A pallet is typically made out of wood, but pallet manufacturers are making pallets out of all types of materials including metal, plastic, recycled materials or paper. Pallets are flat structures that are used for transport and shipping. Pallets allow for shipping containers and commercial goods to be shipped. Pallets give the good support and allow them to be lifted by forklifts, front loaders, pallet jacks and other lifting devices. Pallets make for efficient material handling and storage. A standard pallet is 48 inches in width and 40 inches in length, weighing between 35-45 lbs, on average.
Standard Pallet Weight
Pallet weight typically depend on the size of the pallet and what the load bearing capacity of the pallet is. The average pallet weighs 30 lbs to 70 lbs depending on if soft or hard wood was used to manufacture the pallet. Also, the moisture content of the wood can add or subtract extra weight. A normal wooden pallet used in the U.S. is 48 inches X 40 inches X 6 inches.
This pallet with have a load bearing capacity of 1 ton dynamic and 3 tons. A normal 48″X 40″ pallet weight is approximately 35-45 lbs. Lightweight pallets can weight anywhere from three to fifteen pounds. Most standard pallets weigh around 30 lbs.
Normal Pallet Size
Wooden pallet sizes vary depending on location and usage but the most common pallets sizes are (36″ X 36″ / 914.4mm X 914.4mm), (42″ X 42″ / 1066.8mm X 1066.8mm), (48″ X 48″ / 1219.2mm X 1219.2mm) and (48″ X 40″ / 1219.2mm X 1016mm). The standard pallet size for the United States of America is 40″ X 48″.
The reason there is not one pallet size that works for all is because there is such a variety of things pallets are used for. Depending on the use of the pallet, they usually will have to be small enough to pass through commercial business doorways, fit in containers for shipping and allow for low labor costs.
Standard Pallet Sizes & Dimensions Chart
Chart Pulled from DIYReady.com
How Much Weight Can A Pallet Hold?
48″X 40″ is the most standard pallet size in the U.S. and can hold up-to 4,600 lbs.
- A 48″ X 40″ pallet can hold 4,600 lbs of weight
- A 36″ X 36″ pallet can hold 4,700 lbs of weight
- A 42″ X 42″ pallet can hold 3,700 lbs of weight
- A 48″ X 48″ pallet can hold 3,700 lbs of weight
AAA Pallet & Lumber Co., Offers New and Used Pallets in Phoenix
AAA Pallet & Lumber Co., offers new pallets, used pallets, export pallets, and recycled pallets to the entire Phoenix, Arizona metro area, including Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, and surrounding cities. Call us at 602-278-1450 for more information.