The Pallet Size Your Business Needs: Your Guide to the Average Pallet Weight
The pallet market creates over 800 million new and recycled pallets every year. These pallets come in different sizes, have different weights, and can carry different amounts.
So how do you find the pallet that’s right for you?
Keep reading to learn about pallet weight and why getting the right pallet size is important.
Why Is the Right Pallet Size and Weight so Important?
A pallet serves as the structural foundation of a unit load. In other words, when you lift a load of goods with a front loader, forklift, pallet jack, work saver, or any other jacking device, the pallet supports the goods and keeps them secure. This makes them efficient when handling and storing unit loads.
If your pallet is too small for the load, it won’t be able to support the unit in an effective way.
That’s why your pallets must be the right size and weight, and to make sure you get the right pallets, you have to know a little something about their standard measurements.
We’ve broken them down for you below.
The Standard Pallet Weight and Size
Pallets come in different weights and sizes depending on which region you live in. So if you’re looking for pallets in a different country, they won’t have the same measurements as the ones here in the United States.
But we’re going to focus our attention on the types of pallets you can find in North America.
The standard pallet size (in inches) is 48×40. Depending on the type of wood (either 5/8 wood of 1/2 inch boards), a pallet this size could weigh anywhere from 35 to 45 pounds. But that’s just the weight of the pallet itself.
A 48×40 inch pallet can carry a weight load of 4,600 pounds.
Other Pallet Sizes
Though 48×40 inches is the standard pallet size, you can get smaller or larger ones. If your products have a lower or higher weight load, you might need to choose a different size.
Here’s a short list of some of the other pallet weights, sizes, and load capacities.
- 48×48 inch pallet: weighs 40 pounds: carries 3,700 pounds
- 48×40 inch pallet: weighs 35 to 45 pounds: carries 4,600 pounds
- 42×42 inch pallet: weighs 35 pounds: carries 3,700 pounds
- 36×36 inch pallet: weighs 30 pounds: carries 4,700 pounds
These measurements let you better match your unit load with the proper weight bearing capacity. Knowing what sized pallet you need allows you to store, transport, and handle your goods in a safe and efficient manner.
What Else Should I Know About My Pallets?
Aside from the pallet weight and size, there are a few other choices you need to make about your pallets. This includes what kind of material they are and whether you want to buy or lease them.
Before you choose any pallets, find out if you want new pallets, recycled pallets, and remanufactured pallets. Different types of pallets are suitable for different applications, so make sure you know what kind you need before you buy.
Not sure what type of pallet you need? Take a look at our pallet definitions that’ll help you get more familiar with different pallets.