Plastic Pallet Specifications

Complete material specifications, load capacities, and design configurations for all standard plastic pallet sizes. Essential information for buying and selling used plastic pallets.

HDPE & PP MaterialsLoad CapacitiesDesign Types

Standard Plastic Pallet Specifications

Size	Material	Type	Static Load	Dynamic Load	Rack Load	Weight	Notes
48×40×6	HDPE	Rackable	6,000 lbs	2,500 lbs	2,000 lbs	45-55 lbs	Most common size, GMA standard
48×40×5	PP	Nestable	5,000 lbs	2,200 lbs	1,800 lbs	35-45 lbs	Lighter weight, space-saving when empty
42×42×6	HDPE	Rackable	5,500 lbs	2,300 lbs	1,900 lbs	42-50 lbs	Square design, telecom industry
48×48×6	HDPE	Rackable	7,000 lbs	3,000 lbs	2,500 lbs	55-65 lbs	Chemical industry, drum applications
40×48×5	PP	Nestable	4,500 lbs	2,000 lbs	1,600 lbs	38-48 lbs	Automotive industry standard
Euro 47×31×6	HDPE	Rackable	4,000 lbs	1,800 lbs	1,500 lbs	28-35 lbs	European standard size

Material Types & Properties

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

High strength, chemical resistance, impact resistance

✓ Advantages

+Excellent chemical resistance
+High impact strength
+Good temperature range
+UV resistant with additives
+Food-grade options available

✗ Disadvantages

-Higher cost than PP
-Heavier weight
-Less flexibility
-Can become brittle in extreme cold

Best For

Chemical storage, food applications, heavy-duty use

Temperature Range

-40°F to 180°F

PP (Polypropylene)

Lightweight, flexible, good fatigue resistance

✓ Advantages

+Lower cost than HDPE
+Lighter weight
+Better flexibility
+Good fatigue resistance
+Easy to clean

✗ Disadvantages

-Lower chemical resistance
-Less impact strength
-More susceptible to UV
-Limited temperature range

Best For

General applications, automotive, food service

Temperature Range

-10°F to 140°F

Recycled Plastic

Mixed plastic content, variable properties

✓ Advantages

+Lower cost option
+Environmentally friendly
+Good for non-critical applications
+Reduces waste stream

✗ Disadvantages

-Inconsistent properties
-Lower strength ratings
-Limited certifications
-Shorter service life

Best For

One-way shipping, non-food applications

Temperature Range

Variable by composition

Design Types & Configurations

Rackable

Higher cost

Designed to support loads when stored on warehouse racks

Features

•Reinforced deck structure
•Steel reinforcement bars
•Higher load capacities
•Uniform load distribution
•Compatible with rack systems

Load Capacity: 1,500-2,500 lbs (rack load)

Best For: Warehouse storage, distribution centers

Nestable

Lower cost

Designed to nest inside each other when empty

Features

•Tapered design for nesting
•Space-saving storage
•Lower profile options
•Lighter weight construction
•Easy handling when empty

Load Capacity: 1,000-2,000 lbs (static load)

Best For: Return logistics, space-limited storage

Stackable

Standard pricing

Flat bottom design for stable stacking

Features

•Flat bottom surface
•Stable stacking ability
•Standard height profile
•Good for floor storage
•Compatible with conveyors

Load Capacity: 2,000-3,000 lbs (static load)

Best For: Floor storage, production lines

Export

Premium pricing

Designed for international shipping requirements

Features

•ISPM-15 exempt (no heat treatment)
•Moisture resistant
•Chemical resistant
•Easy to clean
•Pest-free construction

Load Capacity: Varies by design

Best For: International shipping, food export

Condition Grading System

New/Unused

100% of market price

Brand new pallets, never used

Characteristics

✓Factory fresh condition
✓Full load capacity ratings
✓No wear or damage
✓Complete documentation
✓Warranty coverage

Best For: Food grade, pharmaceutical, export

Expected Life: 10-15+ years with proper use

Like-New

85-95% of new price

Minimal use, excellent condition

Characteristics

✓Very light wear only
✓No structural damage
✓Full load capacity retained
✓Clean and sanitized
✓Minor scuff marks only

Best For: Food applications, high-value goods

Expected Life: 8-12 years remaining

Good Condition

70-85% of new price

Previously used but structurally sound

Characteristics

✓Visible wear but no damage
✓Maintains structural integrity
✓Some discoloration acceptable
✓All features functional
✓Clean and serviceable

Best For: General industrial use, warehousing

Expected Life: 5-8 years remaining

Fair Condition

50-70% of new price

Functional but showing significant wear

Characteristics

✓Heavy wear and discoloration
✓Minor surface damage
✓Reduced load capacity
✓Still structurally sound
✓Cosmetically poor

Best For: Light-duty applications, internal use

Expected Life: 2-4 years remaining

Repair/Recycle

Recycling value only

Damaged pallets for parts or recycling

Characteristics

✓Structural damage present
✓Cracked or broken sections
✓Unsafe for load bearing
✓Suitable for parts only
✓Recycling material value

Best For: Parts harvesting, plastic recycling

Expected Life: End of service life

Advantages of Plastic Pallets

Durability

✓10-15 year service life
✓Impact and weather resistant
✓No splinters or nails
✓Consistent dimensions
✓Chemical resistance

Hygiene

✓Easy to clean and sanitize
✓Non-porous surface
✓No pest harboring
✓FDA approved materials
✓HACCP compliant options

Logistics

✓Consistent weight and size
✓ISPM-15 exempt for export
✓RFID embedding capability
✓Trackable and traceable
✓Automated handling compatible

Environmental

✓100% recyclable
✓No wood waste
✓Reduced carbon footprint
✓Sustainable material options
✓Circular economy compatible

Truckload Quantities

Pallet Size & Material	Quantity per Truck	Total Weight Range	Loading Notes
48×40×6 (HDPE)	400-500 pallets	18,000-27,500 lbs	Standard size, efficient loading
48×40×5 (PP)	500-600 pallets	17,500-27,000 lbs	Lighter weight allows more units
42×42×6	450-550 pallets	18,900-27,500 lbs	Square design, good efficiency
48×48×6	350-450 pallets	19,250-29,250 lbs	Larger size reduces count
Euro 47×31×6	700-900 pallets	19,600-31,500 lbs	Smaller European size

Key Facts for Plastic Pallet Trading

Material Matters

HDPE offers superior strength and chemical resistance but costs more. PP is lighter and cheaper but less durable. Choose based on application requirements.

Load Capacity Types

Static load (stationary), dynamic load (moving), and rack load (warehouse storage) are all different. Always verify the appropriate rating for your application.

Export Advantage

Plastic pallets are ISPM-15 exempt, making them ideal for international shipping without heat treatment requirements or pest concerns.

⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

All used plastic 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. Load capacity ratings, material specifications, and condition grades are LOOSELY DEFINED and subjective. Buyers are solely responsible for inspection, testing, and suitability determination. Load capacities, dimensions, material properties, and condition grades are estimates only and do not constitute any warranty or guarantee of performance, safety, compliance, or fitness for any particular purpose.