The pivotal role that pallets play in shipping, storing, and handling goods on a global scale cannot be overstated.
A wide range of pallet sizes, types and standards are used worldwide, dictated by different industries and regional uses. Additionally, ISO (International Organization for Standardisation) pallets serve as a universal standard. While these standardised pallet options meet most needs, sometimes, businesses require custom pallets for specific and unique requirements. This comprehensive guide outlines standard global pallet sizes, including ISO pallets and the circumstances that call for custom pallets.
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Anatomy of a Pallet
Despite the differences in pallet sizes and applications, all pallets share a common structure consisting of three sections:
1. Top deck
The top deck is the platform on which goods are loaded, stored, and secured during transportation. It can either be fully closed or designed with evenly spaced slats, depending on the specific requirements.
2. Bottom deck
The bottom deck provides stability and maintains the pallet's shape, allowing for effective stacking. Like the top deck, it can be fully closed or feature spaces between slats.
3. Bearers
Positioned between the top and bottom decks, bearers securely bond the two sections together, providing strength and height for forklift or pallet jack entry.
Pallet Entry Types
Based on the entry points for a forklift or pallet jack, pallets can be classified into three categories: one-way, two-way, and four-way.
One-Way Pallets
Commonly used for lightweight and non-fragile goods like fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), one-way pallets are designed with forklift openings on only one side. As they are meant for single-trip transport, these pallets are often not returned to the sender.
Two-Way Pallets
Designed for accessibility from two opposite sides, two-way pallets are popular for transporting heavy and dense goods, such as construction materials, electronics, and machinery parts, which require robust support. Due to their durability, two-way pallets are reused multiple times.
Four-Way Pallets
The most versatile option, four-way pallets feature entry points on all four sides, allowing forklifts and pallet jacks ease of access. This design enables efficient handling and storage, especially in tight warehouse spaces. Four-way pallets are perfect for bulky, oddly shaped items, or an assortment of smaller goods, thanks to their stable support and manoeuvrability.
Standard Pallet Sizes
Whether you are involved in local trade or international shipping, understanding the standard pallet sizes used worldwide and the specifics of ISO pallets can help streamline your logistics, transportation and warehouse operations.
North America (United States and Canada)
The most common pallet size in North America is the 1219 x 1016 mm (48 x 40 inches) Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) pallet, predominantly used by the food and beverage industry. Another frequently used pallet size is the 1067 x 1067 mm (42 x 42 inches), geared towards the paint and telecommunications sectors.
Europe
Governed by the European Pallet Association (EPAL), the most common EURO pallet size is EUR1, measuring 1200 x 800 mm (47.24 x 31.5 inches). Other half and quarter pallet sizes, such as EUR6 (1200 x 600 mm) and EUR3 (800 x 600 mm), are also prevalent for smaller and lightweight items.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region predominantly uses the 1140 x 1140 mm (44.88 x 44.88 inches) Australian standard pallet. Other common sizes include 1100 x 1100 mm (43.31 x 43.31 inches) in Japan and 1200 x 1000 mm (47.24 x 39.37 inches) in China.
ISO Pallets:
The International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) defines six types of pallet dimensions, designed to improve global interoperability between supply chains. The most frequently used ISO pallets are the ISO1 "FIN" (1200 x 1000 mm) and ISO2 "EUR" (1200 x 800 mm) pallets.
When Standard Sizes Just Won't Do
Despite the widespread use of standard and ISO pallets, certain circumstances call for custom pallets:
1. Unique Product Sizes
Custom pallets accommodate non-standard product sizes and provide secure transportation and storage solutions for niche or oversized goods.
2. Weight Considerations
For extraordinarily heavy or bulky items, specially-engineered custom pallets can offer the necessary weight capacity, stability and safety.
3. Industry-Specific Regulations
Industries like food and beverage or pharmaceuticals often operate under specific packaging and shipping regulations, which may necessitate the use of custom pallets.
4. Increased Efficiency
Businesses using custom-built racks or storage systems may find that custom pallets help maximise storage capacity and boost productivity by filling gaps that standard pallets might leave.
5. Brand Differentiation
Beyond functionality, custom pallets can also serve as a tool for brand visibility, featuring unique branding elements like colours and logos.
Investing in Custom Pallets
PK Logistics is well-equipped to handle all your pallet and other packaging solution needs, whether they are standard or custom. While custom pallets may have a higher upfront cost, they are a worthwhile investment for businesses seeking unique logistical solutions. They provide long-term benefits such as improved storage efficiency, safety and adherence to industry-specific regulations.
Understanding the specifications of global pallet sizes, including ISO standards, is critical to optimising international shipping, logistics and warehouse operations. When standard sizes fail to meet your requirements, our expertise in providing robust custom pallet solutions comes into play. With our personalised approach to your logistical challenges, we ensure an improvement in efficiency, safety, compliance and ultimately, your overall material-handling process.