Standard sizes
| Name | Dimensions | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 48x40 | 48" x 40" | 20-55 lbs | GMA-compatible. Weight varies by configuration (nestable vs. rackable). |
| 48x48 Square | 48" x 48" | 35-55 lbs | Common in drum storage and chemical industries. |
| Half Pallet | 24" x 40" | 8-15 lbs | Retail display pallets. Often nestable. |
Construction types
Nestable
Legs nest into each other when empty; ORBIS gives its XpressPal nestables a 2.2:1 to 2.4:1 nest ratio. ORBIS publishes no racking rating for them, so check for one before racking a nestable. Best for one-way shipping and export.
Stackable
Flat or runner bottom that carries a loaded pallet on top of it. Good for floor-stacked warehouse storage.
Rackable
Reinforced to span open pallet rack beams. The most durable option; racking capacity varies by model, so use the manufacturer's rating.
Load ratings
| Pallet | Manufacturer rating |
|---|---|
| Nestable, economy (ORBIS XpressPal Economy) | 2,750 lbs dynamic, 15,000 lbs static |
| Nestable, heavy duty (ORBIS XpressPal HD) | 4,000 lbs dynamic, 30,000 lbs static |
| Rackable (ORBIS Odyssey HD open deck) | 2,800 lbs edge-racked, 6,000 lbs dynamic, 30,000 lbs static |
Dynamic is the load a pallet carries while a forklift or pallet jack moves it, static is the load it carries sitting on the floor, and edge-racked is the load it carries spanning open rack beams. These are one manufacturer's published ratings for three 48x40 models; other models rate higher or lower, so use the rating for the pallet you are buying.
Sources: ORBIS, 40 x 48 XpressPal Economy specifications; ORBIS, 40 x 48 XpressPal HD specifications; ORBIS, 40 x 48 Odyssey HD open deck specifications.
Shipping notes
Frequently asked questions
What sizes do plastic pallets come in?
The most common plastic pallet is 48 inches by 40 inches (GMA standard). Also available in 48x48, 24x40, and custom sizes for specific industry needs.
How much weight can a plastic pallet hold?
Ratings depend on the model, so use the manufacturer's figure. ORBIS rates its 48x40 XpressPal Economy nestable pallet at 2,750 lbs dynamic and 15,000 lbs static, its XpressPal HD at 4,000 and 30,000 lbs, and its rackable Odyssey HD at 2,800 lbs edge-racked, 6,000 lbs dynamic and 30,000 lbs static.