Pallet Specifications

Detailed pallet specifications including deck board counts, stringer configurations, weight capacities, and construction details for all standard sizes.

Construction DetailsWeight SpecsDeck Boards

Standard Pallet Specifications

Size	Height	Top Boards	Bottom Boards	Stringers	Max Load Capacity	Weight	Primary Use
48×40	5.5 inches	7	5	3	4,600 lbs	37 lbs	Grocery, retail, general freight
42×42	5.5 inches	7	4	3	4,450 lbs	36 lbs	Telecommunications, paint, coatings
48×48	5.5 inches	6	3	3	4,700 lbs	37 lbs	Chemical drums, automotive
40×48	5.5 inches	7	4	3	3,700 lbs	42 lbs	Automotive parts, manufacturing
48×42	5.5 inches	7	4	3	4,350 lbs	35 lbs	Regional distribution
40×40	5.5 inches	6	3	3	3,550 lbs	29 lbs	Small products, limited space
36×36	5.5 inches	6	4	3	3,550 lbs	32 lbs	Beverage bottles, cans
44×56	5.5 inches	8	5	3	6,000 lbs	45 lbs	Glass bottles, aluminum cans

48×40: GMA Standard - Most common size

42×42: Square pallet - Telecom industry

48×48: Chemical industry standard

40×48: Automotive industry

48×42: Regional variant

40×40: Compact square

36×36: Beverage industry

44×56: Glass/can industry

Construction Type Comparison

Type	Entry Options	Durability	Key Features
Stringer Pallet Uses 2×4 inch stringers running parallel to pallet length	2-way or 4-way (if notched)	Good for medium-duty applications	• 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
Block Pallet Uses solid wood blocks between deck boards	4-way entry standard	Excellent for heavy-duty applications	• 9 blocks standard (3×3 pattern) • Always 4-way forklift entry • More durable than stringer • Higher load capacity • Better for heavy-duty use
Skid (Single Deck) No bottom deck boards, just top deck on stringers	2-way entry only	Light-duty applications only	• Lightest weight option • Most economical • Easy to handle and stack • Limited load capacity • Good for one-way shipping

Pallet Grade Specifications

Grade	Description	Characteristics	Price Level	Best For
Grade A (#1)	Highest quality recycled pallets	✓ No stringer repairs ✓ Dry and free of contaminants ✓ Meets food-grade standards ✓ Minimal wear and discoloration ✓ All original components intact	Premium pricing - sold as-is	Food industry, export, high-value goods
Grade B (#2)	Good quality with minor repairs	✓ May have stringer repairs ✓ Some block or plug repairs allowed ✓ Worn and discolored appearance ✓ Structurally sound ✓ Most popular grade	Standard pricing - sold as-is	General freight, warehousing, distribution
Grade C (#3)	Fair condition with visible repairs	✓ Multiple repairs visible ✓ Heavy wear and discoloration ✓ Some broken or missing boards ✓ Still functional but cosmetically poor ✓ Budget option	Discounted pricing - sold as-is	One-way shipping, internal use only
Cull/Scrap	Beyond repair, parts/recycling only	✓ Broken stringers or blocks ✓ Multiple missing boards ✓ Unsafe for load bearing ✓ Suitable for parts only ✓ Recycling material	Lowest pricing - sold as-is	Parts harvesting, wood recycling

Wood Species Specifications

Species	Properties	Common Use	Characteristics
Southern Yellow Pine	High strength, good nail holding, moderate weight	Most common for new pallets	StrongReadily availableCost-effective
Oak (Red/White)	Very strong, heavy, excellent durability	Premium applications, export pallets	Highest strengthHeavy weightLong-lasting
Douglas Fir	Good strength-to-weight ratio, straight grain	West Coast manufacturing	LightweightStraight grainGood strength
Mixed Hardwood	Variable properties depending on species mix	Recycled pallet manufacturing	Variable qualityCommon in used palletsMixed characteristics

Truckload Capacity (53ft Trailer)

Configuration	Quantity	Est. Weight	Notes
48×40 - 53' Dry Van	616 pallets	22,792 lbs	Standard loading - most efficient
48×40 - 48' Dry Van	528 pallets	19,536 lbs	Shorter trailer
48×40 - Flatbed	440 pallets	16,280 lbs	Open deck, height restricted
42×42	550-600 pallets	19,800-21,600 lbs	Square stacking pattern
48×48	440 pallets	16,280 lbs	Larger footprint reduces count
36×36	750-800 pallets	24,000-25,600 lbs	Compact size allows more units

Quick Reference

Standard Height

5.5" (0.5" deck + 3.5" stringer + 0.5" deck)

Market Share

48×40 GMA = 95% of North America

Entry Types

2-way (stringers) / 4-way (notched or block)

DISCLAIMER:

All used pallets sold AS-IS, no warranties. Grades are subjective estimates. Specifications are approximate. Buyer responsible for inspection and suitability.