A standard EPAL Euro pallet (1200 × 800 mm) weighs about 25 kg (55 lb), an EPAL 3 about 30 kg and an EPAL 2 about 35 kg. A common North American 48 × 40 in wooden pallet weighs roughly 33–48 lb (15–22 kg), and plastic pallets range from a few kilograms to well over 20 kg depending on type. Real weights vary with wood species, board thickness and, above all, moisture content.
Weights of the standard EPAL pallets
EPAL publishes nominal weights for its pallets. These are approximate values for new pallets at normal moisture, not guaranteed weights.
| Pallet | Size (mm) | Approximate weight |
|---|---|---|
| EPAL 1 (Euro pallet) | 1200 × 800 × 144 | 25 kg (55 lb) |
| EPAL 3 | 1200 × 1000 × 144 | 30 kg (66 lb) |
| EPAL 2 | 1200 × 1000 × 162 | 35 kg (77 lb) |
| EPAL 6 half pallet | 800 × 600 × 144 | 9.5 kg (21 lb) |
| EPAL 7 half pallet | 800 × 600 × 163 | 9.5 kg (21 lb) |
| EPAL box pallet | 1200 × 800 × 970 | 70 kg (154 lb); earlier design 85 kg |
The EPAL 1 is sometimes quoted at 20–25 kg. EPAL's own specification gives about 25 kg, which is the figure to use for planning. Individual pallets differ because timber is a natural material: dense, wet or thick boards add several kilograms. The standard is described in the Euro pallet guide, and the other formats in EPAL pallet types.
Weights of North American wood pallets
The 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm) stringer pallet has no fixed weight, because the "GMA" name never fixed lumber sizes. Published references give about 33–48 lb (15–22 kg) for a standard 48 × 40 × 6 in wooden pallet, with a typical GMA-style pallet near 37 lb (17 kg). Variation comes from:
- Species: hardwood pallets (oak, maple) are generally heavier than pine or spruce because the timber is denser; see the wood density table.
- Board thickness and count: thicker boards and more of them add weight and strength.
- Moisture: discussed below.
- Repairs: repaired pallets often include a mix of old and new boards.
Heavy-duty pallets built for machinery and exports are much heavier. One reference mentions heavy-duty ISPM 15 pallets of around 135 lb (61 kg). Context on the American market is in the GMA 48 × 40 pallet.
Plastic, metal and other materials
| Material | Typical weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic (HDPE/PP) | about 13–32 lb (6–15 kg) in one shipping reference | Weight depends on design and wall thickness |
| Steel | about 150–200 lb (68–91 kg) | Heavy, for very high loads |
| Aluminium | much lighter than steel | Used in air cargo and automated systems |
| Moulded wood or paper | light, often a fraction of a wooden pallet | Typically single-use |
The plastic and steel ranges are from a general shipping reference, and Wikipedia gives a still wider range for plastic, from about 3 lb for the lightest lightweight pallets to about 300 lb for heavy ones. Treat these as indications; for a specific purchase, ask the manufacturer for the weight of the exact model. Material comparisons are in wood vs plastic pallets, plastic pallets and steel and aluminium pallets.
How moisture changes weight
Wood contains water, and water adds weight. Moisture content (MC) is the weight of water as a percentage of the oven-dry weight of the wood. Pallet lumber that is kiln-dried or heat-treated can be at 12–20% MC, while freshly sawn "green" timber can be 40% or more.
As a worked illustration (a calculation, not a measurement), take a pallet whose wood contains 20.8 kg of dry wood substance:
| Moisture content | Wood weight |
|---|---|
| 12% | about 23.3 kg |
| 20% | about 25.0 kg |
| 40% | about 29.1 kg |
So the same pallet can gain around 4 kg (roughly 16%) when it is made of wetter wood, which matters for freight charged on gross weight. EPAL's class A criteria cap moisture at 22%; see used EPAL pallet quality classes. Rain and humid storage re-wet pallets, so weight changes during use. The mechanisms of drying and measuring are covered in wood moisture content. Wet wood also promotes mould and blue stain; see mould and blue stain.
Why pallet weight matters
- Transport cost: the pallet's own weight is part of the gross weight. For air freight, where pricing is weight-based, lighter pallets cost less to ship. Plastic and paper pallets are marketed for this reason, and aluminium is used for air cargo handling units (see air cargo pallets and ULDs).
- Payload: in a truck or container with a weight limit, a heavy pallet reduces the product weight that can be carried.
- Manual handling: a 25 kg pallet is a significant lifting load for one person, so mechanical aids matter in pallet plants; see pallet plant safety.
- Racking and floor loads: the rack designer counts the pallet weight in the load per position. See pallet load capacity.
How to find the real weight
- Check the supplier's datasheet for the nominal weight and the conditions it applies to.
- Weigh a sample of pallets on a calibrated scale, ideally in the same moisture condition as in use.
- Record the moisture content with a resistance-type meter.
- Include the pallet in the shipping weight on documents, and add the weight of stretch wrap and corner protectors.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Euro pallet weigh?
About 25 kg (55 lb) according to EPAL. Actual weight varies with wood moisture and board density.
How much does a standard US pallet weigh?
Roughly 33–48 lb (15–22 kg) for a 48 × 40 in wooden pallet, with a typical GMA-style pallet near 37 lb.
Are plastic pallets lighter than wood?
Common plastic pallets weigh around 6–15 kg, which is often lighter than a hardwood pallet, but heavy-duty rackable plastic pallets can exceed a wooden pallet's weight. Ask for the exact model's weight.
Why does a wet pallet weigh more?
Wood absorbs water, which is counted in its weight. A pallet at 40% moisture can weigh several kilograms more than the same pallet at 12 to 20%.
Sources
- EPAL Euro Pallet (EPAL 1) technical data — European Pallet Association
- EPAL 2 pallet technical data — European Pallet Association
- EPAL 3 pallet technical data — European Pallet Association
- EPAL 7 half pallet technical data — European Pallet Association
- EPAL box pallet technical data — European Pallet Association
- Pallet — Wikipedia
- How Much Does a Wood Pallet Weigh? — ParcelPath
- 6 Reasons Why You Should Use Plastic Pallets for Air Freight — Container Exchanger