Plastic Pallet Sizes Guide: Standard Dimensions for Global Shipping

Why Pallet Size Matters

Choosing the right pallet size is crucial for optimizing warehouse space, transportation efficiency, and compatibility with material handling equipment. Using standardized sizes ensures seamless integration into global supply chains.

Plastic pallets are essential for modern logistics and warehousing operations. In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know about plastic pallets, including their benefits, applications, and how to choose the right plastic pallets for your business.

ISO Standard Pallet Sizes

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recognizes six standard pallet sizes:

Size (mm)	Size (inches)	Region	Common Use
1200 × 1000	47.24 × 39.37	Europe, Asia	Most versatile
1200 × 800	47.24 × 31.50	Europe	EUR pallet
1219 × 1016	48 × 40	North America	Grocery industry
1165 × 1165	45.87 × 45.87	Australia	Standard AU
1100 × 1100	43.30 × 43.30	Asia	Japan, Korea, China
1067 × 1067	42.01 × 42.01	Europe, Asia	TCPA recognized

Most Popular Plastic Pallet Sizes

1200 × 1000mm (47.24 × 39.37 inches)

The most widely used pallet size globally. Perfect for:

• Standard warehouse racking
• Container loading (fits 20ft and 40ft containers)
• Truck transportation
• General manufacturing

1200 × 800mm (47.24 × 31.50 inches)

Known as the EUR-pallet or Euro-pallet. Ideal for:

• European market distribution
• Retail supply chains
• Food and beverage industry
• Pharmaceutical logistics

1100 × 1100mm (43.30 × 43.30 inches)

Standard in Asian markets. Best for:

• Japanese and Korean markets
• Chinese domestic distribution
• Chemical industry
• Electronics manufacturing

48 × 40 inches (1219 × 1016mm)

The standard North American pallet. Used for:

• US and Canadian distribution
• Grocery and retail
• Military logistics
• General warehousing

Container Loading Optimization

20ft Container (5,898 × 2,352 × 2,393mm)

• 1200 × 1000mm: 10 pallets (2 × 5)
• 1200 × 800mm: 11-12 pallets
• 1100 × 1100mm: 10 pallets
• 48 × 40 inches: 10 pallets

40ft Container (12,032 × 2,352 × 2,393mm)

• 1200 × 1000mm: 20-21 pallets
• 1200 × 800mm: 23-24 pallets
• 1100 × 1100mm: 20 pallets
• 48 × 40 inches: 20-21 pallets

How to Choose the Right Size

1. Consider your market: Match the destination country’s standard
2. Check warehouse racking: Ensure compatibility with existing systems
3. Optimize container loading: Minimize wasted space
4. Match product dimensions: Maximize pallet utilization
5. Consider handling equipment: Forklift and pallet jack compatibility

Custom Sizes

When standard sizes don’t meet your needs, custom plastic pallets can be manufactured. Consider custom sizes when:

• Products have unusual dimensions
• Automated systems require specific sizes
• Space optimization is critical
• Industry-specific requirements exist

Conclusion

Selecting the right pallet size optimizes your entire supply chain. When in doubt, the 1200 × 1000mm size offers the best global compatibility and container loading efficiency.