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Pallet Size Guide
Complete dimension reference for standard and custom pallets
Standard Pallet Sizes
The most commonly used pallet sizes in North America, ordered by market share
| Size (L x W) | Metric | Name | Industry | Market % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48" x 40" | 1219 x 1016 mm | GMA Pallet | Grocery/Retail | 35% |
| 42" x 42" | 1067 x 1067 mm | Telecom Pallet | Telecom/Paint | 8% |
| 48" x 48" | 1219 x 1219 mm | Drum Pallet | Drums/Barrels | 7% |
| 48" x 42" | 1219 x 1067 mm | Military/Chemical | Military/Beverage | 6% |
| 40" x 48" | 1016 x 1219 mm | Beverage Pallet | Beverage | 5% |
| 48" x 45" | 1219 x 1143 mm | Automotive | Automotive | 4% |
| 44" x 44" | 1118 x 1118 mm | Chemical/Drum | Chemical | 3% |
| 36" x 36" | 914 x 914 mm | Small Square | Various | 2% |
Size Details & Applications
48" x 40"
GMA Pallet
Most common in North America. Used by Grocery Manufacturers Association members. Fits standard trailer widths.
Grocery/Retail
42" x 42"
Telecom Pallet
Popular in telecommunications and paint industries. Square design maximizes cube utilization.
Telecom/Paint
48" x 48"
Drum Pallet
Designed for 55-gallon drums. Four drums fit perfectly. Popular in chemical and petroleum industries.
Drums/Barrels
48" x 42"
Military/Chemical
Military specification pallet. Also used in chemical and beverage industries.
Military/Beverage
40" x 48"
Beverage Pallet
Common in beverage industry. Same dimensions as GMA but rotated for specific loading patterns.
Beverage
48" x 45"
Automotive
Designed for automotive parts. Fits well in automotive plant layouts.
Automotive
ISO Standard Sizes
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recognized pallet sizes for global shipping
Height & Load Capacity
Standard Heights
Load Capacities
* Capacities vary based on material and construction
Need a Custom Size?
We manufacture custom pallets to your exact specifications. Any size, any configuration.
Request Custom QuotePallets Per Truck & Container
How many pallets fit in standard trailers and shipping containers
Truck Trailers (53')
Double stacked: 52
Double stacked: 48
Double stacked: 44
Double stacked: 52
Shipping Containers
Single layer
Single layer
Can double stack
Can double stack
How to Choose the Right Size
Consider Your Products
Measure your products and packaging. The pallet should be slightly larger than your load footprint to prevent overhang.
Check Storage Requirements
Measure your racking, shelving, or floor space. Ensure pallets fit with clearance for handling equipment.
Think About Shipping
Standard 48x40 pallets maximize truck space utilization. Non-standard sizes may result in wasted cargo space.
Match Industry Standards
Your customers and suppliers likely use standard sizes. Matching them simplifies logistics and reduces handling.
Consider Weight Capacity
Larger pallets typically support more weight, but construction matters. Heavy loads may need reinforced pallets.
Plan for Reuse
Standard sizes are easier to resell, exchange, or return to suppliers. Custom sizes have limited secondary markets.
Size FAQ
Why is 48x40 the most common pallet size?
The 48x40 inch pallet became standard because it optimizes truck trailer space (2 pallets fit side-by-side in a 96" wide trailer) and works well with standard forklift spacing. The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) adopted it as their standard.
Can I use European pallets (EUR) in the US?
Yes, but EUR pallets (1200x800mm / 47.2x31.5") don't fit US trailers as efficiently. They work for import/export but may not be ideal for domestic logistics.
What if my products don't fit on standard pallets?
We manufacture custom pallets to any specification. Provide us with your product dimensions and load requirements, and we'll design a pallet that fits perfectly.
How do I measure pallet dimensions correctly?
Pallet dimensions are always stated as Length x Width (L x W). Length is the dimension parallel to the stringers, and width is perpendicular. Height is measured from floor to top of deck boards.
Does pallet size affect shipping costs?
Yes, non-standard pallets may not maximize truck space, leading to higher per-unit shipping costs. Standard 48x40 pallets are most cost-effective for US domestic shipping.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about this page.
What is the most common pallet size in the US?
The 48x40 GMA pallet is the most widely used size across North America.
Do you stock other standard sizes?
Yes, we support sizes like 42x42, 48x48, and industry-specific dimensions listed in our size guide.
Can you build custom pallet sizes?
We can build custom sizes to fit unique equipment, containers, or racking requirements.
How do I choose the right pallet size?
Match pallet size to your product footprint, racking, trailer width, and handling equipment clearances.
Do different sizes change load capacity?
Yes, deck board thickness, span, and design all influence capacity; we confirm ratings for each size.
Can you provide metric dimensions?
We list both imperial and metric measurements and can build to metric specifications.
Are non-standard sizes harder to source?
Non-standard sizes often require custom builds; we can schedule production to keep you stocked.
Do you handle export size requirements?
We provide sizes common in international standards and can advise on container optimization.
What if my product overhangs the pallet?
We recommend right-sizing or using wing pallets to improve support and reduce damage.
Can you help optimize trailer cube with pallet size?
Yes, we can model how pallet dimensions affect trailer loading and cube utilization.