Industry Standards
From GMA to EUR to ISO — understanding the standards that govern pallet dimensions worldwide.
Need Standards-Compliant Pallets?
We can supply pallets to any standard specification.
Understanding Global Pallet Standards
Pallet standards exist because supply chains are collaborative systems. When your pallet arrives at a customer's warehouse, a retailer's distribution center, or a port for international shipping, it must conform to the specifications that those systems were designed around. A non-standard pallet can jam automated conveyor systems, fail to fit racking, get rejected at port inspection, or simply not fit in the truck.
Globally, the pallet industry is governed by a patchwork of regional standards, international treaties, and industry-specific specifications. The most important of these for Bakersfield Pallet Co. customers are the North American GMA standard (which governs the majority of domestic pallets), the ISPM-15 phytosanitary standard (which governs all international wood packaging), and various international standards for customers shipping to Europe, Asia, or Australia.
Garrett Caldwell founded Bakersfield Pallet Co. with the understanding that compliance is not optional — it is a fundamental requirement of participating in modern supply chains. Wren Castellano, our Sustainability Director, maintains our certifications, monitors regulatory changes, and ensures that every pallet we produce or sell meets the applicable standards for its intended use.
GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association)
48" x 40" (1219 x 1016 mm)The most widely used pallet standard in North America, adopted by the grocery and retail industries. Approximately 35% of all pallets produced in the US follow this standard. The GMA pallet is designed to fit standard US truck trailers with two pallets side by side.
History & Background:
Standardized in the 1960s by the Grocery Manufacturers Association to create uniformity in the grocery supply chain. Before GMA standardization, grocery distributors dealt with dozens of pallet sizes, creating massive inefficiency in warehousing and transportation. The 48x40 dimension was chosen specifically to optimize loading in standard US truck trailers and railcars.
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 48 inches long x 40 inches wide x 6 inches tall (stringer) or 6.5 inches (block)
- Construction: Three stringers (2-way) or nine blocks (4-way) with seven top deck boards and five bottom deck boards
- Materials: Softwood (pine, spruce, fir) or hardwood (oak, maple) depending on application
- Weight: 40-50 lbs (softwood) or 55-70 lbs (hardwood)
- Dynamic Load Capacity: 2,500 lbs (standard) or up to 5,000 lbs (heavy-duty)
- Static Load Capacity: 7,500 lbs (standard) or up to 15,000 lbs (heavy-duty)
- Fasteners: Nails conforming to pallet nail standards, minimum 2 nails per board-stringer junction
Consumer Brands Association (formerly GMA). The standard is now maintained through industry consensus rather than formal certification.
The 48x40 GMA pallet is our highest-volume product. We maintain the largest inventory of GMA pallets in Kern County, available in new construction, Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. Same-day availability for standard orders.
EUR / EPAL (European Pallet Association)
800 x 1200 mm (31.5" x 47.2")The European standard pallet, managed by the European Pallet Association. EUR pallets are subject to strict quality controls and must bear the EUR/EPAL stamp. They are designed for the European rail and truck system and are widely used across the EU.
History & Background:
The EUR pallet was created in 1961 by European railways to standardize freight handling across the continental rail network. It was originally known as the UIC pallet (Union Internationale des Chemins de fer). In 1991, management was transferred to the European Pallet Association (EPAL), which now oversees production quality and licensing. Today, over 600 million EPAL pallets are in circulation worldwide.
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 800mm x 1200mm x 144mm (31.5" x 47.2" x 5.7")
- Construction: Nine blocks with 5 top boards, 3 bottom boards, and 9 connecting blocks
- Materials: Specified wood species only (pine, spruce, fir, poplar). No tropical hardwoods.
- Weight: 20-24 kg (44-53 lbs) depending on moisture content
- Dynamic Load Capacity: 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
- Static Load Capacity: 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
- Markings: Must bear the EPAL stamp on both blocks and boards. Stamps are licensed and controlled.
- Nail Specification: 78 nails of specified dimensions. Specific nail pattern mandatory.
- Chamfered edges on bottom deck boards (45-degree cut on leading edges)
European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL). Licensed production only — unauthorized manufacturing of EPAL-marked pallets is a trademark violation. Over 500 licensed producers in 30+ countries.
We can source EUR/EPAL pallets for customers shipping to European markets. Lead time: 2-3 weeks for certified EPAL pallets. For non-certified EUR-dimension pallets (without the EPAL stamp), we can produce these in 5-7 business days.
ISO Standard Pallets (ISO 6780)
Six approved sizesThe International Organization for Standardization recognizes six standard pallet sizes: 1219x1016mm (North American), 1000x1200mm (European/Asian), 1165x1165mm (Australian), 1067x1067mm (North American/European), 1100x1100mm (Asian), and 800x1200mm (European).
