Shipping Pallets Frequently Asked Questions for SMB Shippers

When we are talking about pallet dimensions, we always talk about the length first and then the width. The standard size of most wood pallets is 48 inches by 40 inches.

If you have a large number of boxes that are all being shipped to the same destination, or you are shipping large items, then it is recommended to ship in the form of a pallet.

The most common standard pallet dimensions are:

• 48 inches by 40 inches
• 42 inches by 42 inches
• 48 inches by 48 inches

Though these are the most common sizes, if you’re shipping a bulky or irregular item for specialty freight, you may need a heavy-duty or a custom-sized pallet.

A standard wood pallet can hold up to 4,600 pounds.

The maximum pallet size for air cargo is usually 96 inches x 125 inches; however, this may depend on the air cargo line.

The cost of pallet shipping is going to depend on the size of the pallet, the weight of the pallet, the final destination, and the freight class of the shipment Click here to learn how to class your freight.

It depends on the size of the pallet and the size of the container. The most common container sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet. Per 20 feet, the average container can hold about 10 standard pallets.

In general, a pallet should be no taller than 60 inches for shipping.

A typical 48×40 wood pallet will weigh about 40 pounds.

There are several different types of shipping pallets. Block pallets are among the sturdiest pallets because they had them made with parallel and perpendicular stringers. Stringer pallets are 2 inches by 4 inches and have two-way forklift openings. Four-way pallets have forklift openings on four sides while two-way pallets have openings on two sides and are also called "unnotched."

The pallet strength is a reference to how much weight a pallet can hold before it breaks. In general, every pallet is a sign of strength that is the equivalent of 2 1/2 times less than the average breaking point. For example, if a pallet is going to break at 6,000 pounds, then it will have a strength capacity of roughly 2,400 pounds.

A lot of pallets are going to be lifted by a forklift. If there are slots in the pallets, this makes it easier for forklifts to lift them quickly and safely. If you want to make the loading and unloading process as easy as possible, you need to use pallets that have slots in them.

This stamp indicates that the pallet meets international shipping requirements. Usually, it means that these shipping pallets have been treated specifically to prevent the accumulation of insects, bacteria, and viruses. This also reduces the chances of causing damage to the local environment.