Pallet Dimensions

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The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) influences the consumer packaged goods industry around the globe. They suggest standard pallet dimensions to be 48" x 40". Pallets of that size are commonly referred to as GMA pallets.

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More than 30% of pallets produced in the U.S. each year are GMA pallets. The next most common pallet dimensions are 42” x 42” and 48” x 48” respectively.

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Standard Pallet Sizes

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48" X 40"

 42" X 42"

  48" X 48"

 

Types of pallets

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Pallet names stem from their construction. Stringer pallets are built with 2" X 4" wood, plastic or metal stringers. Block pallets are typically sturdier, made with both parallel and perpendicular stringers.

Below are five of the most common pallets seen in shipping, and a brief description of what separates them from one another

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1. Stringer Pallets – Stringer pallets are a type of pallet with boards known as "stringers" that run between the top and bottom deck boards to add increased load support. These pallets can come in either a "two-way" or "four-way" design. Two-way pallets allow for forklifts to enter from two sides, and are sometimes referred to as "unnotched." Four-way pallets allow forklifts to enter the pallet from any side.

2. Block Pallets – Block pallets are a four-way pallet that uses cylindrical posts to stabilize the top deck. These pallets can vary significantly. There are a variety of configurations that exist for block pallets. Models are available either with or without top or bottom boards.

3. Solid Deck Pallet – These pallets have a single solid sheet of wood with no spaces on its top surface, instead of a series of planks. These pallets are easy to clean and transport. They are particularly useful for transporting and storing small items that could slip between the boards on a more standard pallet.

4. Double Face Pallet – Double face pallets have decks on both the top and bottom of the pallet. The addition of a bottom deck strengthens the pallet by more evenly distributing the weight of its load. These pallets come in both reversible and non-reversible models. Reversible models can hold a load on either side. To tell the difference between a reversible and non-reversible pallet, check the density of the board placement on each side. Non-reversible pallets should have one

5. Double Wing Pallet – These pallets have top and bottom deck boards that extend beyond the stringers, giving the appearance of "wings" when looking at the pallet directly.

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