Clicky

  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Guideline
  4. >
  5. Palletizing Cargo: When to Do It

Palletizing Cargo: When to Do It

What is a pallet?

A pallet is a strong, flat structure, specifically designed to support goods and provide stability when they are being lifted on a forklift, moved with a pallet jack, or being transported from between different locations.

While the most common type of pallet is made out of wood, they can also be constructed from plastic, metal, paper, and various recycled materials. Each one is used to hold and transport different types of goods.

What types of cargo should be palletized before transport?

Some of the types of goods that should be transported on pallets are:

What are the size dimensions of pallets?

Countries like the United States, Canada, Spain, and Portugal hold a standard size for pallets to make sure that they can fit through typical entrances and in trucks and containers. Here is a size breakdown:

North America Standard Dimensions:

Dimensions in inches (W x L) Dimensions in meters (W x L) Uses
48 × 40 122 × 102 Groceries
42 × 42 107 × 107 Telecommunications and Paint
48 × 48 122 × 122 Drums
40 × 48 101.6 × 122 Military Equipment and Cement
48 × 42 122 × 107 Chemicals and Beverage
40 × 40 102 × 102 Dairy
48 × 45 122 × 114 Automotive Parts
44 × 44 112 × 112 Drums and Chemicals
36 × 36 91.4 × 91 Beverage
48 × 36 122 × 91 Beverage and Packaged Paper
35 × 45.5 89 × 116 Military
48 × 20 122 × 51 Retail

Australian Standard Dimensions:

Dimensions in inches (W x L) Dimensions in meters (W x L) Usage Location
45.90 × 45.90 117 × 117 Everything in Australia & New Zealand

European Standard Pallet Dimensions:

Dimensions in inches (W x L) Dimensions in meters (W x L)
31.50 × 47.24 80 × 120
47.24 × 39.37 120 × 100
39.37 × 47.24 100 × 120
31.50 × 23.62 80 × 60

ISO Pallet Dimensions:

The International Organization for Standardization has its own set of approved pallet measurements for its member-countries.

Dimensions in inches (W x L) Dimensions in meters (W x L) Region used in
48.00 × 40.00 122 x 102 North America
39.37 × 47.24 100 x 120 Europe, Asia
44.88 × 44.88 114 x 114 Australia
42.00 × 42.00 107 x 107 North America, Europe, Asia
43.30 × 43.30 110 x 110 Asia
31.50 × 47.24 80 x 60 Europe

How can I prepare my pallet for a safe transit?

Here are some steps you can follow to make sure your pallet is prepared for transit:

1. Use multiple layers of corrugated cardboard to evenly distribute the weight of the contents on the pallet.

2. Use corner boards to prevent damage to the corners of boxes and to stabilize the load. Whenever possible, make sure that they cover the full height and length of the load and use the materials in all corners.

3. Use shrink wrap or stretch wrap to secure all pieces of the shipment together.

4. Use strapping or banding techniques, in conjunction with the stretch wrap to secure the load to the pallet and keep it from tipping or shifting during transit.

If you’d like to learn more about pallets or other palletization and packing requirements, contact us!