Standard Pallet Sizes and Dimensions Chart
Posted On 13th November 2023Updated 03/06/2026
The standard pallet size in the United States is 48 × 40 inches (1219 × 1016 mm). This is commonly called a GMA pallet. CHEP's common North American blue pallet uses the same 48 × 40-inch footprint.
Standard pallet dimensions:
48 × 40 in = 4 × 3.33 ft = 1219 × 1016 mm
Typical pallet height: approximately 5–6 in, depending on construction.
Pallet dimensions dictate your total trailer footprint. If you are shipping non-standard configurations or need to maximize space inside an over-the-road lane, you can calculate exact capacity using our interactive LTL Freight Quote Calculator.
Standard Pallet Size Chart
| Pallet Type | Dimensions (in) | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (ft) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMA / US Standard | 48 × 40 | 1219 × 1016 | 4 × 3.33 | Grocery, retail, general freight |
| CHEP North America | 48 × 40 | 1219 × 1016 | 4 × 3.33 | Pooled freight pallets |
| Euro / EPAL 1 | 47.24 × 31.50 | 1200 × 800 | 3.94 × 2.63 | European freight |
| ISO / Industrial | 47.24 × 39.37 | 1200 × 1000 | 3.94 × 3.28 | International shipping |
| Asia | 43.31 × 43.31 | 1100 × 1100 | 3.61 × 3.61 | Asia-Pacific logistics |
| Australia | 45.87 × 45.87 | 1165 × 1165 | 3.82 × 3.82 | Australian logistics |
Standard Pallet Size in Inches, Feet, mm and cm
The standard pallet size used throughout most North American freight shipping is 48 × 40 inches.
The same pallet dimensions expressed in common measurement units are:
| Measurement Unit | Standard Pallet Size |
|---|---|
| Inches | 48 × 40 in |
| Feet | 4 × 3.33 ft |
| Millimeters | 1219 × 1016 mm |
| Centimeters | 121.9 × 101.6 cm |
This 48 × 40-inch footprint is commonly referred to as the GMA pallet size and is also used by standard CHEP pallets in North America.
For freight calculations, remember that these measurements describe the pallet footprint only. Total shipment dimensions must also include the pallet height and the freight stacked on top of it.
What Is the Standard Pallet Size in the U.S.?
Standard 48 × 40 Pallet Specifications
Footprint: 48 × 40 inches
Metric: 1219 × 1016 mm
Feet: 4 × 3.33 ft
Common name: GMA pallet
CHEP equivalent: Common North American CHEP footprint is also 48 × 40 in
Typical construction: wood stringer or block pallet
Typical empty weight: varies by construction and material
Load capacity: varies by pallet design and manufacturer
CHEP vs GMA Pallet Dimensions
GMA and CHEP pallets commonly use the same standard North American footprint: 48 × 40 inches (1219 × 1016 mm).
The main difference is not the pallet size, but how the pallet is supplied and managed.
| Specification | GMA Pallet | CHEP Pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Standard footprint | 48 × 40 in | 48 × 40 in |
| Metric dimensions | 1219 × 1016 mm | 1219 × 1016 mm |
| Typical use | General retail, grocery and freight shipping | Pooled retail, grocery and supply-chain distribution |
| Ownership model | Usually owned by the shipper or receiver | Typically rented through CHEP's pallet pooling system |
| Identification | Varies by manufacturer | Commonly identifiable by CHEP's blue pallet design |
For freight planning purposes, a standard 48 × 40 CHEP pallet occupies essentially the same trailer floor space as a 48 × 40 GMA pallet.
However, pallet weight and load capacity should not be assumed to be identical. These specifications can vary by pallet construction, materials, and individual design.
What Is the Standard Skid Size?
In everyday freight terminology, “skid” and “pallet” are often used interchangeably. When someone asks for the standard skid size in the U.S., they usually mean the standard 48 × 40-inch pallet footprint. Technically, however, traditional skids and pallets differ in their bottom-deck construction.
