If you've ever asked "what size are pallets?" or tried to figure out which pallet fits your racking, forklift, or trailer — you're in the right place.
This guide covers every standard pallet size used in North America, the specs that matter (weight, capacity, deck configuration), and how to match a pallet to your actual operation. No fluff — just what you need to make a smart buying decision.
The Standard Pallet: 48" x 40"
The 48" x 40" pallet is the North American standard — and by a wide margin. Standardized by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), it's used across grocery, retail, food & beverage, and general distribution.
Why 48x40?
- Fits perfectly in a standard 53-foot dry van trailer — 26 pallets per level (52 double-stacked)
- Compatible with most standard pallet racking systems
- Works with nearly every sit-down and stand-up forklift
- Recognized by the GMA, Consumer Goods Forum, and other major trade bodies
48x40 Specs at a Glance
- Dimensions: 48" L x 40" W
- Height (empty): 5" – 6"
- Weight: 35 – 40 lbs
- Static load capacity: 4,600 – 6,000 lbs
- Dynamic load capacity: 2,200 – 3,000 lbs
- Racking capacity: 2,800 – 3,000 lbs
- Entry type: 4-way (block) or 2-way (stringer)
Static load = weight on a floor. Dynamic load = weight while moving by forklift. Racking load = weight suspended on racking beams.
Complete Pallet Size Chart
While 48x40 dominates, different industries use different sizes:
- 48" x 40" — Grocery, retail, food & bev, general distribution (North American standard)
- 42" x 42" — Telecom, paint, chemical; also used in international trade
- 48" x 48" — Drums, barrels, chemical; higher static loads
- 40" x 40" — Dairy, beverages; smaller footprint
- 48" x 45" — Automotive parts
- 60" x 40" — Military, specialty; requires custom racking
- 36" x 36" — Beverage, beer; popular in brewing
- 48" x 36" — Military, beverage; narrower profile
International Pallet Sizes (ISO)
- 1200mm x 1000mm (47.2" x 39.4") — Europe, Asia
- 1200mm x 800mm (47.2" x 31.5") — European standard
- 1219mm x 1016mm (48" x 40") — North America
- 1100mm x 1100mm (43.3" x 43.3") — Asia-Pacific
For most Minnesota businesses shipping domestically, stick with the 48x40. ISO sizes cause rack incompatibility and trailer inefficiency.
Stringer vs. Block Pallets
The construction type determines how your forklifts can access the pallet.
Stringer Pallets (2-Way Entry)
Three parallel boards (stringers) run lengthwise. Forklifts enter from the two ends only.
- Pros: Less expensive, widely available
- Cons: 2-way entry limits maneuverability
- Best for: Static storage, conveyor systems, consistent positioning
Block Pallets (4-Way Entry)
Solid wood blocks at corners and center allow full 4-way forklift entry from any side.
- Pros: Faster loading/unloading, higher capacity, preferred by big-box retailers
- Cons: More expensive, heavier
- Best for: High-volume operations, retail distribution, variable forklift angles
Pallet Weight
A standard 48x40 wooden pallet weighs 35–40 pounds empty. Weight varies by wood species, moisture content, number of deck boards, pallet type, and grade.
If you're shipping by the truckload, pallet weight adds up fast. 20 pallets at 40 lbs = 800 lbs of tare weight. For weight-sensitive loads, that matters.
Load Capacity by Grade
- New Pallet: Full rated capacity
- #1 Recycled (Grade A): Good condition, minimal repairs — 90–100% of rated
- #2 Recycled (Grade B): Some repairs, minor damage — 75–90% of rated
At Gruber Pallets, we sort and grade every pallet so you know exactly what you're getting.
How to Choose the Right Pallet
- What does your racking require? Most racking is designed for 48x40. Measure beam length and spacing.
- How do your products ship? 48x40 maximizes trailer utilization. Check retailer specs first.
- What forklifts do you run? Standard tines (4" wide, 42"–48" long) are designed for 48x40.
- Do you need heat treatment? International shipments require ISPM-15 certified pallets.
- New or recycled? One-way shipments: recycled saves cost. Heavy/continuous use: new or premium grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard pallet size in the US?
48" x 40" — standardized by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and used across most industries.
How much does a standard pallet weigh?
35–40 pounds empty. Block pallets weigh slightly more than stringer pallets.
How much weight can a pallet hold?
A standard 48x40 pallet holds 4,600–6,000 lbs static, 2,200–3,000 lbs dynamic, and 2,800–3,000 lbs on racking (new/Grade A ratings).
How many pallets fit in a truck?
A 53-foot dry van fits 26 pallets per level (48x40), or 52 double-stacked.
What are GMA pallets?
48x40 pallets built to Grocery Manufacturers Association specs — hardwood, 9 top deck boards, 5 bottom, rated ~2,800 lbs dynamic. The standard in retail and grocery distribution.
Where can I buy pallets in Minnesota?
Gruber Pallets supplies new and recycled wood pallets throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro and greater Minnesota. Get a quote →
Ready to order pallets?
Whether you need a truckload of 48x40 GMA-spec pallets or something sized to your operation, Gruber Pallets has served Minnesota businesses since 1986.
Get a QuoteReady to order? Shop new wood pallets or request a custom quote.
Gruber Pallets serves Minneapolis, St. Paul, Brooklyn Park, Bloomington, Eagan, Maple Grove, Little Canada, and greater Minnesota.