Common pallet footprints
Container counts assume efficient floor loading with no aisle and no overhang. Cargo footprint, restraint, door clearance, pallet condition, and weight distribution can reduce the actual count.
| Pallet type | Nominal footprint | Common region / use | Typical construction | Approx. 20′ / 40′ floor count | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR / EPAL 1 | 1,200 × 800 mm | Europe and international trade | Wood; four-way entry | ≈11 / 25 | Often exchanged in approved pallet pools |
| ISO / industrial | 1,200 × 1,000 mm | Europe, Asia, industrial supply | Wood or plastic; four-way | ≈10 / 21 | Common for industrial freight |
| GMA / North American | 1,219 × 1,016 mm (48 × 40 in) | United States and Canada | Wood; usually four-way | ≈9 / 20 | Dominant grocery and retail footprint |
| Asian square | 1,100 × 1,100 mm | Japan, Korea and parts of Asia | Wood or plastic | ≈10 / 20 | Square footprint simplifies block loading |
| Australian standard | 1,165 × 1,165 mm | Australia | Hardwood; four-way | ≈10 / 20 | Optimized for Australian rail and warehousing |
| Half Euro | 800 × 600 mm | Retail display and small loads | Wood or plastic | Layout dependent | Useful for point-of-sale replenishment |
| CP1 chemical pallet | 1,200 × 1,000 mm | Chemical and plastics sectors | Wood; perimeter base | ≈10 / 21 | Part of the CP pallet family |
| CP3 chemical pallet | 1,140 × 1,140 mm | Drums, bags and chemicals | Wood; square deck | ≈10 / 20 | Suited to four drums or bagged product |
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Palletizing checks before dispatch
- Keep cartons inside the pallet footprint unless an approved overhang is planned.
- State loaded pallet height and gross weight, including the pallet itself.
- Confirm whether pallets are stackable and the maximum top load.
- Use treated and marked wood packaging where ISPM 15 rules apply.
- Align fork openings with warehouse and carrier handling equipment.
- Protect corners, restrain the load, and avoid wrap blocking required labels.
Frequently asked questions
Are the listed dimensions guaranteed for every carrier?
No. Published dimensions and capacities are planning values. Manufacturing tolerances, equipment series, tare weight, legal limits, and carrier policy can change the usable space or payload.
What information should I provide for equipment confirmation?
Provide the packed length, width, height, gross weight, piece count, stackability, center of gravity where relevant, loading method, temperature needs, and any dangerous-goods status.
Standards and authoritative sources
Use these primary sources when a booking, customs entry, safety rule, or equipment certificate requires authoritative confirmation.
Need the right equipment for a live shipment?
Share the cargo dimensions, weight, origin, destination, and handling needs. Our team will verify availability and operating limits.
Reference reviewed 31 August 2026. General planning guidance only; booking specifications, regulations, and tariff classifications take precedence.