Master Pallet Sizing Chart
This consolidated master chart outlines the primary pallet configurations utilized across major global supply chains, including dimensions in both imperial and metric units, load capacities, and regional designations.
| Region / System Standard | Dimensions (Inches) | Metric Dimensions (mm) | Safe Dynamic Load | Common Industry Footprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America (GMA / CHEP) | 48″ × 40″ | 1219 × 1016 mm | 4,600 lbs / 2,086 kg | Grocery, Retail, General LTL Freight |
| Europe (EUR 1 / EPAL) | 47.24″ × 31.50″ | 1200 × 800 mm | 3,300 lbs / 1,500 kg | European Warehousing & EU Rail Loop |
| International (ISO Export) | 47.24″ × 39.37″ | 1200 × 1000 mm | 2,750 lbs / 1,250 kg | Global Export Freight & Containers |
| Australia Standard | 45.90″ × 45.90″ | 1165 × 1165 mm | 4,400 lbs / 2,000 kg | Australian Rail & Industrial Loops |
| Asia Standard | 43.30″ × 43.30″ | 1100 × 1100 mm | 2,600 lbs / 1,180 kg | Asian Manufacturing & Ocean Freight |
How Many Pallets Fit in a Shipping Container or Trailer?
Pallet dimensions also determine how many pallets fit in a truck or container. Typical floor-loading capacities for 48 × 40-inch pallets are:
| Equipment | Typical 48 × 40 Pallet Capacity |
|---|---|
| 53-ft dry van | 26 straight-loaded; up to 30 with optimized loading |
| 48-ft trailer | ~24 |
| 40-ft container | ~20 |
| 20-ft container | ~10 |
Actual capacity depends on pallet orientation, load overhang, interior dimensions, stacking restrictions, and carrier requirements.
Once you know your exact pallet dimensions and packaging specs, you can instantly estimate shipping costs from top national carriers with our automated FreightRun freight quote calculator.
North American Pallet Standards & Industrial Variations
While the 48" x 40" GMA platform dominates the landscape, other common pallet footprints used in North America include:
Recognized ISO / North American Footprints
- 48″ × 48″ (1219 × 1219 mm): Built primarily for liquid drums and chemical transport, this square configuration prevents heavy 55-gallon liquid containers from overhanging edges and destabilizing during sudden transit shifts.
- 48″ × 42″ (1219 × 1067 mm): Widely utilized throughout the telecommunications, utility, and heavy chemical manufacturing industries to optimize heavy equipment balancing.
- 42″ × 42″ (1067 × 1067 mm): The standard industrial format for shipping paint, heavy protective coatings, and industrial manufacturing machinery components safely.
- 36″ × 36″ (914 × 914 mm): A compact format optimized for the commercial beverage industries and custom retail grocery floor displays to streamline manual material handling in tight retail spaces.
Logistics Tip on CHEP vs. GMA: You will often hear the terms CHEP and GMA used interchangeably. Physically, they share the exact same 48" x 40" footprint. The difference is operational: GMA pallets are typically purchased and owned by the shipper, whereas CHEP pallets are distinctive blue, heavy-duty blocks rented from a global pooling network.
The European Pallet System (Euro Pallets)
The European market operates primarily on the Euro Pallet (EUR) or EPAL system. These platforms are explicitly designed to fit seamlessly into European train cars and standard Euro-truck box trailers without wasted space.
European trailers typically measure 2.45 meters in internal width, meaning you can fit either two EUR 1 pallets lengthwise or three side by side widthwise.
The 4 Standard Euro Pallet Sizes
- EUR 1 (800 × 1200 mm): The most common European standard. Fits tight retail doorways and small warehouse aisle configurations.
- EUR 2 (1200 × 1000 mm): Matches the exact footprint of the standard international ISO export configuration.
- EUR 3 (1000 × 1200 mm): An alternative, inverted version of the EUR 2 layout used primarily for heavy component manufacturing.
- EUR 6 (800 × 600 mm): A half-pallet configuration used extensively for direct grocery-to-floor product merchandising.
ISO Pallet Dimensions
ISO 6780 defines standardized principal dimensions and tolerances for flat pallets used in international materials handling. It does not define one single universal “ISO pallet size”; several standardized footprints are used across different regions and shipping systems.
