In the last articles we talked about what is a pallet and pallet size and weight. Pallets come in different sizes and have different weight depending on the wood. The best pallet definition is a wooden structure that holds products. Now, we’re going to find out how much these pallets can really hold in terms of supporting products.
Standard pallets weight capacity
The standard pallet is the most common pallet size that is used. The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) sets the size to 48″ x 40″. The thickness of the wood standard is 5/8″. More than 30% of all U.S. wooden pallets are standard-sized GMA pallets.
We will be using this wood standard for all pallets explained in the article. The weight that the pallets hold is measured in pounds. The standard pallet can hold 4,600 lbs — the weight of one adult male rhinoceros. A standard pallet’s weight capacity would also cover:
One and a quarter 2009 Ford Taurus cars- Three cows
- Four Grizzly Bears
- Four Polar Bears
- Four and half concert grand pianos
- Five horses
You get the picture — the modest, small profile standard sized pallet that stands a mere 6 1/2″ tall carries a lot of weight! And a lot of responsibility — protecting the product, making it easier to transport the product, and protecting warehouse workers and truckers! The wooden pallet is clearly a major improvement over wooden barrels and crates, which is why they have become so ubiquitous. Over a billion pallets are in use in just the United States.
Yet some loads require more strength and support — or less weight and less space.
Different pallets sizes hold different weights
As explained before pallets come in different weights and sizes. Therefore, these different pallets also hold different amounts. The 36 x 36 pallet can hold 4,700 lbs. In addition, the 42 x 42 pallet and the 48 x 48 pallet can hold 3,700 lbs. Below is table that shows how much pallets can hold.
Note the pallet weight capacity also depends on how the pallet is stored. Pallets that stand on a cement floor can support more weight than pallets that are stacked two and four pallets high. That bottom pallet needs to be strong enough to support its load, and the load on the pallets placed on top. Pallets stored side-by-side on a pallet rack may also have different weight loads. We recommend working with Greenway Products & Services’ engineering team to make sure you select the pallet that provides the strength — and safety — you need to protect your products, warehouse, and staff. For a consult, contact Dominick Davi by email at dom@greenwaypsllc.com or phone at 516-437-6300 .
Didn’t find the pallet you needed?
Because wood pallets are easily modified, any size pallet can be designed to higher weight loads by adding additional stringers or blocks to the construction.
Greenway Products & Services offers custom pallets as well as standard pallets. Contact Greenway and we can help you find the right pallet that can hold your products.
Greenway Products & Services has a design system call PDS “Pallet Design System” it is a computer generated reports that give you the weight capacity of the pallet you are using. The weight capacity can change based on different species of wood, length of nail, and quantity of boards and stringers on the pallet. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to give us a call at 732-442-0200 .
