Pallet standards are among the least visible yet most fundamental rules of modern logistics. A product leaving the production line reaches the warehouse, the truck, the container and finally the customer's shelf safely only when the pallet size, the stacking pattern and the securing method are right. A badly palletised load does more than risk damage: it wastes vehicle capacity, fails to fit the racking, and may be refused at customs or by the buyer. In this article, Özd Global explains the common pallet standards with a focus on the EUR pallet, the rules of good stacking, the ISPM 15 heat-treatment requirement and the mistakes exporters make most often.
Why Use a Standard Pallet?
A standard pallet lets every link in the supply chain work with the same dimensions. Racking systems, forklift forks, truck bodies and container interiors are all designed around specific pallet footprints. Use a non-standard pallet and you leave gaps in the trailer, waste rack positions in the warehouse and pay extra handling at every transfer point.
Most of the cargo received at Özd Global warehouses arrives on EUR pallets, because Turkish exporters trading with Europe have long since adopted this footprint. In our warehousing and distribution operations, customers who use standard pallets enjoy a lower unit storage cost thanks to better rack utilisation.
Common Pallet Sizes and Where They Are Used
A handful of major pallet standards exist worldwide. The market you export to largely dictates which one you should choose.
| Pallet Type | Size (mm) | Main Markets | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR / EPAL 1 | 800 x 1200 | Europe, Türkiye | Most common, exchangeable pool system |
| EUR 2 / Industrial | 1000 x 1200 | Europe, chemicals and beverages | Larger load surface |
| North American (GMA) | 1016 x 1219 | USA, Canada | Known as 40 x 48 inch |
| Asian standard | 1100 x 1100 | Japan, Korea, China | Square format, container friendly |
| Half pallet | 600 x 800 | Retail, promotions | In-store display |
Key Features of the EUR Pallet
The EUR pallet measures 800 x 1200 mm, allows four-way forklift entry, follows a defined nail pattern and timber grade, and carries the EPAL stamp. While its static load capacity is high when block stacked, its dynamic capacity in transit is generally taken as 1,000-1,500 kg; always rely on the manufacturer's declaration.
Rules for Correct Stacking
Pallet standards cover not only the footprint but also how the load is built on it. The following rules significantly reduce damage in both road and sea transport:
- No overhang: The load must stay within the pallet edges; protruding cartons get crushed and snag on rack uprights.
- Heavy below, light above: Keep the centre of gravity low and place fragile items on top.
- Interlocking pattern: Rotate the carton orientation on each layer so the stack locks like brickwork.
- Height limit: Total height including the pallet should normally stay under 1.8 metres; check rack openings and vehicle clearance.
- Stretch film and strapping: Wrap at least three turns around the pallet base and add corner boards and straps for heavy loads.
- Labelling: The pallet label (SSCC or customer barcode) must appear on at least two sides at a readable height.
Tip: Photograph every pallet before loading and match the images to the dispatch note. In a damage claim, those pictures can shorten the insurance process by weeks.
ISPM 15: The Wooden Pallet Rule for Exports
International trade applies the ISPM 15 standard to wood packaging material. Wooden pallets must be heat treated to eliminate pests and must carry a recognisable mark. Containers with unmarked wooden pallets are held at customs in many countries, sent for fumigation or returned. Plastic pallets are exempt from this rule but cost more, which is why they are mostly used in closed-loop cycles.
Pallet Efficiency in Container and Truck Loading
The pallet footprint determines how full your vehicle is. A standard trailer takes roughly 33 EUR pallets of 800 x 1200 mm in a single layer; with 1000 x 1200 mm industrial pallets the figure drops to about 26. A 20-foot container holds 11 EUR pallets and a 40-foot container around 25, while square Asian pallets follow a different layout. Our road freight and sea freight teams prepare the loading plan around the pallet size in advance so that no space is wasted.
Pallet Pools and Exchange Systems
In Europe, EPAL pallets circulate in an exchangeable pool: the same number and quality of pallets are returned at delivery. Because this system does not work with every consignee in Türkiye, the contract should state clearly how pallets will be returned or charged.
Frequent Palletising Mistakes
A large share of the damage reports reaching Özd Global warehouses trace back to three basic errors: using broken or damp pallets, insufficient stretch wrapping, and mixing different products on one pallet without separation. Skipping straps on heavy loads, hiding the label under film and choosing a footprint incompatible with the consignee's racking also cause delivery delays. Every one of these can be prevented with a simple pre-loading checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a EUR pallet and an ordinary wooden pallet? A EUR pallet is produced under EPAL licence to defined dimension, nail and quality rules and carries the stamp; a plain wooden pallet follows no such rules. Buyers in Europe usually insist on EPAL-stamped pallets.
Are plastic pallets better for export? Plastic pallets are exempt from ISPM 15, do not absorb moisture and last longer, but their unit cost is higher. Heat-treated wooden pallets suit one-way shipments, while plastic pallets pay off in closed loops.
How high can a pallet be stacked? It depends on the product's strength, the vehicle height and the rack opening. In general practice a total height of 1.6-1.8 metres is considered safe; higher stacks increase the risk of crushed cartons.
Following pallet standards protects your goods and lowers both storage and transport costs. At its Gebze facilities, Özd Global offers palletising, re-palletising and load-planning services. Reach us through our contact page or call +90 551 462 41 34 with any questions.
