Pallet Specifications & Standards
Understanding pallet specifications ensures you choose the right pallet for your specific needs and applications
Expert Specification Guidance
Eco-Friendly & SustainableOur team has decades of experience helping businesses select the perfect pallet specifications for their unique requirements. Get personalized recommendations based on your products, shipping methods, and budget.
- Top-Quality Reconditioned Pallets
- Competitive Pricing You Can Trust
- Fast Same-Day Delivery Available
- Supporting Environmental Sustainability
Need Help Choosing the Right Pallet?
Standard Pallet Sizes & Specifications
48" x 40" GMA Pallet
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) pallet is the most widely used pallet in North America. Industry standard for retail, grocery, and general shipping.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 48" x 40" x 5.5"
- Weight: 40-45 lbs (hardwood), 35-40 lbs (softwood)
- Load Capacity: 2,500-4,600 lbs (dynamic), 5,500 lbs (static)
- Deck Boards: 7 top boards, 5 bottom boards
- Stringers: 3 stringers (2" x 4")
- Entry: 4-way (partial) or 2-way
Best For:
- Retail distribution
- Grocery products
- General warehouse storage
- Compatible with most racking systems
48" x 48" Square Pallet
Square pallets provide excellent stability for heavy, centered loads. Popular in automotive, chemical, and drum industries.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 48" x 48" x 5.5"
- Weight: 50-55 lbs
- Load Capacity: 3,000-5,000 lbs (dynamic), 6,000 lbs (static)
- Deck Boards: 9 top boards, 7 bottom boards
- Stringers: 3 stringers (2" x 4")
- Entry: 4-way or 2-way
Best For:
- Drums and barrels
- Heavy machinery parts
- Chemical containers
- Automotive components
42" x 42" Telecom Pallet
Originally designed for telecommunications equipment, now used across many industries for various applications.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 42" x 42" x 5"
- Weight: 45-50 lbs
- Load Capacity: 2,500-4,000 lbs (dynamic), 5,000 lbs (static)
- Deck Boards: 7-9 boards per deck
- Stringers: 3 stringers
- Entry: 4-way (full)
Best For:
- Telecommunications equipment
- Paint and coatings
- Smaller square products
Pallet Construction Types
Stringer Pallets
Construction: Uses 2x4 or 3x4 stringers that run between the top and bottom deck boards. Most common and economical design.
Entry: Typically 2-way entry (forklift access from two sides) or partial 4-way with notched stringers.
Advantages: Lower cost, lighter weight, widely available, easy to repair.
Block Pallets
Construction: Uses blocks (typically 4x4 or 6x6) between the top and bottom deck boards at various points. More stable design.
Entry: True 4-way entry (forklift and pallet jack access from all four sides).
Advantages: Greater durability, higher load capacity, better weight distribution, easier handling.
Double-Face Pallets
Construction: Deck boards on both top and bottom surfaces. Can be reversible or non-reversible.
Reversible: Both decks identical, can be used either way up. Non-reversible has different top and bottom configurations.
Advantages: Maximum durability, protects bottom deck boards, suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Single-Face Pallets
Construction: Deck boards only on top surface. Stringers or blocks contact the floor directly.
Usage: Generally used for one-time shipping or lighter loads. More economical option.
Advantages: Lower cost, lighter weight, good for one-way shipping, export applications.
Wood Types & Their Properties
Hardwood Pallets
Common Species: Oak, maple, ash, hickory, beech
Properties: Dense, durable, excellent load capacity. Resistant to impact damage. Heavier than softwood.
Weight Capacity: Up to 4,600 lbs dynamic load
Best For: Heavy products, long-term use, multiple trips, high-traffic environments
Cost: Higher initial cost, better long-term value
Softwood Pallets
Common Species: Pine, spruce, fir, cedar
Properties: Lighter weight, easier to repair, readily available. Less dense than hardwood.
Weight Capacity: Up to 3,000 lbs dynamic load
Best For: Light to medium loads, one-way shipping, export, cost-sensitive applications
Cost: Lower cost, good value for lighter applications
Mixed Hardwood
Composition: Combination of various hardwood species
Properties: Varies by mix, generally good durability. Most common in recycled pallet market.
Weight Capacity: 2,500-4,000 lbs dynamic load
Best For: General purpose shipping, cost-effective heavy-duty option
Cost: Mid-range, excellent cost-to-performance ratio
Load Capacity Guidelines
Understanding Load Ratings
Static Load Capacity
Maximum weight a pallet can hold when sitting still on a flat surface. Typically highest rating. Example: A pallet in storage with product stacked on it.
Standard GMA: 5,500 lbs
Dynamic Load Capacity
Maximum weight a pallet can safely carry while being moved by a forklift or pallet jack. Lower than static capacity due to stress during movement.
