The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) pallet, also known as the US Standard Pallet, represents the most widely used pallet specification in North America. Understanding its precise dimensions, load capacities, and structural characteristics is essential for efficient container loading, warehouse management, and logistics optimization.
Core Specifications
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 48 inches | 1,219 mm |
| Width | 40 inches | 1,016 mm |
| Height | 5.5-6 inches | 140-150 mm |
| Footprint Area | 13.33 ft² | 1.24 m² |
Why 48" x 40"? These dimensions were strategically chosen to optimize:
- Two pallets fit side-by-side in standard 102" wide trailers
- Multiple pallets fit precisely in standard rail cars
- Compatible with standard warehouse rack systems
- Fits through standard commercial doorways
Weight Specifications
| Weight Type | Standard Value | Heavy-Duty Option |
|---|---|---|
| Pallet tare weight | 30-48 lbs (13.6-21.8 kg) | 50-70 lbs (22.7-31.8 kg) |
| Static load capacity | 4,600 lbs (2,087 kg) | 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg) |
| Dynamic load capacity | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Racking load capacity | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
Critical for Planning: Your load calculations must respect the dynamic load capacity (2,500 lbs standard) as the practical maximum, since goods will be moved. Never exceed racking capacity if pallets will be stored in warehouse racks.
Load Capacity Definitions
- Static Load: Weight capacity when pallet sits on level ground (highest)
- Dynamic Load: Weight capacity when pallet is moved by forklift/pallet jack (medium)
- Racking Load: Weight capacity when pallet is stored on warehouse racks (lowest - most critical for safety)
Construction Standards
Top View: GMA Pallet Structure
48" (1219mm)
←─────────→
┌─────────────┐ ↑
│═════════════│ │
│═════════════│ │
║ ║ │ 40"
║ Stringer ║ │ (1016mm)
║ ║ │
│═════════════│ │
│═════════════│ ↓
└─────────────┘
═ = Deck boards (perpendicular)
║ = Stringers (3 total, parallel)
Deck Board Configuration
- Top deck: 7 boards (typically)
- Bottom deck: 5 boards (standard) or 7 boards (reversible)
- Board width: 3.5 inches (89mm) nominal
- Board thickness: 0.5-0.75 inches (13-19mm)
Stringer Configuration
- Three-stringer design: Outer stringers at edges, center at 20" from each edge
- Stringer dimensions: 48" x 4" x 4" (1219mm x 102mm x 102mm)
- Notches: 9" x 2.5" forklift entry points
Entry Types
GMA pallets support different forklift access patterns:
Four-Way Entry (Standard GMA)
┌─────────────┐
│ ↓ ↓ ↓ │ ← Forklift from top
→ │ → → │ ← Forklift from sides
│ ↑ ↑ ↑ │ ← Forklift from bottom
└─────────────┘
Notched stringers allow entry from all 4 sides
Important: When planning warehouse space and automated handling systems, ensure your calculations account for the required clearance space for four-way forklift access (typically 6-12 inches on all sides).
Trailer Loading Optimization
53-foot Trailer Interior
- Length: 636" (16,154 mm)
- Width: 102" (2,591 mm)
- Height: 110" (2,794 mm)
| Pattern | Orientation | Per Row | Rows | Total | Space Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern A | 48" forward (lengthwise) | 2 wide | 13 | 26 pallets | 624" / 636" (98.1%) |
| Pattern B | 40" forward (widthwise) | 2 wide | 15 | 30 pallets | 600" / 636" (94.3%) |
Optimization Tip: Pattern B (widthwise loading) fits 4 more pallets per trailer than Pattern A - a 15% capacity increase. Always test both orientations to maximize trailer utilization.
