Monthly pricing trends & insights.
Standard pallet sizes, weight capacities, and construction types for the most common wood and plastic pallets in North America.
| Name | Dimensions | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMA Standard | 48" x 40" | 33-48 lbs | Most common in North America. Grocery, retail, and general distribution. |
| Telecom / Paint | 42" x 42" | 35-45 lbs | Telecom, paint, and chemical industries. |
| Drum Pallet | 48" x 48" | 40-55 lbs | Designed for drum storage. Square footprint maximizes drum arrangement. |
| Automotive | 48" x 45" | 38-50 lbs | Common in automotive manufacturing. |
| European (EUR) | 47.24" x 31.50" (1200x800mm) | 55 lbs |
| ISO standard for European logistics. |
| Half Pallet | 24" x 40" | 18-25 lbs | Retail display and small-volume shipping. |
Uses 2-3 parallel boards (stringers) for support. Most common and cost-effective. Allows 2-way or partial 4-way forklift entry.
Uses 4-12 blocks between deck boards. True 4-way entry for forklifts and pallet jacks. Stronger but more expensive.
Deck boards on both top and bottom. Reversible, more durable, better for racking.
| Grade / Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Grade A | 2,500 lbs (dynamic) / 7,500 lbs (static) |
| Grade B | 2,000 lbs (dynamic) / 6,000 lbs (static) |
| Grade C | 1,500 lbs (dynamic) / 4,500 lbs (static) |
The most common pallet size in North America is 48 inches by 40 inches (GMA standard). This size is compatible with standard racking, forklifts, and truck beds.
Standard 48x40 wood pallets hold 2,000-2,500 lbs dynamically (in transit) and 5,000-7,500 lbs statically (in storage). Capacity varies by grade and construction type.
Stringer pallets use parallel boards for support and allow 2-way forklift entry. Block pallets use blocks between deck boards, enabling true 4-way entry. Block pallets are stronger but cost more.
