warehousing. They are popular pallets for racking, with the right shape and size to be removed from transport and directly onto warehouse racking for storage.
Australian standard pallets are usually manufactured in hardwood, but can also be manufactured using lighter timber suitable for use as disposable pallets using 16 millimeter boards.
Asian Pallet
In Asia, the most common standard is the Asia Pallet Standard (ISO 6780-compliant). They are commonly used, especially in Japan, China, and other parts of East and Southeast Asia.
The Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) pallet size in feet is 3.6’ × 3.6’. It usually has a 4-way entry (usually). Eight of them can fit inside a 20’ container, while 16-18 of them can fit in a 40’ one.
JIS Pallets are most efficient in square stacking, but can leave space gaps in standard ISO containers.
Conclusion
There is not a single “universal” pallet size for containers, but the American and European ones are optimized for fitting efficiently inside ISO shipping containers.
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