What Are The Most Common Pallet Sizes Worldwide?

Pallet Sizes for International Shipping

The standards for pallet sizes are unique to different regions of the world. The International Organization for Standardization has created standard specifications for shipping containers and pallet materials, reducing the potential for errors during international shipping. Choosing the right pallet size will ensure that your pallets will not have any issues arriving at their destination. Some countries, like Japan, use their own standard pallet guides to comply with maritime trade standards and the existing dimensions of shipping containers. Pallets in Japan are typically 1100 x 1100 mm, while pallet sizes in China are 1200 x 1000 mm. n Europe, the Euro pallet is one of the most common sizes to accommodate container dimension standards, as well as standard building sizes throughout the continent. Euro pallets are 1200 x 800 mm, and are commonly referred to as a EUR pallet, or EPAL pallet. There is a standard for shipping equipment, and Euro pallets fit racking systems and other equipment to ensure easy distribution of goods. Europe also has 1200 x 1000 mm size pallets for industries that ship heavy equipment, like the automotive industry. New Zealand, Australia, and other Oceania countries use 1,165 x 1,165 mm pallets, which fall under one of the ISO standard sizes.

In Europe, the Euro pallet is one of the most common sizes to accommodate container dimension standards, as well as standard building sizes throughout the continent. Euro pallets are 1200 x 800 mm, and are commonly referred to as a EUR pallet, or EPAL pallet. There is a standard for shipping equipment, and Euro pallets fit racking systems and other equipment to ensure easy distribution of goods. Europe also has 1200 x 1000 mm size pallets for industries that ship heavy equipment, like the automotive industry. New Zealand, Australia, and other Oceania countries use 1,165 x 1,165 mm pallets, which fall under one of the ISO standard sizes.

Selecting the right pallet for international shipping is key to creating a consistent, seamless shipping experience. Ensure that you’re purchasing the correct size of pallets for your domestic and international shipping needs. Franke’s Wood Products offers our clients our long-time professional experience and can provide a consultation on what size pallets you should order.

International Pallet Shipping Requirements

If you ship internationally, you understand the importance of understanding international shipping requirements. Selecting the right pallets can reduce shipping time, prevent delays, and ensure that your pallet will be received without any complications in the destination country.

If using wood pallets, you must ensure your pallets meet ISPM-15 standards. This standard requires any wood pallets to be treated to prevent the transmission of pests. This can be done through fumigation or heat-treatment. Metal and plastic pallets aren’t required to meet this standardization. The size of your pallets should meet the requirements of the country of origin, so you may need different pallets depending on what countries you’re shipping to.

Franke’s manufactures standard U.S. pallet sizes, but can make custom pallets of any size. If you’re shipping internationally, contact us to have high-quality pallets fabricated for your domestic and international shipments. 

What Are GMA Pallets?

GMA Pallets are a widely accepted standard pallet size for shipping pallets in North America. A standard pallet under these guidelines is 48 x 40 inches. The Grocery Manufacturers Association has created this guideline and set the standard for pallet sizes. These pallet dimensions are designed to alleviate logistics problems. Companies can utilize this standardization by ensuring their stores, warehouses, and other facilities can easily accommodate the size of these standard pallets.

GMA pallets are designed to be used for the warehousing, storage, and transportation of consumable goods, including food and beverages; however, the same pallet size has been adopted by other industries. Pharmaceuticals, government logistics, paint manufacturers, industrial applications, chemical industries, automotive, and telecom companies all utilize this same pallet size. In fact, over 30% of the pallets sent within the United States border are GMA pallet dimensions. Because pallet manufacturers must adhere to standards set by the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the quality and build of GMA pallets always meet the same high standard. Pallet dimensions for GTA pallets are 6 and ½” tall, and constructed with boards 3 ½” wide and 5/16” thick.