How much does a pallet weigh?
A standard 48 × 40 in wood pallet (GMA) weighs about 30–48 lb (14–22 kg), about 37 lb (17 kg) on average. A Euro pallet weighs about 25 kg (55 lb). Plastic pallets range from about 13 to 50 lb. A standard wood pallet can typically hold about 2,800–3,000 lb while being moved and around 4,600 lb standing on the floor.
Pallet weight by type
| Pallet | Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| GMA 48 × 40 in wood (stringer) | 30–48 (avg. 37) | 14–22 |
| 48 × 40 in block pallet | 65–75 | 29–34 |
| Euro pallet EPAL 1, 1200 × 800 mm | about 55 | about 25 |
| Industrial pallet 1200 × 1000 mm | 55–75 | 25–34 |
| Plastic pallet | 13–50 | 6–23 |
| Presswood / moulded wood | 10–25 | 5–11 |
| Steel pallet | 150–200 | 70–90 |
A freshly cut (“green”) wood pallet can weigh 50–70 lb because of the water in the wood; the same pallet kiln-dried is much lighter. If the shipment is weighed for freight billing, the pallet counts, so use the real weight of the pallets you ship.
How much weight can a pallet hold?
| Pallet | Dynamic load (moving) | Static load (on the floor) |
|---|---|---|
| GMA 48 × 40 in wood | about 2,800–3,000 lb | about 4,600 lb |
| Block wood pallet | about 4,000 lb | about 5,500 lb |
| Euro pallet (EPAL) | 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) | up to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) |
- Dynamic load: what the pallet can carry while being moved by forklift or pallet jack.
- Static load: what it can carry standing on a flat floor, including loads stacked above.
- Racking load: what it can carry in a pallet rack, supported only at the edges. This is the lowest rating, and for many wood pallets well under the dynamic rating.
Load ratings assume the weight is spread evenly. Check the rating from your pallet supplier when shipping heavy goods.
How much does a loaded pallet weigh?
There is no standard loaded weight. A pallet of light consumer goods may weigh 300–600 lb; a pallet of beverages or tiles 2,000 lb or more. Many LTL carriers and warehouses limit a single pallet to about 2,000–2,500 lb. Add up:
- the cartons: weight per carton × cartons per pallet (see the pallet calculator),
- the empty pallet (table above), and
- stretch wrap, corner boards and top sheets: usually 2–5 lb.
For LTL shipping, the loaded weight and the pallet size set the density and the freight class.
Pallet weight in a container
Pallets also count toward a container's payload. 20 US pallets in a 40ft container add about 340 kg of wood before any cargo. See how many pallets fit in a 40ft container and standard pallet sizes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a standard pallet weigh?
A standard 48 × 40 in wood pallet weighs about 30–48 lb, 37 lb on average.
How much does a Euro pallet weigh?
About 25 kg (55 lb).
How much weight can a pallet hold?
A standard wood pallet holds about 2,800–3,000 lb while being moved and about 4,600 lb standing on the floor. A Euro pallet is rated 1,500 kg when moved.
How much does a plastic pallet weigh?
Usually 13–50 lb (6–23 kg), depending on size and whether it is a light export pallet or a heavy-duty rackable pallet.