How to choose the right type of pallet for shipping?

Compare pallet types, sizes and materials to choose the best fit for your shipment.

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STANDARD SIZES

Euro pallet standard sizes and dimensions

Euro pallets (or EUR pallets, EPAL pallets) are the standard European pallet. A single pallet weighs 20-25 kg and is available in 4 different sizes.

EUR-pallet typesDimensions (W x L) cmDimensions (W x L) inch
EUR, EUR 180 x 120 cm (most commonly used in Europe)31.50 in x 47.24 in
EUR 2100 x 120 cm (most commonly used in the UK)39.37 in x 47.24 in
EUR 3100 x 120 cm39.37 in x 47.24 in
EUR 660 x 80 cm23.62 in x 31.50 in

ISO STANDARD SIZES

Global pallet standard sizes and dimensions

ISO pallets are available in 6 different sizes, and pallet dimensions vary depending on the region in which they are used.

If you are shipping a pallet across continents, it is a good idea to choose an appropriate ISO pallet for the destination so that the goods do not have to be transferred to another pallet at the other end of the journey.

Here is a summary of the 6 ISO pallets most commonly used.

Where they are commonly usedDimensions (W x L) cmDimensions (W x L) inch
North America101.6 x 121.9 cm40 x 48 in
Europe and Asia100 x 120 cm39.37 in x 47.24 in
Australia116.5 x 116.5 cm45.9 x 45.9 in
North America, Asia, Europe106.7 x 106.7 cm42 x 42 in
Asia110 x 110 cm43.4 x 43.4 in
Europe80 x 120 cm31.50 in x 47.24 in

HOW TO SHIP

Pallet Types and Standard Sizes

Learn about the different types of pallets, standard sizes and materials used for shipping. Choose the right pallet for your goods and explore more packaging materials for safe transport.

EXPRESS PALLET

EXPRESS PALLET

Flexible pickup scheduling, ground-floor delivery, and full shipment visibility with real-time tracking included.

Ideal for urgent or high-value shipments where timing and precision matter.

DELIVERY

1-3 business days

WEIGHT

Up to 1250 kg

PRIORITY PALLET

PRIORITY PALLET

Ideal for shipments that can't wait for standard freight but don't require express rates. Door-to-door, trackable, and handled by trusted partners.

A dependable alternative to express delivery, where price and punctuality meet.

DELIVERY

2-5 business days

WEIGHT

Up to 1250 kg

STANDARD PALLET

STANDARD PALLET

Standard pallet delivery for a cost-effective solution when fast delivery isn’t the main concern.

Ideal for non urgent shipments without compromising on quality of the service.

DELIVERY

5-10 business days

WEIGHT

Up to 1250 kg

VAN DELIVERY

VAN DELIVERY

A flexible, direct and cost-effective solution for transporting larger loads, furniture, or multiple items door-to-door with dedicated vehicle capacity.

Ideal for relocations, bulky shipments, or urgent deliveries that require extra space and direct transport.

DELIVERY

Dedicated direct transport

LOAD

Up to 1000 kg

FTL TRANSPORT

FTL TRANSPORT

A reliable and cost-effective solution for transporting large shipments door-to-door with a dedicated truck reserved exclusively for your goods.

Ideal for full truckloads, palletised freight, and high-volume shipments requiring direct transport and fewer handling points.

DELIVERY

Dedicated direct transport

LOAD

Up to 24,000 kg

LTL TRANSPORT

LTL TRANSPORT

A flexible and cost-effective solution for transporting palletised and larger shipments without reserving an entire truck.

Ideal for partial loads, multiple pallets and regular freight shipments that can share truck space with other consignments.

DELIVERY

Consolidated road transport

LOAD

Partial truckload

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PALLET FEATURES

What are the different types of shipping pallets?

Although they may look alike, every pallet is different. Pallets can be classified by their support structure, deck configuration and material.

Block pallets

TYPE OF SUPPORT

Block pallets

Block pallets are supported by blocks positioned between the top and bottom decks. Most have four-way entry, allowing a forklift to lift the pallet from any side.

Their sturdy construction makes them easy to handle and suitable for a wide range of loads.

Stringer pallets

TYPE OF SUPPORT

Stringer pallets

Stringer pallets use parallel boards, known as stringers, to support the load. They normally provide two-way forklift entry, although four-way notched versions are also available.

Stringer pallets are particularly common in the United States.

Open deck pallets

DECK CONFIGURATION

Open deck pallets

Open deck pallets have gaps or a mesh-like surface on the top deck. This makes them lighter and can help water drain away if the pallet gets wet.

They are generally a more economical option than solid deck pallets.

Solid deck pallets

DECK CONFIGURATION

Solid deck pallets

Solid deck pallets have a continuous top surface made from wood, plastic or another material. With no gaps for small items to fall through, they are suitable for smaller goods.

Their smooth surface also makes them easier to clean.

Pallet designs

OTHER PALLET TYPES

Other pallet designs

Double-face pallets

  • Have decks on both the top and bottom for additional strength and load distribution.

Double-wing pallets

  • Have deck boards extending beyond the supports, providing a larger surface for bulky loads.

Nestable pallets

  • Fit inside one another when empty, reducing the amount of storage space required.

PALLET MATERIALS

Choosing between different pallet materials

Pallets are available in wood, plastic, paper and metal. The best material depends on the weight of your goods, handling requirements, destination and how often the pallet will be reused.

Wooden pallets types

PALLET MATERIALS

Wooden pallets

Wooden pallets are the most commonly used type of shipping pallet. They are durable, widely available and generally more affordable than plastic or metal alternatives.

They are suitable for a wide range of goods, including heavy items, furniture and general freight.

Plastic pallets

PALLET MATERIALS

Plastic pallets

Plastic pallets are durable, reusable and easy to clean. They are often used in industries where hygiene and resistance to moisture are particularly important.

They usually cost more than wooden pallets but can be reused many times.

Paper pallets type

PALLET MATERIALS

Paper pallets

Paper pallets are lightweight, recyclable and easy to handle. They are best suited to lighter shipments where reducing packaging weight is important.

They are generally not recommended for very heavy loads or demanding transport conditions.

Steel pallets types

PALLET MATERIALS

Steel pallets

Steel pallets are extremely strong and durable, making them suitable for heavy loads and demanding transport conditions.

They are resistant to moisture and repeated handling, but are heavier and usually more expensive than wooden or plastic pallets.

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