Pallet weight might seem like a small detail, but it has a huge impact on everything from how efficiently your supply chain runs to how much you spend on shipping and even workplace safety.
The weight of a pallet isn’t always the same. It changes a lot depending on what it’s made of, how it’s built, and whether it’s been used before.
We’ll go over the different kinds of pallets — wood, plastic, and corrugated — and what they usually weigh. Understanding how much do pallets weigh is more important than you might think for businesses that handle logistics and shipping. We’ll also look at how pallet weights differ from place to place.
Types of Pallets and Their Typical Weights
Pallet weight varies based on the material it’s made from and the size of the pallet.
Standard Wooden Pallets
Wooden pallets are the most common type, but their weight can vary quite a bit. Standard wooden pallets usually weigh between 30 and 70 pounds. A standard 48×40 GMA pallet, when brand new, will weigh about 44 lbs if it’s made from softwood and 59 lbs if it’s hardwood.
A wooden pallet’s weight depends on its size, the type of lumber used (hardwood versus softwood), and how much moisture is in the wood. Wood-block pallets can weigh anywhere from 65 to 75 pounds, while standard “stringer” pallets typically weigh around 40 pounds.
Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets tend to have a more consistent weight than wooden ones. You can expect a plastic pallet to weigh somewhere between 15 and 30 pounds.
Plastic pallets are also more durable and more resistant to bacteria than wood pallets. High-quality rackable plastic pallets will weigh around 50 pounds.
Corrugated Pallets
Corrugated pallets are the lightest option available, weighing in at only 10 to 20 pounds.
These are best for lightweight loads and for situations when the pallet will only be used once.
Factors Affecting Wooden Pallet Weight
The weight of a wooden pallet is determined by several factors:
Wood Type (Hardwood vs. Softwood)
Hardwood pallets are made of denser wood, so they weigh more than softwood pallets. Hardwood pallets generally weigh between 40 and 70 pounds, while softwood pallets are closer to 30 to 50 pounds.
Hardwood is often used when the pallet needs to be extra strong and durable.
Pallet Size and Dimensions
It probably goes without saying that the bigger the pallet, the more it weighs. A standard 48″ x 40″ pallet uses 13.1 board feet of material. By comparison, a smaller 36″ x 36″ pallet uses only 8.2 board feet.
The standard pallet size is 48″ long x 40″ wide x 6″ high.
Moisture Content
Pallets that have high moisture content will weigh more than pallets that are dry. Many manufacturers use kiln drying to reduce the moisture content (and therefore the weight) of their pallets.
Regional Weight Differences: North America vs. Europe
If you’re shipping goods internationally, it’s important to know that pallets aren’t the same everywhere. North American pallets, often called GMA pallets, tend to be heavier than their European (EUR) counterparts. A typical North American pallet will weigh between 40 and 70 pounds, while a European pallet usually weighs between 30 and 50 pounds.
This difference comes down to different construction standards and the types of lumber that are commonly used in each region. So, keep those weight differences in mind when planning your international shipments!
Why does pallet weight matter?
The weight of a pallet can have a significant impact on your business. Here’s why consistent pallet weight is important.
Impact on shipping costs
The heavier your pallets are, the more you’ll pay for shipping. That’s because heavier pallets mean more fuel consumption and higher transportation costs. Optimizing pallet weight can save you a lot of money.
Workplace safety and OSHA guidelines
When pallets are too heavy, employees are at risk of injury. OSHA recommends that a single worker shouldn’t lift anything that weighs more than 50 pounds. Ergonomic pallet designs and proper lifting techniques can help reduce the risk of injury.
Automation and supply chain efficiency
For automated systems to work well, pallets need to weigh about the same. Inconsistent weights can disrupt the automated process and reduce efficiency. When pallet weights are consistent, it’s easier to plan a budget, allocate personnel, and estimate transport costs.
Final Thoughts
The weight of a pallet is more than just a number; it’s a critical factor influencing costs, safety, and efficiency in supply chain management. Knowing why pallet weights vary is key to optimizing shipping and storage.
Before choosing a pallet, think about the type, the materials it’s made from, and its moisture content. Evaluating your shipment’s specific weight and load capacity requirements will help you make the best decision.
Switching to lighter or more consistent pallet options, like plastic, can offer significant advantages. You’ll save money, improve worker safety, and boost overall supply chain efficiency. If you’re currently using wood pallets, consider whether switching to plastic could give you more consistent weight and performance.