The Euro pallet (also known as EUR pallet or EPAL pallet) is the most widely recognized pallet standard in Europe and one of the most common globally. Understanding its precise dimensions, load capacities, and certification requirements is essential for anyone working in logistics, warehouse management, or international shipping.
Core Specifications
| Specification | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1200 mm (120 cm / 47.24") | Long side |
| Width | 800 mm (80 cm / 31.50") | Short side |
| Height | 144 mm (14.4 cm / 5.67") | Standard EUR 1 |
| Weight (empty) | 20-24 kg (44-53 lbs) | Depends on moisture content |
| Footprint Area | 0.96 m² (10.33 ft²) | 1200mm x 800mm |
Global Reach: While called "Euro" pallets, these are used worldwide, particularly in industries requiring ISO container compatibility. They're especially common in food, pharmaceutical, and retail sectors.
Load Capacity Classifications
Understanding the three types of load capacity is critical for safe operations:
| Load Type | Maximum Capacity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Static Load | 4,000 kg (8,818 lbs) | Pallet resting on level ground with weight evenly distributed |
| Dynamic Load | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | Pallet being moved by forklift, pallet jack, or conveyor |
| Racking Load | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | Pallet supported on racking system (weight on outer edges only) |
Critical Safety Note: These are maximum ratings for pallets in good condition. Always apply safety factors in real-world applications. Most logistics operations should use conservative estimates (e.g., 1,200kg dynamic load for safety).
Physical Construction Details
A standard EUR/EPAL pallet has specific construction requirements:
TOP VIEW - Euro Pallet Deck Layout
┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│ ═══ ═══ ═══ ═══ ═══ │
│ │ 800mm
│ [■] [■] [■] │
│ │
│ [■] [■] [■] │
│ │
│ [■] [■] [■] │
└─────────────────────────────────┘
1200mm
═══ = Top deck boards (5 boards)
[■] = Support blocks (9 blocks)
Construction Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Top deck boards | 5 boards, 22mm thick |
| Bottom deck boards | 3 boards, 22mm thick |
| Support blocks | 9 blocks total (3 per stringer) |
| Block height | 78mm |
| Wood species | Pine, spruce, or fir (softwoods) |
| Entry type | Four-way (forklift access from all 4 sides) |
Four-Way Entry: Unlike some pallet designs, Euro pallets allow forklift or pallet jack entry from all four sides, making them highly versatile in warehouse operations.
EUR vs EPAL: Understanding the Difference
EUR and EPAL are closely related but have distinct historical meanings:
- EUR: Originally managed by the Union Internationale des Chemins de fer (UIC) - the International Union of Railways. EUR pallets were part of the European pallet pool system for rail transport.
- EPAL: The European Pallet Association took over pallet standardization and certification in 1991, maintaining the same specifications.
Today, EPAL-certified pallets are the recognized standard. You'll see both "EUR" and "EPAL" markings on older pallets, but new pallets carry the EPAL logo with quality certification stamps.
Identification Markings
Authentic EPAL pallets carry specific markings burned or stamped into the wood:
┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ EUR/EPAL PALLET MARKINGS │
├──────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ [EPAL] ← Logo │
│ │ │
│ [EUR] ← Standard type │
│ │ │
│ [DB] ← Railway code │
│ │ │
│ [YY XX] ← Mfr. code & year │
│ │ │
│ [HT/KD] ← Heat treatment │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────┘
Key Markings Explained
- EPAL logo: Quality certification by European Pallet Association
- EUR: Standard designation (sometimes with number, e.g., EUR 1)
- Manufacturer code: Two-letter code identifying producer
- Production year: Two-digit year code
- HT (Heat Treated): ISPM 15 compliance for international shipping
- Country code: Two-letter country of manufacture
Euro Pallet Variants
While the standard EUR 1 (or EPAL 1) is most common, several variants exist:
| Type | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| EUR 1 / EPAL 1 | 1200 x 800 x 144 mm | Standard pallet (most common) |
| EUR 2 / EPAL 2 | 1200 x 1000 x 144 mm | Wider loads, industrial applications |
| EUR 3 / EPAL 3 | 1000 x 1200 x 144 mm | Same as EUR 2, rotated orientation |
| EUR 6 / EPAL 6 | 800 x 600 x 144 mm | Half-pallet for smaller loads |
Packing Insight: EUR 2 (1200x1000mm) pallets fit perfectly lengthwise in standard shipping containers, while EUR 1 (1200x800mm) pallets optimize for crosswise loading. Understanding both configurations maximizes container utilization.
