Pallet Specifications

Complete construction details, weight specifications, and deck board counts for all standard pallet sizes. Essential information for buying and selling used pallets.

Construction DetailsWeight SpecsDeck Boards

Standard Pallet Specifications

Size	Top Deck	Bottom Deck	Stringers	Max Load	Avg Weight	Primary Use
48×40 GMA Standard - Most common size	7	5	3	4,600 lbs	37 lbs	Grocery, retail, general freight
42×42 Square pallet - Telecom industry	7	4	3	4,450 lbs	36 lbs	Telecommunications, paint, coatings
48×48 Chemical industry standard	6	3	3	4,700 lbs	37 lbs	Chemical drums, automotive
40×48 Automotive industry	7	4	3	3,700 lbs	42 lbs	Automotive parts, manufacturing
48×42 Regional variant	7	4	3	4,350 lbs	35 lbs	Regional distribution
40×40 Compact square	6	3	3	3,550 lbs	29 lbs	Small products, limited space
36×36 Beverage industry	6	4	3	3,550 lbs	32 lbs	Beverage bottles, cans
44×56 Glass/can industry	8	5	3	6,000 lbs	45 lbs	Glass bottles, aluminum cans

Pallet Construction Types

Stringer Pallet

Uses 2×4 inch stringers running parallel to pallet length

Key Features

•Most common construction type
•3 stringers standard (sometimes 5)
•Can be notched for 4-way entry
•Lower cost than block pallets
•Good for most general applications

Forklift Entry

2-way or 4-way (if notched)

Durability

Good for medium-duty applications

Block Pallet

Uses solid wood blocks between deck boards

Key Features

•9 blocks standard (3×3 pattern)
•Always 4-way forklift entry
•More durable than stringer
•Higher load capacity
•Better for heavy-duty use

Forklift Entry

4-way entry standard

Durability

Excellent for heavy-duty applications

Skid (Single Deck)

No bottom deck boards, just top deck on stringers

Key Features

•Lightest weight option
•Most economical
•Easy to handle and stack
•Limited load capacity
•Good for one-way shipping

Forklift Entry

2-way entry only

Durability

Light-duty applications only

Pallet Grading System

Grade A (#1)

Premium pricing - sold as-is

Highest quality recycled pallets

Characteristics

✓No stringer repairs
✓Dry and free of contaminants
✓Meets food-grade standards
✓Minimal wear and discoloration
✓All original components intact

Best For: Food industry, export, high-value goods

Grade B (#2)

Standard pricing - sold as-is

Good quality with minor repairs

Characteristics

✓May have stringer repairs
✓Some block or plug repairs allowed
✓Worn and discolored appearance
✓Structurally sound
✓Most popular grade

Best For: General freight, warehousing, distribution

Grade C (#3)

Discounted pricing - sold as-is

Fair condition with visible repairs

Characteristics

✓Multiple repairs visible
✓Heavy wear and discoloration
✓Some broken or missing boards
✓Still functional but cosmetically poor
✓Budget option

Best For: One-way shipping, internal use only

Cull/Scrap

Lowest pricing - sold as-is

Beyond repair, parts/recycling only

Characteristics

✓Broken stringers or blocks
✓Multiple missing boards
✓Unsafe for load bearing
✓Suitable for parts only
✓Recycling material

Best For: Parts harvesting, wood recycling

Common Wood Species

Southern Yellow Pine

High strength, good nail holding, moderate weight

Common Use: Most common for new pallets

StrongReadily availableCost-effective

Oak (Red/White)

Very strong, heavy, excellent durability

Common Use: Premium applications, export pallets

Highest strengthHeavy weightLong-lasting

Douglas Fir

Good strength-to-weight ratio, straight grain

Common Use: West Coast manufacturing

LightweightStraight grainGood strength

Mixed Hardwood

Variable properties depending on species mix

Common Use: Recycled pallet manufacturing

Variable qualityCommon in used palletsMixed characteristics

Truckload Quantities

Pallet Size	Per Truck	Stack Height	Total Weight	Notes
48×40	400-500 pallets	8-10 high	14,800-18,500 lbs	Most efficient loading
42×42	350-450 pallets	8-10 high	12,600-16,200 lbs	Square stacking pattern
48×48	300-400 pallets	8-10 high	11,100-14,800 lbs	Larger footprint reduces count
36×36	500-600 pallets	10-12 high	16,000-19,200 lbs	Compact size allows more units

Key Facts for Pallet Trading

Standard Height

All standard pallets are 5.5 inches tall: 0.5" top deck + 3.5" stringers + 0.5" bottom deck

GMA Dominance

48×40 pallets represent 95% of the North American market - highest demand and best resale value

Entry Types

2-way: forklift from 2 sides only. 4-way: forklift from all 4 sides (notched stringers or block construction)

⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

All used pallets are sold AS-IS with NO WARRANTIES, guarantees, or representations of any kind. These are USED PRODUCTS that will NOT meet strict regulations, compliance requirements, or quality standards. Condition grades (Grade A, Grade B, etc.) are LOOSELY DEFINED and subjective - what one company considers Grade A, another may not. Buyers are solely responsible for inspection, testing, and suitability determination. Load capacities, weights, construction specifications, and condition grades are estimates only and do not constitute any warranty or guarantee of performance, safety, compliance, or fitness for any particular purpose.