History & Background:
ISO 6780 was first published in 1988 and has been revised several times to reflect global trade patterns. The standard does not mandate a single pallet size but rather recognizes the six most commonly used sizes worldwide. This approach acknowledges that different regions developed different standards based on their unique infrastructure (truck widths, rail gauges, container sizes) and that forcing a single global standard would be impractical.
Key Specifications:
- 1219 x 1016 mm (48" x 40") — North American GMA standard. Dominant in US, Canada, and Mexico.
- 1000 x 1200 mm (39.4" x 47.2") — European and Asian standard. Used in European non-EPAL applications and widely in Asia.
- 1165 x 1165 mm (45.9" x 45.9") — Australian standard. Optimized for Australian shipping containers and rail.
- 1067 x 1067 mm (42" x 42") — North American and European telecom and paint standard.
- 1100 x 1100 mm (43.3" x 43.3") — Asian standard. Common in Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.
- 800 x 1200 mm (31.5" x 47.2") — European EPAL/EUR standard. Dominant in EU member states.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The standard is a reference document; compliance is voluntary unless mandated by trading partners or regulations.
We stock the North American ISO sizes (1219x1016 and 1067x1067) as standard inventory. Other ISO sizes available through our production or sourcing network with varying lead times. Contact Oakley Thorne for international pallet requirements.
AS 4068 (Australian Standard)
1165 x 1165 mm (45.9" x 45.9")The Australian standard pallet, designed to optimize loading in Australian shipping containers and rail systems. Managed by CHEP and other pallet pooling companies in the Asia-Pacific region.
History & Background:
The Australian pallet standard was developed to optimize loading in the Australian rail and road freight systems, which have different gauge and vehicle dimensions than North American or European systems. The 1165x1165mm dimension allows two pallets to sit side-by-side in standard Australian shipping containers and rail wagons. CHEP (Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool), an Australian company, has been instrumental in standardizing and pooling these pallets across the Asia-Pacific region.
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 1165mm x 1165mm x 150mm (45.9" x 45.9" x 5.9")
- Construction: Block pallet with 4-way entry. Nine blocks minimum.
- Materials: Hardwood standard in Australian production (eucalyptus species common)
- Weight: Approximately 30 kg (66 lbs)
- Dynamic Load Capacity: 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs)
- Static Load Capacity: 4,000 kg (8,818 lbs)
- CHEP blue painted pallets are the most recognizable version of this standard
- Must comply with Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) requirements for timber treatment
Standards Australia (SA). CHEP is the dominant pooling operator for this pallet standard, managing over 300 million pallets and containers globally.
Australian standard pallets are available through special order for customers exporting to the Asia-Pacific region. Lead time: 2-4 weeks. We recommend early planning for Australian export orders.
CPC (Canadian Pallet Council)
48" x 40" (1219 x 1016 mm)Follows the GMA standard dimensions but with specific quality and material requirements for Canadian applications. Ensures interoperability with US supply chains while meeting Canadian regulatory standards.
History & Background:
The Canadian Pallet Council was established to promote pallet reuse and standardization in Canada. Given the massive trade volume between Canada and the United States, the CPC adopted the same 48x40 dimensions as the GMA standard to ensure cross-border supply chain compatibility. The CPC adds Canadian-specific requirements related to wood treatment, grading, and environmental sustainability.
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 48" x 40" x 6" (identical to GMA standard)
- Construction: Follows GMA construction specifications with CPC quality overlay
- Materials: Canadian softwood species (SPF - Spruce-Pine-Fir) commonly used
- ISPM-15 compliance required for cross-border shipments under Canadian regulations
- CPC quality standards may exceed GMA minimums in specific areas
- Recycled pallet standards aligned with Canadian environmental objectives
Canadian Pallet Council. Works in coordination with US pallet industry associations to maintain cross-border compatibility.
All our 48x40 GMA pallets are compatible with CPC standards. For customers shipping to Canada, we provide ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets that meet both US and Canadian regulatory requirements for cross-border wood packaging materials.
ISPM-15 (International Phytosanitary Standard)
Applies to all sizesNot a pallet size standard but a treatment standard that applies to all wood packaging materials (including pallets) used in international trade. Requires heat treatment or fumigation to prevent the spread of wood-boring insects and plant diseases across borders.
History & Background:
ISPM-15 was adopted by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) in 2002 in response to the global spread of invasive species through wood packaging materials. The Asian longhorned beetle and pine wood nematode are two of the most notable pests whose spread prompted this standard. Over 180 countries now require ISPM-15 compliance for imported wood packaging.
