Standard Pallet Sizes & Pallet Shipment Tips

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Five advantages of shipping by pallet

Pallets are a popular and economical choice when shipping freight. Here are five reasons why:

1. 1. Protection They are a sturdy base for stacking goods—preventing goods from shifting during transit.
2. 2. Movability With the use of a forklift or pallet jack, pallets are easy to move—saving on labor costs.
3. 3. Sustainable Because they can be reused multiple times, pallets save resources—and shipping costs.
4. 4. Standardized Standard sizes and dimensions make it easier for carriers to handle and transport them.
5. 5. Economical Since pallets are relatively inexpensive to purchase or rent, they are a cost-effective way to ship freight.

Standard pallet dimensions and sizes

The Consumer Brand Association (CBA—formerly known as the GMA) influences the consumer packaged goods industry around the globe.

Their standard pallet dimensions are 48"X40"—roughly 4'x3.33' or 160 sq. .ft if you're looking for a quick conversion. Despite the group's name change in 2019, pallets of this size are still commonly referred to as GMA pallets.

More than 30% of pallets produced in the U.S. each year are GMA pallets. The next most common pallet dimensions are 42” x 42” and 48” x 48” respectively.

Choosing the right pallet type for your shipment

There are several types of pallets, with names based on their construction. Below are the five most common pallets seen in shipping and a brief description of what separates them from one another.

1. Stringer pallets

Stringer pallets are built with 2"X4" wood, plastic, or metal stringers. These pallets use boards known as "stringers" that run between the top and bottom deck boards to add increased load support.

These pallets can come in either a "two-way" or "four-way" design. Two-way pallets allow for forklifts to enter from two sides and are sometimes referred to as "unnotched." Four-way pallets allow forklifts to enter the pallet from any side.

2. Block Pallets

Block pallets are typically sturdier, made with both parallel and perpendicular stringers. They are a four-way pallet that uses cylindrical posts to stabilize the top deck. These pallets can vary significantly. There are a variety of configurations that exist for block pallets. Models are available with or without top or bottom boards.

3. Solid Deck Pallet

Block pallets are typically sturdier, made with both parallel and perpendicular stringers. They are a four-way pallet that uses cylindrical posts to stabilize the top deck. These pallets can vary significantly. There are a variety of configurations that exist for block pallets. Models are available with or without top or bottom boards.

4. Double Face Pallet

As the name implies, double face pallets have decks on both the top and bottom of the pallet. The addition of a bottom deck strengthens the pallet and more evenly distributes the weight of the load.

These pallets come in both reversible and non-reversible models. Reversible models can hold a load on either side. To tell the difference between a reversible and non-reversible pallet, check the density of the board placement on each side. Non-reversible pallets should have one side that is sturdier than the other.

5. Double Wing Pallet

When looking at the pallet directly, double wing pallets have the appearance of "wings" because top and bottom deck boards extend beyond the stringers.

In addition to these common types, there are also specialized pallets designed for specific applications. Choosing the optimal pallet for a specific application depends on various factors such as load weight, load size, product type, and transportation needs.

Work with our dedicated Freightquote by C.H. Robinson experts to answer questions about pallet and equipment types.

How to prepare and ship a pallet

Packaging and preparation is considered the most important piece of shipping by pallet. When preparing your goods on a pallet, it’s important to secure your freight to the pallet and assess it to make sure your item(s) are properly balanced and securely in place.

The two recommended methods for securing items to a pallet are strapping and shrink wrapping. Regardless of your selected pallet shipping method, inspect your shipment before pickup and make sure your items are firmly in place and have not shifted.

1. Strapping pallets

When strapping items to a pallet, use at least two straps and loop them through the forks of the pallet. Also firmly tighten or ratchet the straps in place for the most secure fit.

2. Shrink wrapping pallets

Depending on the shipment, make at least five full wraps around the entire shipment and pallet with shrink wrap, ensuring that the finished shipment and pallet feels like one solid piece.

Packaging fragile items for pallet shipments

Beyond firmly securing your shipment to a pallet, fragile goods can also benefit from a simple device called crush cones. These tell the carrier not to stack other items on top of your freight. They are small, often triangular, cones that can be attached to the top of your shipment by straps or packing tape.

Other considerations for pallet shipping

The following pallet shipping best practices can help minimize the risk of damage while in transit. Consult with a Freightquote shipping expert for help meeting your shipping needs.

• Choose the right sized pallet: Choose a pallet of suitable size and strength to support the weight of your items. Consider using pallets with additional support beams or reinforcements for added stability.
• Find the right carrier: Select a reputable carrier with experience and a strong reputation. Leverage LTL carrier reviews in our online booking tool to inquire about expertise and past service levels.
• Distribute the load evenly: Distribute the weight evenly across the pallet, placing heavier fragile items at the bottom and lighter items on top. This helps maintain balance and stability during handling and transit.
• Set clear expectations Knowing what to expect during the shipping process is a smart way to make sure your freight moves efficiently.
• Track shipments throughout: Obtain a tracking number from the carrier to monitor the progress of your shipment. When you book with Freightquote, our online shipment tracking tool does all the work for you!

Pallet shipment costs

The price of shipping by pallet is determined based on a number of considerations, including the weight and size of the pallet, the origin/destination of the shipment, and the shipping method.

Here are common factors that can affect pallet shipment costs:

• Weight: The weight of the pallet is the most important factor in determining the shipping cost. Having an accurate weight up front will help keep your shipping costs in budget. No freight scale handy? No problem! Watch this video for four quick tips.
• Size: Pallets that are larger or have irregular dimensions tend to cost more to ship.
• Distance: Pallets shipped long distances will cost more to ship than those shipped short distances.
• Shipping method: Pallets shipped via less than truckload (LTL), could cost less to ship than pallets shipped via full truckload (FTL).

Understand the ins and outs of pallet shipping

By staying informed about industry trends you can streamline operations, minimize costs, and deliver goods with confidence. Book your next pallet shipment with confidence using our free online booking tool.