What is the standard pallet size in the US?

The standard US pallet is 48 x 40 inches, often called the GMA pallet. It is the most common pallet in North America. Parcel Management Group is a registered broker in Ventura, CA 93001. Call (805) 984-4114.

What are the dimensions of a euro pallet?

A standard euro pallet (EUR) is 1200 x 800 mm, about 47.2 x 31.5 inches.

How do I measure a pallet for a freight quote?

Measure length and width at the widest point, including overhang, and height from the floor to the top of the load, including the pallet. Weigh the full pallet and round up.

What is the difference between a pallet and a skid?

A skid has a top deck on runners but no bottom deck. A pallet has top and bottom decks. Carriers rate both by dimensions and weight.

Standard Pallet Size and Pallet Dimensions

The standard pallet size in the US is 48 x 40 inches (48 inches long by 40 inches wide), often called the GMA pallet. It is the most common pallet in North America and the size most LTL quotes assume. Parcel Management Group is a registered freight broker (USDOT 3266041 · MC 1030328) in Ventura, CA 93001. Call (805) 984-4114.

A quote needs length, width, the height of the loaded pallet, and the weight. Say which pallet the freight is on, whether that is the 48 x 40 inch GMA pallet or another size.

Common pallet dimensions

Size	Common use
48 x 40 in	Most US and North American freight (GMA)
42 x 42 in	Often used for telecom and paint
48 x 48 in	Often used for drums
1200 x 800 mm (about 47.2 x 31.5 in)	Euro pallet (EUR), common in Europe
1200 x 1000 mm (about 47.2 x 39.4 in)	ISO pallet used in Europe and Asia

Confirm with your shipper or warehouse which pallet the freight is on.

The table lists footprints, not heights. A euro pallet (EUR) and an ISO pallet are close to 48 x 40 inches, but they are not the same size, so list each size on its own line.

How to measure a pallet for an LTL quote

Measure length and width at the widest point, including any overhang.
Measure height from the floor to the top of the load, including the pallet.
Weigh the full pallet, including the pallet and wrap.
Round up to the next whole inch and pound.
Send length x width x height, weight and pallet count with the quote request.

If a carton overhangs, measure to that outermost carton. Height is the cartons plus the pallet.

Request the quote at /ltl-freight-quote/.

How to work out pallet density

Multiply length x width x height in inches. Divide that product by 1,728. That gives cubic feet. Divide the weight by those cubic feet. That gives pounds per cubic foot.

Use length and width at the widest point, including overhang, height from the floor to the top of the load, including the pallet, and the full weight, including the pallet and the wrap.

A 48 x 40 x 48 inch pallet weighing 500 pounds is 92,160 cubic inches, or about 53.3 cubic feet, so its density is about 9.4 pounds per cubic foot.

Density is one of the factors that sets freight class. It is not a class on its own. See what is freight class.

Pallet vs skid

A skid has a top deck on runners but no bottom deck boards. A pallet has top and bottom decks and can be lifted by a forklift or pallet jack. Carriers rate both by dimensions and weight.

Tips for shipping a pallet

Keep cartons within the pallet edges (overhang adds to the measured size and raises damage risk).
Stack heavy cartons on the bottom and keep a flat top.
Stretch wrap and band the load to the pallet.
Label each pallet and match the count on the bill of lading.
Tell the broker if the pickup or delivery has no dock, since a liftgate is an accessorial. See accessorial charges.

When the dock counts cartons, send a packing list with the pallets.

How PMG helps

PMG books LTL and FTL pallet freight with vetted carriers and checks your dimensions and weight before booking. Quote path: /ltl-freight-quote/ · /how-freight-quoting-works/.

Call (805) 984-4114 or start a chat at /#contact.

What is the standard pallet size?