Key Specifications:
- Heat Treatment (HT): Wood core temperature must reach 56 degrees Celsius for minimum 30 continuous minutes
- Alternative: Methyl Bromide fumigation (being phased out in many countries due to ozone depletion)
- Dielectric Heating (DH): Approved in 2013 as an alternative to conventional heat treatment for some applications
- All wood components must be treated — a single untreated board renders the entire pallet non-compliant
- Bark must be removed (debarked) or bark pieces must be smaller than 3 cm wide and less than 50 cm2
- ISPM-15 compliance mark must be permanently applied (stamped, branded, or stenciled — not a sticker)
- Mark includes: IPPC symbol, country code (US), producer/treatment provider number, and treatment type (HT, MB, or DH)
International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) under the United Nations FAO. In the US, the program is administered by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) and audited by accredited agencies.
Bakersfield Pallet Co. maintains ISPM-15 certification through the ALSC. Our on-site heat treatment kiln operates year-round with documented temperature monitoring and third-party verification. We can heat-treat pallets of any size to ISPM-15 specifications. Typical turnaround for heat treatment: 24-48 hours.
NWPCA (National Wooden Pallet & Container Association)
Applies to all sizesThe NWPCA establishes quality standards, design specifications, and best practices for the US wooden pallet industry. Their Pallet Design System (PDS) software is the industry standard for engineering pallets to meet specific load and application requirements.
History & Background:
Founded in 1947, the NWPCA is the trade association representing the wooden pallet and container industry in North America. The association has developed the most comprehensive set of pallet quality standards in the world, including grading criteria, design engineering tools, and industry-wide quality programs.
Key Specifications:
- Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets: Defines construction specifications, material requirements, and testing methods
- Pallet Design System (PDS): Engineering software that calculates optimal pallet construction for specific load, racking, and environmental conditions
- Pallet Grading Standards: Defines Grade A (premium), Grade B (standard), and Grade C (economy) categories with specific criteria
- Wood Packaging Material (WPM) Program: Administers ISPM-15 compliance for member companies
- Pallet Recycling Standard: Guidelines for the inspection, repair, and regrading of used pallets
- Safety standards for pallet manufacturing facilities and material handling procedures
National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA). Membership includes over 700 pallet companies, recyclers, and suppliers across North America.
Bakersfield Pallet Co. follows NWPCA grading standards for all our pallet inventory. Our Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C designations correspond to NWPCA definitions, ensuring our customers receive pallets that meet nationally recognized quality benchmarks.
ISO 6780 Size Comparison
The six ISO-recognized pallet sizes compared side-by-side. Each was developed for specific regional infrastructure and trade patterns.
| ISO Size (mm) | Imperial | Primary Region | Common Name | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1219 x 1016 | 48" x 40" | North America | GMA / US Standard | In Stock |
| 1000 x 1200 | 39.4" x 47.2" | Europe / Asia | Euro-Asian | 2-3 weeks |
| 1165 x 1165 | 45.9" x 45.9" | Australia | Australian / CHEP | 2-4 weeks |
| 1067 x 1067 | 42" x 42" | N. America / Europe | Telecom / Paint | In Stock |
| 1100 x 1100 | 43.3" x 43.3" | Asia | Asian Standard | 3-4 weeks |
| 800 x 1200 | 31.5" x 47.2" | Europe | EUR / EPAL | 2-3 weeks |
Why Standards Matter
Choosing the right pallet standard is not just a logistics decision — it impacts cost, compliance, safety, and your ability to trade with partners around the world.
Supply Chain Compatibility
Standard pallets ensure your products flow smoothly through warehouses, trucks, and retail systems worldwide. Using a non-standard pallet means your product may not fit your customer's racking, your logistics provider's trucks, or your retailer's automated distribution system.
Cost Efficiency
Standard sizes are mass-produced, making them more affordable and easier to source than custom dimensions. A 48x40 GMA pallet costs a fraction of what a custom-engineered pallet costs, and it can be sourced from any pallet supplier in North America within 24 hours.
Safety Compliance
Standard pallets are designed and tested for specific load capacities, ensuring safe handling and storage. Using a pallet in a racking system it was not designed for can lead to catastrophic rack collapse, one of the most dangerous warehouse incidents.
Regulatory Compliance
International shipments on non-compliant pallets can be rejected at port, fumigated at your expense, or destroyed. ISPM-15 violations can result in shipment delays of weeks and penalties from customs authorities in the destination country.
End-of-Life Value
Standard pallets have robust secondary markets for recycling and resale. A used GMA pallet retains significant value — typically $2-4 per pallet in buyback programs. Non-standard pallets may have zero recovery value, making them a pure expense.
Trading Partner Requirements
Most major retailers, distributors, and manufacturers specify pallet standards in their supplier agreements. Failing to meet these specifications can result in chargebacks, rejected shipments, and damaged business relationships.