Standard GMA: 2,500-4,600 lbs
Racking Load Capacity
Maximum weight when pallet is stored on warehouse racking with support only at the ends. Lowest rating due to stress from hanging weight.
Standard GMA: 2,500 lbs
Pallet Entry Types Explained
2-Way Entry
Forklift tines can enter from two opposite sides only. Stringers run full length without notches. Most economical design.
Advantages: Lower cost, simpler construction, adequate for many applications
Limitations: Less flexible in tight spaces, requires proper orientation
Partial 4-Way Entry
Stringers have notches cut into them, allowing pallet jacks (but not always forklifts) to enter from all four sides.
Advantages: More flexible than 2-way, minimal cost increase, good compromise
Limitations: Notching reduces stringer strength slightly
True 4-Way Entry
Block pallets with full access from all four sides for both forklifts and pallet jacks. Maximum handling flexibility.
Advantages: Maximum flexibility, easier handling, better for tight spaces
Considerations: Higher cost, heavier weight
Moisture Content Standards
Moisture content significantly affects pallet performance, weight, and susceptibility to mold. Understanding MC specifications helps ensure pallet quality.
Kiln Dried (KD)
Moisture Content: 10-19%
Wood heated in kiln to reduce moisture. More stable, lighter weight, less likely to warp or support mold growth.
Applications: Export pallets, pharmaceutical products, food products, long-term storage
Benefits: Reduced weight, improved stability, mold resistance, meets ISPM-15 with HT stamp
Heat Treated (HT)
Core Temperature: Minimum 56°C (133°F) for 30+ minutes
Required for international shipping to kill pests. ISPM-15 certified. May not significantly reduce moisture content.
Applications: International exports, any country requiring ISPM-15 compliance
Marking: Must have HT stamp with country code and manufacturer ID
Green/Air Dried
Moisture Content: 20%+ (green), gradually reducing (air dried)
Freshly cut or naturally dried wood. Higher moisture content makes pallets heavier. More susceptible to warping and mold.
Applications: Domestic shipping, short-term use, cost-sensitive applications
Considerations: Heavier shipping costs, may not meet export requirements
Fastener Types & Specifications
Nails
Types: Ring shank, screw shank, smooth shank
Ring Shank: Best holding power, ridges prevent withdrawal. Most common for pallet construction.
Typical Specifications: 8d to 16d (2.5" to 3.5" length), 0.131" to 0.162" diameter
Advantages: Lower cost, faster assembly, adequate for most applications
Screws
Types: Deck screws, lag screws, specialized pallet screws
Properties: Superior holding power, easier removal for repairs, less wood splitting during installation.
Typical Specifications: 2.5" to 4" length, various thread patterns
Applications: Heavy-duty pallets, frequently repaired pallets, block pallets
Staples
Types: Wire staples, divergent point staples
Properties: Fast installation with pneumatic tools. Good holding power with proper gauge wire and crown width.
Typical Specifications: 1.5" to 2" length, 15-16 gauge wire, 1" to 1.5" crown
Applications: High-volume production, lighter duty pallets, pallet repair
Custom Specifications Available
Need pallets with specifications not listed here? We can source or build custom pallets to meet your exact requirements:
- Non-standard dimensions
- Special load capacities
- Specific wood species
- Custom deck board configurations
- Special treatments or coatings
- Unique fastener requirements
- Industry-specific certifications
- Special handling features (lips, notches, reinforcements)
Contact our specification experts to discuss your custom pallet needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do static, dynamic, and racking loads mean?
Static is capacity at rest, dynamic is while being lifted or moved, and racking is the safe load when the pallet is stored in racks.
Which pallet dimensions are most common?
48x40 GMA is standard, but we regularly handle 42x42, 48x48, and custom sizes tailored to specific products and equipment.
How do board thickness and spacing affect performance?
Thicker boards and tighter spacing reduce deflection and product damage, especially for smaller cartons or automation requirements.
Do you supply block pallets as well as stringer pallets?
Yes. We provide both and will recommend the best style for your handling equipment, storage, and automation needs.
Can you provide ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets?
Absolutely. We heat treat and stamp pallets for export and include certification documents with each shipment.
What tolerances do you hold for automated systems?
We maintain consistent dimensions, lead board thickness, and chamfers where required to ensure smooth conveyor and AS/RS operation.
Which wood species are used in your specifications?
We use mixed hardwoods and softwoods based on strength and weight targets. Specific species can be requested for certain applications.
Can you design pallets for heavy or uneven loads?
Yes. We adjust board counts, stringer size, and reinforcement to handle heavy point loads or uneven weight distribution safely.
Do you offer moisture control or kiln-dried options?
We can provide kiln-dried or lower-moisture pallets when product sensitivity or export regulations require it.
Will you help me pick the right spec for my product?
Yes. Share product dimensions, weight, and handling method, and we will recommend a specification that balances safety and cost.