Stacking Height Calculation
Standard Trailer Interior Height: 110" (2794mm)
┌────────────────────────────────────┐ ← 110" ceiling
│ Layer 2: Pallet + Product │
│ ──────────────────── │ ← ~54" (depends on product)
│ Layer 1: Pallet + Product │
└────────────────────────────────────┘ ← 0" floor
Per layer height = Pallet (6") + Product (H) + Clearance (2")
Example for 48" products:
Layer height = 6 + 48 + 2 = 56"
Max layers = 110 / 56 = 1.96 → 1 layer (safe)
Example for 24" products:
Layer height = 6 + 24 + 2 = 32"
Max layers = 110 / 32 = 3.43 → 3 layers (safe)
Container Loading
20-foot Container (Internal: 5,898 x 2,352 x 2,393 mm)
| Calculation | Result |
|---|---|
| Length fit (5898 / 1219) | 4 pallets lengthwise |
| Width fit (2352 / 1016) | 2 pallets widthwise |
| Ground level total | 8 pallets |
40-foot Container
| Calculation | Result |
|---|---|
| Ground level (standard orientation) | 16-18 pallets |
| Ground level (rotated orientation) | 20 pallets |
Real-World Consideration: Always check trailer weight limits (typically 45,000-48,000 lbs total). High-density products may reach weight limits before volumetric limits.
Optimize Your GMA Pallet Loading
LoadPlanner automatically calculates optimal arrangements for GMA pallets in any container or trailer configuration.
Try LoadPlanner FreeISPM 15 Compliance
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 requires all wood pallets used in international trade to be treated:
Treatment Methods
- Heat Treatment (HT): Wood heated to 56C core temperature for 30 minutes
- Methyl Bromide (MB): Chemical fumigation (being phased out)
Required Marking Format
┌──────────────────────┐
│ IPPC Logo │
│ │
│ XX - 000 - HT │
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ └─ Treatment type (HT or MB)
│ │ └─ Producer registration number
│ └─ Country code (US, CA, etc.)
└──────────────────────┘
For International Shipments: Non-ISPM 15 compliant pallets cannot be used for exports. Always verify heat treatment marking before shipping internationally.
GMA vs Euro Pallet Comparison
| Specification | GMA (US) | EUR 1 (European) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 48" x 40" (1219 x 1016 mm) | 47.24" x 31.50" (1200 x 800 mm) |
| Footprint Area | 1.24 m² (larger) | 0.96 m² (smaller) |
| Size Difference | GMA is 29% larger by area | |
| Dynamic Load | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 3,307 lbs (1,500 kg) |
| Entry Type | Four-way | Four-way |
| Primary Region | North America | Europe, Asia |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using exact dimensions without tolerance: Real wooden pallets vary by +/-3-5mm - add clearance buffers
- Confusing load capacities: Use dynamic (2,500 lbs) for moved pallets, not static (4,600 lbs)
- Forgetting pallet tare weight: 26 pallets at 40 lbs each = 1,040 lbs added to total load
- Assuming all pallets are four-way: Some variants are two-way entry only
- Not accounting for clearance: Add minimum 50mm (2") clearance in calculations
GMA Pallet Quick Reference Card
| Length | 48" (1219mm) |
| Width | 40" (1016mm) |
| Height | 6" (150mm) |
| Dynamic Load | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
| Static Load | 4,600 lbs (2,087 kg) |
| Tare Weight | 30-48 lbs (13.6-21.8 kg) |
| Stringers | 3 parallel (4" x 4") |
| Entry Type | Four-way (notched) |
| Footprint | 1.24 m² (13.33 ft²) |
| 53' Trailer Fit | 26-30 pallets (ground) |
| Tolerance | +/-3-5mm typical |
Key Takeaways
- Standard dimensions: 48" x 40" x 6" (1219 x 1016 x 150 mm)
- Dynamic load capacity: 2,500 lbs - use this for most applications
- Tare weight matters: 30-48 lbs per pallet affects total load calculations
- Four-way entry with notched stringers for versatile handling
- 53' trailer holds 26-30 pallets depending on orientation
- ISPM 15 compliance required for international shipments
- Store dimensions in millimeters for precision calculations
- Always add clearance (50mm minimum) in load planning
Optimize Your Pallet Loading
LoadPlanner automatically calculates optimal arrangements, tests both orientations, and ensures weight limits are respected.
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