Plastic Pallet Standard Sizes Guide — ISO 6780 Dimensions for Export
Introduction
Choosing the wrong pallet size can cost your supply chain thousands in wasted container space, rejected shipments, and handling inefficiencies. This guide covers the six standard plastic pallet sizes recognized globally, which ones dominate which markets, and how to optimize your export shipments.
ISO 6780 Standard Pallet Sizes
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO 6780) recognizes six pallet dimensions for global trade. WEE Pallets manufactures all six sizes from 100% virgin HDPE and PP materials.
| Size (mm) | Size (inches) | Primary Market | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200 x 800 | 47.2 x 31.5 inches | Europe (EUR/EPAL) | Retail, general logistics |
| 1200 x 1000 | 47.2 x 39.4 inches | UK, chemical, food, Middle East | Heavy industry, bulk shipping |
| 1219 x 1016 | 48 x 40 inches | North America (GMA) | 70%+ US market share, racking |
| 1100 x 1100 | 43.3 x 43.3 inches | Japan, Korea, Asia | Electronics, mechanical |
| 1140 x 1140 | 44.9 x 44.9 inches | Australia, parts of Asia | CHEP compatible logistics |
| 1067 x 1067 | 42 x 42 inches | Australia specialty | Closed-loop applications |
Regional Deep Dive
Europe — 1200 x 800 mm (EUR Pallet)
The EUR/EPAL pallet is the backbone of European logistics. Plastic versions offer the same footprint with all the benefits of HDPE: no ISPM-15 fumigation, consistent weight, and full recyclability. This size fits two pallets side-by-side in standard ISO containers.
North America — 1219 x 1016 mm (48 x 40 inch GMA)
The GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet dominates over 70% of the US market. WEE Pallets produces this size in nine-leg, three-runner, picture frame, and rackable configurations with static loads up to 10,000 lbs. If you ship to Walmart, Costco, or any major US retailer, this is your size.
Asia-Pacific — 1100 x 1100 mm (JIS)
The square 1100x1100 mm format is standard in Japan and Korea, compatible with JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) containers. This size is particularly popular in electronics and automotive supply chains.
WEE Pallets Sizes and Capacity
Our most common export sizes:
- 48 x 40 inch (1219 x 1016 mm) — nine-leg nestable, static load 2,000-5,000 kg
- 40 x 32 inch (1016 x 813 mm) — compact nestable, ideal for one-way export
- Custom sizes available — 212+ mold types in inventory
All pallets feature 4-way forklift entry, available in blue, red, green, yellow, and custom colors.
Container Optimization
Choosing the right pallet size can drastically affect your container utilization:
| Container Type | 1200x800mm | 1200x1000mm | 1219x1016mm (GMA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 10 pallets | 10 pallets | 10 pallets |
| 40ft Standard | 21-24 pallets | 20-21 pallets | 20-21 pallets |
| 40ft High Cube | 24 pallets | 21 pallets | 21 pallets |
Nestable pallets can pack 300+ units per 20ft container when stacked empty — dramatically reducing return freight costs.
Export Compliance Checklist
- ISPM-15 exempt — no fumigation or heat treatment needed
- ISO 9001 certified — consistent quality across all production batches
- Customs-friendly — HDPE non-porous surface will not harbor pests
- Full traceability — lot numbers molded into each pallet
Need help choosing the right size for your market? Contact WEE Pallets for a free consultation and quote.
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