Pallet sizes, and the loads each one is for

There is no universally accepted standard for pallet dimensions. What the trade has instead is a short list of footprints that particular industries settled on, and in North America one of them, the 48 x 40, outnumbers the rest. Each size below has its own page with the footprint drawn to scale over a 48 x 40, so you can see the difference at a glance, and notes on what changes in the build at that size.

The Euro pallet is the one common size given in millimetres: 800 x 1,200 mm. If your freight goes to or comes from Europe, say so on the request.

Choosing a footprint starts with the product. A load that overhangs the deck crushes its edge cartons and catches on racking and trailer walls; a load that leaves a wide margin shifts in transit and wastes space. Pallets should also pack tightly inside trailers and containers, so the truck isn’t carrying air. Where a customer, a plant or a retailer sets the size, its requirement decides. Odd and metric sizes are quoted exactly as your drawing shows them.