Which Pallets Are Right For My Needs?

January 15, 2025

Choosing the right pallet is crucial for optimizing supply chain operations, ensuring the safety of goods, and effectively managing costs.


With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which pallet is the best fit for your specific needs.


Explore some key considerations, such as size, weight capacity, material, and more, to help you decide on the type of pallet that will work best for your business.


Pallet Size and Industry Standards

Pallet size is critical, as it directly impacts how well your products fit on the pallet and how efficiently they can transport.


The standard pallet size in North America is 48x40 inches, commonly called a GMA pallet. However, other industries and regions may use different sizes. For instance, the automotive industry often requires 48x45-inch pallets, while European markets use the 1200x800 mm Euro pallet.


When choosing a pallet size, consider the dimensions of your products, the storage systems in your warehouse, and compatibility with transportation methods.


Selecting a size that adheres to industry standards can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of incompatibility with racks, containers, and shipping equipment.


Weight Capacity

Understanding the weight your pallet needs to support is essential. Pallet classification generally falls into three categories:


  • Light-duty: Suitable for loads under 1,000 pounds.
  • Medium-duty: Ideal for weights between 1,000 and 2,500 pounds.
  • Heavy-duty: Designed to handle loads exceeding 2,500 pounds.


Overloading a pallet can compromise its integrity and lead to safety hazards.

To avoid this, calculate the total weight of your goods and any additional equipment the pallet will hold. Always select a pallet that exceeds your weight requirements to ensure durability and safety.

Types of Pallets

The material of your pallet plays a significant role in its performance, cost, and suitability for specific applications.


  • Wooden Pallets: Wooden pallets are the most widely used due to their affordability and versatility. They repair and recycle easily, making them a sustainable choice. However, they may not be suitable for environments where hygiene or moisture resistance is a priority.
  • Plastic Pallets: Plastic pallets are durable, lightweight, and resistant to moisture and chemicals. They are ideal for industries like pharmaceuticals and food processing, where cleanliness is critical. While their initial cost is higher than wooden pallets, their longevity often justifies the investment.
  • Metal Pallets are the sturdiest option for heavy loads or harsh environments, such as automotive manufacturing. They are also resistant to pests and weather but have a higher price tag.
  • Composite and Pressed Wood Pallets: These options are lightweight and economical, making them a popular choice for one-way shipping. However, they may not be as durable as wood or plastic alternatives.


Temperature Considerations

If your operations involve extreme temperatures, such as refrigerated storage or outdoor shipping, you'll need pallets that can withstand these conditions.


Plastic and metal pallets are excellent for such environments because they resist warping, cracking, and mold growth.


Suppliers treat wooden pallets for added durability but may still be prone to issues like moisture absorption in wet or humid conditions.


Stringer vs. Block Pallets

The construction of a pallet affects its usability and durability.


  • Stringer Pallets: These pallets use parallel boards (stringers) for support, typically allowing for two-way entry with forklifts. They are cost-effective but not as durable or versatile as block pallets.
  • Block Pallets: Block pallets feature a sturdier design with blocks at each corner and along the middle, allowing for four-way entry; this makes them easier to handle with forklifts and pallet jacks and is ideal for heavy loads or high-volume operations.


Consider your handling equipment and load requirements when deciding between stringer and block pallets.



Pricing and Budget Considerations

The cost of a pallet varies depending on its material, size, treatment, and customization.


Wooden pallets are generally the most affordable upfront, while plastic and metal options require a higher initial investment.


However, the long-term savings from durability, reusability, and reduced maintenance can make these options more cost-effective.


Consider cost-effective solutions like pressed wood or composite pallets if you ship goods internationally or use pallets for single-use shipments. For multi-user applications, investing in higher-quality pallets may provide better value.

Longevity and Maintenance

The lifespan of a pallet depends on its material and how well it is maintained.


Wooden pallets can last several uses if appropriately handled but may require repairs.


Plastic pallets often have a longer lifespan and are virtually maintenance-free, while metal pallets are the most durable but also the most expensive to replace if damaged.


To extend pallet life, ensure proper handling and storage practices. For example, avoid overloading, use pallet racking systems correctly, and keep pallets clean and dry.


Recycling or repurposing old pallets is another way to maximize their utility and reduce environmental impact.


Work With Global ICB

Choosing the right pallet involves carefully evaluating your needs, including size, weight capacity, material, and operational environment.


Considering these factors, you can enhance efficiency, protect your goods, and optimize costs.


If you're unsure which pallet is right for your business, our team is here to help!


Contact us today for personalized recommendations and high-quality pallet solutions tailored to your needs.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

How the Right Pallet Can Prevent Product Damage During Transport

April 10, 2025
Using the correct pallet type for each use case streamlines shipping and storage and is a critical defense against product damage.

How Pallet Recycling Can Help You Meet Your Corporate Sustainability Goals

March 13, 2025
In today's business world, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it's a necessity. Companies across industries prioritize environmentally friendly practices to meet corporate sustainability goals, reduce waste, and enhance their brand image. Pallet recycling is one often overlooked yet highly effective way to boost sustainability efforts. By adopting pallet recycling practices, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while improving operational efficiency and cost savings. The Role of Wooden Pallets in Logistics and Sustainability Wooden pallets are the backbone of global supply chains and are used extensively in warehousing, shipping, and logistics. However, with millions of pallets in circulation, the environmental impact of pallet disposal can be significant. Businesses discard large volumes of damaged or used pallets every year, contributing to deforestation and landfill waste. Pallet recycling is a sustainable solution that allows businesses to minimize waste, conserve resources, and promote a circular economy. Companies can extend their lifespans by repairing, reusing, or repurposing wooden pallets, significantly reducing the need for new raw materials. How Pallet Recycling Supports Corporate Sustainability Goals Reducing Waste and Landfill Impact Many companies aim to achieve zero-waste goals or significantly reduce landfill contributions. Recycling wooden pallets helps businesses avoid unnecessary waste by ensuring that pallets are repaired, refurbished, or broken down into reusable materials instead of being discarded in landfills. This approach aligns with corporate waste-reduction initiatives and helps businesses lower disposal costs. Lowering Carbon Footprint Manufacturing new pallets requires fresh lumber, contributing to deforestation and increasing carbon emissions associated with logging and transportation. Recycling pallets helps reduce the demand for virgin wood, ultimately lowering greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating pallet recycling into their sustainability plans, businesses can actively work towards reducing their carbon footprint and environmental impact. Promoting a Circular Economy A circular economy keeps resources in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value before recycling or repurposing them. Pallet recycling embodies this concept by transforming old or damaged pallets into refurbished, reusable products. Companies that embrace pallet recycling contribute to a more sustainable supply chain by extending the lifecycle of materials rather than relying on continuous production and disposal cycles. Cost Savings and Resource Efficiency Sustainability efforts are often associated with additional costs, but pallet recycling offers environmental and financial benefits. Instead of purchasing brand-new pallets, businesses can refurbish and reuse existing ones, significantly lowering procurement expenses. Additionally, selling unwanted pallets to recycling companies can generate extra revenue while reducing disposal fees. Enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Brand Reputation Consumers and stakeholders increasingly favor businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Implementing a pallet recycling program helps companies achieve sustainability goals and enhances their corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile. By showcasing eco-friendly practices, businesses can attract environmentally conscious customers, strengthen partnerships, and differentiate themselves from competitors.

The True Cost of Pallet Disposal (And How to Reduce It)

February 12, 2025
By understanding the actual cost of pallet disposal and exploring strategies to reduce these expenses, companies can save money, improve sustainability, and increase operational efficiency.