href="../../images/logo.svg"/>
Florida's #1 Pallet Supplier • Now Serving All 50 States • Free Quotes
Standard Pallet Sizes
Articles › Pallet Sizes & Dimensions

Standard Pallet Sizes
Complete Chart: GMA, Euro, Chemical & Industry-Specific Dimensions

Florida Pallet Supply • Updated 2026-03-30

Pallet dimensions are not one-size-fits-all. While the GMA 48x40 dominates US general distribution, at least a dozen industry-specific pallet sizes are in common use across different supply chains. Using the wrong pallet size for your industry creates handling problems, racking incompatibilities, and trailer-space waste.

This guide lists every major pallet standard in current use, explains which industries use each, and shows how to calculate trailer utilization for any pallet size.

Tape measure showing GMA 48x40 pallet stringer dimensions
Measuring a GMA 48x40 stringer - the dominant US pallet standard

North American Pallet Size Chart

Pallet Lumber & Sawmill Operations

Stamped kiln-dried pallet lumber, bulk warehouse stock, dimensional yard inventory, raw softwood logs, and sawmill operations - the supply chain behind every custom and standard pallet we ship.

Kiln-dried stamped pallet lumber boards in stack at sawmill
Kiln-dried stamped pallet lumber boards in stack at sawmill
Bulk pallet lumber storage in covered warehouse - dimensional pallet stock
Bulk pallet lumber storage in covered warehouse - dimensional pallet stock
Dimensional pallet lumber stacks with grading marks in lumber yard
Dimensional pallet lumber stacks with grading marks in lumber yard
Softwood pallet logs - raw timber for pallet lumber milling
Softwood pallet logs - raw timber for pallet lumber milling
Sawmill aerial view of lumber yard with pallet supply inventory
Sawmill aerial view of lumber yard with pallet supply inventory
SizeIndustry / UseNotes
48 x 40Grocery, food, general distributionMost common in North America (GMA standard)
42 x 42Telecom, paint, beveragesSquare format for symmetric loads
48 x 48Drums, chemicals, beveragesLarge square for barrel/drum loads
40 x 40Dairy (milk crates)Fits standard dairy crate dimensions
48 x 36Beverage, bottlingCommon for 2-liter beverage cases
36 x 36Drums, chemical, beverage kegsFits standard 55-gallon drum
48 x 45AutomotiveFits automotive part packaging dimensions
44 x 44Chemical, drumsStandard for chemical industry 55-gal drums
48 x 20Half pallet (retail display)Used for store display half-pallets
1200 x 800mm (47.2 x 31.5)European (EUR/EPAL)Standard for European supply chains

How to Calculate Trailer Utilization

For a 53-foot dry van trailer (interior: 630" L x 98-99" W), divide trailer width by pallet width to get columns, then divide trailer length by pallet depth to get rows. Example: 48x40 GMA pallets placed 40" deep = 630/40 = 15.75, so 15 rows. At 2 columns (2 x 48" = 96"), that is 30 pallet positions per trailer. If you orient 48" across the trailer width (2 x 40" = 80"), you waste 18" of width but can potentially fit 3 columns of 40" wide pallets in some wide-body trailers.

Custom Pallet Sizes

If your product does not fit cleanly on a standard pallet, a custom size is often more cost-effective than you might expect. Florida Pallet Supply builds custom pallet dimensions for sod farms (long, narrow, high-deck designs for sod rolls), nursery operations (flat low-profile pallets for potted plant trays), building material suppliers (extra-heavy duty 48x40 or 60x48 for block, tile, and lumber), and pool/spa equipment manufacturers. Custom tooling costs are minimal for wood construction; the minimum order is typically 50-100 units.

Frequently Asked Questions

The GMA 48x40 is the dominant standard in the United States, representing roughly 35% of all pallets in circulation. It is the standard for grocery distribution, food manufacturing, and general retail supply chains.
Standard forklifts with adjustable fork spacing can handle most pallet sizes between 36 and 48 inches wide. Very narrow pallets (under 32") or very wide pallets (over 48") may require fork extensions or non-standard equipment.
Only if the rack beam spans are designed for it. Racking systems are typically engineered for a specific pallet width. Mixing significantly different sizes without beam adjustment creates safety hazards.

Need Pallets?

Florida Pallet Supply delivers new, recycled, and custom pallets across FL, GA, NJ, MD & DE. Fast quotes, reliable weekly delivery.

Get Free Quote →

or call

Related Articles

Keep Learning

Pallet Types & Construction
GMA Pallet Standard: Everything You Need to Know About 48x40
Pallet Sizes & Dimensions
Pallet Load Capacity: Static, Dynamic & Racking Limits Explained
Florida Pallet Supply

Ready to Order Pallets for Your Operation?

The standard pallet sizes used in North America range from 48x40 inches (the GMA standard) to 42x42, 48x48, and 40x40 inches depending on industry. The 48x40 GMA pallet is the most common size, used in grocery, retail, and general distribution. Other standard sizes are designed for specific industries: 42x42 for chemical drums, 48x48 for barrels, 40x40 for dairy, and 48x45 for automotive parts. Custom sizes are available for any application that falls outside these standards.

Get Free Quote →

🔥 Need Pallets? Get Your Free Quote Today!

Get Quote →