Pallets are the building blocks of modern logistics. They standardize how goods move from manufacturer to warehouse to retail location. But here's the challenge: the world doesn't use just one standard.
The two dominant pallet systems - European (EUR/EPAL) and North American (US/GMA) - have different dimensions that dramatically affect how containers are packed, how warehouse racks are designed, and how shipping costs are calculated.
Choosing the wrong pallet standard for your market can lead to wasted space, rejected shipments, and costly inefficiencies. This guide covers everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Quick Comparison: EUR vs US Pallets
EU EUR-Pallet (EPAL)
Dimensions: 1200 x 800 mm
(47.24" x 31.50")
Height: 144 mm (5.67")
Weight: ~25 kg (55 lbs)
Load Capacity: 1,500 kg
Aspect Ratio: 3:2
US US Pallet (GMA)
Dimensions: 1219 x 1016 mm
(48" x 40")
Height: 140-152 mm (5.5-6")
Weight: ~20 kg (45 lbs)
Load Capacity: 2,087 kg
Aspect Ratio: 6:5
US Pallet: 1219 x 1016 mm (larger)
EUR Pallet: 1200 x 800 mm
The US pallet is approximately 29% larger by area
EUR-Pallet (European Standard)
The EUR-pallet (also called Euro pallet or EPAL pallet) is the dominant standard across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It's defined by strict specifications managed by the European Pallet Association (EPAL).
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1,200 mm | 47.24 inches |
| Width | 800 mm | 31.50 inches |
| Height | 144 mm | 5.67 inches |
| Weight (empty) | ~25 kg | ~55 lbs |
| Load Capacity | 1,500 kg | 3,307 lbs |
| Area | 0.96 m² | 10.33 ft² |
- Four-way entry: Forklifts can access from all four sides
- Standardized construction: 78 nails, 9 blocks, specific wood types
- EPAL certification: Certified pallets bear the EPAL logo
- Repair system: Strong circular economy - pallets can be repaired and recertified
EUR-Pallet Container Loading
EUR-pallets are optimized for European truck and container dimensions:
| Container | Pallets per Layer | Wasted Space | Loading Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Container | 10-11 pallets | Minimal (~150mm length) | 5 lengthwise x 2 rows |
| 40' Container | 20-23 pallets | Minimal (~350mm width) | 10 lengthwise x 2 rows |
US Pallet (North American Standard)
The US pallet (also called GMA pallet, after the Grocery Manufacturers Association) dominates North America. Unlike Europe's single standard, the US has multiple sizes, but the 48" x 40" is by far the most common.
| Specification | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 48 inches | 1,219 mm |
| Width | 40 inches | 1,016 mm |
| Height | 5.5-6 inches | 140-152 mm |
| Weight (empty) | ~37-45 lbs | ~17-20 kg |
| Load Capacity | ~4,600 lbs | ~2,087 kg |
| Area | 13.33 ft² | 1.24 m² |
US Pallet Container Loading
US pallets require careful orientation planning for optimal container utilization:
| Container | Lengthwise Loading | Rotated Loading | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Container | 8 pallets | 10 pallets | Rotate for +2 pallets |
| 40' Container | 16 pallets | 20 pallets | Rotate for +4 pallets |
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | EUR-Pallet | US Pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1200 x 800 mm | 1219 x 1016 mm |
| Surface Area | 0.96 m² (smaller) | 1.24 m² (29% larger) |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 (1.50) | 6:5 (1.20) |
| Primary Region | Europe, Asia, Middle East | North America |
| 40' Container Capacity | 20 pallets (standard) | 16-20 (orientation dependent) |
| Standardization | Highly standardized (EPAL) | Less standardized |
| Certification | Required (EPAL marks) | Not required |
Cost Impact Analysis
The pallet standard you choose has a direct impact on your shipping costs. Here's a real-world example:
Container rate: $3,000 per 40' container
| Configuration | Pallets per Container | Containers Needed | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR-Pallet (standard) | 20 | 500 | $1,500,000 |
| US Pallet (lengthwise) | 16 | 625 | $1,875,000 |
| US Pallet (rotated) | 20 | 500 | $1,500,000 |
Other Pallet Standards
While EUR and US pallets dominate, other standards exist for specific regions and industries:
| Standard | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Region/Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO Standard | 1200 x 1000 | 47.24 x 39.37 | Global/Industrial |
| Asia Standard | 1100 x 1100 | 43.3 x 43.3 | Japan, Korea, East Asia |
| US 42x42 | 1067 x 1067 | 42 x 42 | Telecom, paint industries |
| Australian | 1165 x 1165 | 45.87 x 45.87 | Australia, New Zealand |
Calculate Your Optimal Pallet Loading
LoadPlanner automatically calculates the best pallet arrangement for any container type, accounting for orientation, stacking, and weight distribution.
Try LoadPlanner FreeWarehouse Design Considerations
If your logistics operations involve both EUR and US pallets, your warehouse racking must accommodate both sizes:
| Dimension | EUR-Pallet | US Pallet | Rack Opening Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 1,200 mm | 1,219 mm | 1,370 mm (with clearance) |
| Width (Depth) | 800 mm | 1,016 mm | 1,170 mm (with clearance) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring pallet orientation - Always test both orientations (standard and rotated) to maximize container capacity
- Mixing unit systems - Ensure all dimensions are in the same units (mm or inches) before calculations
- Assuming single-layer loading - Lighter cargo allows double-stacking, potentially doubling your capacity
- Forgetting weight distribution - Loading all heavy pallets on one side can make trucks unstable
- Overlooking overhang rules - Some jurisdictions allow cargo to extend beyond pallet edges, others don't
- Ignoring regional regulations - EUR-pallets must meet EPAL standards for European shipments
Quick Reference: Pallet Standards Cheat Sheet
| Standard | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | 40' Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR-Pallet | 1200 x 800 mm | 3:2 | 20 pallets |
| US GMA | 1219 x 1016 mm | 6:5 | 16-20 pallets |
Memory Aid:
- EUR: 3:2 ratio, 800mm wide
- US: 48 inches long, 40 inches wide
Key Takeaways
- EUR-pallets (1200x800mm) dominate Europe, Asia, and Middle East
- US pallets (48x40") are standard in North America but require rotation for optimal container loading
- The US pallet is 29% larger by surface area than the EUR-pallet
- Pallet orientation can add 25% more pallets per container - a critical cost factor
- Cross-standard operations require careful warehouse planning to accommodate both sizes
- Always verify which pallet standard your suppliers and customers use before planning shipments
Ready to Optimize Your Pallet Loading?
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