Container Compatibility
Euro pallets were specifically designed to optimize space in standard shipping containers:
20-foot Container (Internal: ~5900mm x 2350mm)
- Lengthwise: 4 Euro pallets (4 x 1200mm = 4800mm)
- Crosswise: 2 pallets wide (2 x 800mm = 1600mm) leaves 750mm
- Optimal mixed arrangement: 11 pallets per layer
40-foot Container (Internal: ~12030mm x 2350mm)
- Lengthwise: 10 Euro pallets (10 x 1200mm = 12000mm)
- Standard arrangement: 20-25 pallets per layer
- Remaining space: 30mm length, 750mm width
Calculate Your Optimal Pallet Loading
LoadPlanner automatically calculates the best Euro pallet arrangement for any container type.
Try LoadPlanner FreeDimensional Tolerances
EPAL specifications include manufacturing tolerances that must be considered in load planning:
| Dimension | Target | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1200 mm | +/- 5 mm |
| Width | 800 mm | +/- 5 mm |
| Height | 144 mm | +/- 5 mm |
| Block height | 78 mm | +/- 3 mm |
Planning Consideration: When calculating container loads, consider using worst-case dimensions (1205 x 805 x 149mm) for conservative loading, or add 10-15mm clearance per pallet to prevent real-world loading failures.
Verification Checklist
When receiving Euro pallets, verify authenticity with this checklist:
Visual Inspection
- EPAL logo present (burned/stamped on left block, right side)
- EUR marking on center block
- HT marking confirmed (heat treatment for ISPM 15)
- Manufacturer code and year visible
- License number present
Physical Measurements
- Length: 1195-1205mm (target 1200mm +/-5mm)
- Width: 795-805mm (target 800mm +/-5mm)
- Height: 139-149mm (target 144mm +/-5mm)
- Weight: 20-24kg
Construction Quality
- 5 top deck boards, 3 bottom boards
- 9 support blocks present and intact
- No loose nails or protruding fasteners
- Chamfered corners for forklift entry
- Wood free from excessive cracks or rot
Euro Pallet Quick Reference Card
| Standard Dimensions | 1200mm x 800mm x 144mm |
| Alternative Names | EUR pallet, EPAL pallet, EUR 1, EPAL 1 |
| Weight (empty) | 20-24 kg |
| Static Load | 4,000 kg |
| Dynamic Load | 1,500 kg |
| Racking Load | 5,500 kg |
| Tolerance | +/- 5mm |
| Entry Type | Four-way |
| 20' Container Fit | ~11 pallets/layer |
| 40' Container Fit | ~20-25 pallets/layer |
Key Takeaways
- Standard dimensions: 1200mm x 800mm x 144mm
- Dynamic load capacity: 1,500 kg - use this for most transport applications
- Four-way entry allows forklift access from all sides
- EPAL certification indicates quality assurance and pallet pool compatibility
- HT marking required for international shipping (ISPM 15 compliance)
- Add clearance margins (10-15mm per pallet) when calculating container loads
- EUR 6 half-pallets (800x600mm) can fill gap space in mixed loads
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LoadPlanner calculates optimal arrangements, tests orientations, and ensures proper weight distribution for Euro pallet shipments.
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