
Complete guide to standard pallet sizes with specifications. 48×40 GMA, 42×42, 48×48, and more. Chart with dimensions, capacity, and uses.
Common pallet dimensions used across industries in the United States. All sizes available new, recycled, or custom-built from Florida Pallet Supply.
| Size | Dimensions | Common Use | Load Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48×40 GMA Most Popular | 48" × 40" | Grocery, Retail, General Warehousing | 4,600 lbs | 37 lbs |
| 42×42 | 42" × 42" | Telecommunications, Paint, Coatings | 4,445 lbs | 36 lbs |
| 48×48 | 48" × 48" | Chemical, Drums, Bulk Storage | 4,673 lbs | 37 lbs |
| 48×42 | 48" × 42" | Automotive, Manufacturing | 4,333 lbs | 35 lbs |
| 40×48 | 40" × 48" | Military, Cement, Building Materials | 3,696 lbs | 42 lbs |
| 48×36 | 48" × 36" | Beverage, Bottling, Distribution | 5,261 lbs | 31 lbs |
| 36×36 | 36" × 36" | Beverage Cases, Small Footprint | 3,544 lbs | 32 lbs |
| 40×40 | 40" × 40" | Dairy, General Purpose | 3,544 lbs | 29 lbs |
| Custom Custom | Any Size | Specialty, Oversized, Engineered | Engineered | Varies |
When people refer to the "standard pallet size" in the United States, they mean the GMA 48" × 40" pallet. Specifications call for 3.5"-wide and ½"-thick deck boards with 6" front boards. About 30% of all new wood pallets produced in the US are this size. The 48×40 is the dominant pallet in grocery, general warehousing, and retail distribution.
The GMA standard was established by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now Consumer Brands Association) to allow efficient handling of goods across the US supply chain. Standardization reduces wasted space, allows forklifts and pallet jacks to operate efficiently, and enables interchangeability between suppliers.
Need GMA pallets? We supply Grade A, Grade B, and brand new.
Get Quote →The industry standard. 6" front boards. Used by all major grocery and retail chains.
Block pallets engineered for extreme weight. Solid deck options for cans and bottles.
Custom-designed for automotive parts. Precision-built to protect components.
Chemical-resistant. CP1 through CP9 standards. Common for drum storage.
Originally designed for US Military. Now common in telecom, paint, and coatings.
Heavy-duty block pallets for bottling industry. Solid construction for extreme weight.

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