In global trade, plastic pallets serve as the core carrier of logistics transportation, and their standardized size is the key to ensuring efficient operation of the supply chain. Due to differences in transportation vehicles, storage facilities, and industry standards among different countries and regions, the size selection of exported plastic pallets needs to take into account both international standards and the specific requirements of the target market. This article will systematically analyze the key points of size design for plastic pallet exports from three dimensions: international standards, regional norms, and adaptation strategies.
1、 International standard: Framework guidance for ISO 6780
The ISO 6780 standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a globally recognized reference for pallet dimensions. This standard defines six main pallet sizes (unit: mm）：
1200 × 800 (mainstream in Europe)
1200 × 1000 (commonly used in the chemical and food industries)
1219 × 1016 (48 × 40 inches, North American standard)
1140 × 1140 (used in Australia and some Asian countries)
1100 × 1100 (adapted for Asian electronics and machinery industries)
1067 × 1067 (Australian Special Specification)
Among them, 1200 × 800mm and 1200 × 1000mm, due to their adaptability to the width of standard containers (approximately 2330-2350mm), can achieve an optimized layout of two pallets arranged horizontally side by side, becoming the most versatile specifications for export.
2、 Regional market norms and special requirements
European market
EPAL European standard tray: The strictly limited size is 1200 × 800 × 144mm, and the card slot height must comply with EUR/RPAL certification.
UK market: Some industries still use traditional British pallets (1200 × 1000mm), and it is important to pay attention to compatibility with continental European standards.
North American market
GMA standard: 48 × 40 inches (1219 × 1016mm) are the mainstream, accounting for over 70% of the US market share. This type of pallet is compatible with North American standard containers (53 feet) and automated warehousing systems.
Canada: Some regions accept the 1200 × 1000mm specification, but confirmation with the customer is required in advance.
Asian market
Japan and South Korea commonly use 1100 × 1100mm pallets, which are suitable for local small trucks and high-density warehousing.
Australia: Mainly promoting 1165 × 1165mm pallets, with some industries using 1140 × 1140mm specifications.
Middle East and Africa
The standardization level in the market is relatively low. It is recommended to prioritize using 1200 × 1000mm or 1100 × 1100mm and reserve space for size adjustment.
The determination of the export size of plastic pallets needs to be comprehensively balanced from three dimensions: standard compatibility, transportation economy, and operational convenience. Enterprises should establish a dynamic database to track international standard updates and avoid the risk of demurrage caused by dimensional deviations. Only by integrating standardized thinking throughout the entire product lifecycle can we achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement in global competition.
2025-03-21