Common international pallet footprints include:
| Common Pallet Footprint | Inches | Millimeters | Typical Region / Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| North American / GMA | 48 × 40 in | 1219 × 1016 mm | U.S. and North American freight |
| European / EPAL 1 | 47.24 × 31.50 in | 1200 × 800 mm | European distribution |
| Industrial / International | 47.24 × 39.37 in | 1200 × 1000 mm | Europe, Asia and international freight |
| Asian Standard | 43.31 × 43.31 in | 1100 × 1100 mm | Asian supply chains |
| Australian Standard | 45.87 × 45.87 in | 1165 × 1165 mm | Australian logistics |
For international shipping, pallet selection should be based on the destination market, carrier requirements, warehouse equipment, and container or trailer configuration, rather than assuming a universal international pallet size.
Pallet Weight and Load Capacity
Pallet weight and load capacity vary by material, construction, pallet design, and manufacturer, even when two pallets have the same dimensions.
For example, a standard 48 × 40-inch pallet footprint does not automatically mean that every pallet has the same maximum load rating.
| Pallet Example | Approx. Empty Weight | Published Load Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| CHEP 48 × 40 North American block pallet | Varies by specification | 2,800 lbs under normal operating conditions with a uniformly distributed load |
| EPAL Euro Pallet 1200 × 800 mm | Approx. 25 kg / 55 lbs | 1,500 kg / 3,307 lbs safe working load |
| EPAL 2 Pallet 1200 × 1000 mm | Approx. 35 kg / 77 lbs | 1,250 kg / 2,756 lbs safe working load |
CHEP specifies a 2,800 lb carrying capacity for its North American 48 × 40-inch pooled wood block pallet under normal operating conditions with a uniformly distributed load. EPAL lists its standard 1200 × 800 mm Euro pallet at approximately 25 kg empty weight with a 1,500 kg safe working load.
Static vs Dynamic Pallet Load
Dynamic load capacity refers to the weight a pallet is designed to carry while being handled or transported.
Static load capacity refers to the load a pallet supports while remaining stationary on a solid, level surface.
Because capacity varies by pallet design and condition, shippers should verify the manufacturer's rated load rather than estimating capacity from pallet dimensions alone.
Wood vs Plastic Pallets for Export
Both wood and plastic pallets can be used for international freight, but they have different requirements and advantages.
| Factor | Wood Pallets | Plastic Pallets |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Repairability | Often repairable | More difficult to repair |
| Moisture resistance | Can absorb moisture | Highly moisture resistant |
| Weight | Varies by construction | Often lighter, depending on design |
| ISPM 15 requirements | Applicable to regulated solid wood packaging | Not subject to ISPM 15 wood-treatment requirements |
| Reuse | Common | Well suited to closed-loop reuse |
| Export suitability | Excellent when compliant | Excellent where sanitation or moisture resistance is important |
For international shipments using solid wood pallets, ISPM 15 phytosanitary requirements may apply. The standard covers wood packaging material such as pallets, crates and dunnage used in international trade and requires approved treatment and marking for regulated wood packaging.
Plastic pallets are not regulated as solid wood packaging under ISPM 15, which can simplify some international shipping requirements. They can also offer advantages where moisture resistance, repeat use or controlled handling environments are priorities.
However, plastic is not automatically the better export option. Wood pallets remain widely used because they are economical, repairable and readily available. For export freight, the best choice depends on the destination country's requirements, shipment weight, handling environment and whether the pallet will be returned or reused.
Pallet Sizing and Logistics FAQs
What is the difference between static and dynamic load capacity?
Static load capacity refers to the maximum weight a pallet can support when resting completely stationary on a flat floor. Dynamic load capacity represents the maximum weight the platform can safely hold while being actively moved by a forklift, pallet jack, or automated conveyor system.
How high can you safely stack a standard pallet for LTL shipping?
For standard Less-Than-Truckload transit, the general rule of thumb is a maximum stack height of 60 to 72 inches for a single-pallet configuration. Keeping stack heights within this range helps ensure trailer stability on the road and prevents regional carriers from rejecting your freight at the terminal dock.
What is the standard height and empty weight of a wooden pallet?
A standard GMA wooden pallet measures 4.75 inches to 5 inches in total height. Empty wooden pallets typically weigh between 33 lbs and 48 lbs depending on wood moisture and stringer thickness, while plastic pallets weigh between 15 lbs and 30 lbs.
What is the difference between a GMA pallet and a CHEP pallet?
GMA refers to the standard 48″ × 40″ dimensional specification. CHEP is a global pallet pooling company that manufactures distinct blue-painted, heavy-duty block pallets built to exact 48″ × 40″ GMA dimensions for rental and retrieval loops.
