Standard pallet and road freight shipping dimensions
It is important to know the average pallet dimensions and sizes for shipping to your international destination, as there are different pallet shipping dimension standards for the UK, Europe and worldwide countries. Read our guide about road freight shipping dimensions and check our freight shipping services.
STANDARD DIMENSIONS
What are the average pallet sizes for international shipping?
Check the tables below to see the average pallet dimensions and sizes for international shipping on different continents. Maximum weight indicates the safe working load of a single pallet before an additional pallet is stacked on top. In most cases, the maximum number of fully loaded pallets that can be stacked is two or three.
Read more about how to load a pallet
Euro pallet standard sizes and dimensions for shipping
Euro pallets (or EUR pallets, EPAL pallets) are the standard pallets used in Europe. A single pallet weighs 20-25 kg and is available in four different sizes:
| EUR-pallet types | Dimensions (W x L) | Maximum weight |
|---|---|---|
| EUR, EUR 1 (most common in Europe) | 80 x 120 cm (31.50 x 47.24 in) | 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) |
| EUR 2 (most common in the UK) | 100 x 120 cm (39.37 x 47.24 in) | 1,250 kg (2,756 lb) |
| EUR 3 | 100 x 120 cm (39.37 x 47.24 in) | 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) |
| EUR 6 | 60 x 80 cm (23.62 x 31.50 in) | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
Standard pallet sizes and dimensions for international shipping
ISO pallets are available in six different sizes. Their dimensions vary depending on the region in which they are used.
If you are shipping internationally to a different continent, we recommend choosing a standard-sized ISO pallet for the destination so that the goods do not have to be transferred to another pallet before delivery.
Here is a summary of the six ISO pallets most commonly used:
| Commonly used in | Dimensions (W x L) | Maximum weight |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 101.6 x 121.9 cm (40 x 48 in) | 2,087 kg (4,600 lbs) |
| Europe and Asia | 100 x 120 cm (39.37 in x 47.24 in) | 1,250 kg (2,756 lb) |
| Australia | 116.5 x 116.5 cm (45.9 x 45.9 in) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) |
| North America, Asia, Europe | 106.7 x 106.7 cm (42 x 42 in) | 1,678 kg (3,700 lb) |
| Asia | 110 x 110 cm (43.4 x 43.4 in) | 1,750 kg (3,858 lb) |
| Europe | 80 x 120 cm (31.50 in x 47.24 in) | 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) |
Van Delivery load capacity
For time-critical shipments of up to 8 pallets
When transporting items not suitable for pallet transport
When shipping a load that exceeds standard pallet dimensions
For urgent shipments when you cannot get a pallet in time
Box van
465 x 165 x 180 cm or 13 cubic metres and 1000 kg capacity
Curtain-side van
410 x 210 x 230 cm or 19 cubic metres and 1000 kg capacity (with tail-lift only 700 kg)
Truckload capacity for shipping road freight of larger dimensions
Full truckload (FTL) is an ideal solution if you need to transport 10 pallets or more at the same time. When you book this service, you get an entire truck that transports your palletised goods directly to the delivery destination. Check the most-used pallet sizes for international shipping in our tables above to help you plan your transport.
Read more about FTL shipping
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What if the wrong road freight shipping dimensions are indicated?
If the cargo size exceeds the parameters allowed for the selected freight service, the following scenarios may take place:
Pick-up refusal
The carrier may refuse to collect the shipment if it exceeds the standard size and weight dimension limits for the pallet or road freight shipping service chosen.
Surcharges
Shipments that are larger or heavier than indicated in the order, but still within the limits of the transport mode selected, may be charged an extra fee.
Additionally, carriers usually impose additional charges for non-stackable pallets without a flat top surface. If you are using non-stackable pallets, we recommend contacting our logistics experts, who can tailor an individual offer for you. In this case, your non-stackable pallet shipment will be noted in advance to avoid refusal by the carrier driver or surcharges.
SHIPPING INSURANCE
CMR insurance is included in all freight shipments
Most freight shipments booked through Eurosender are insured according to the CMR conventions. If you need additional freight insurance, you can choose from various coverage options, depending on the value of the cargo and the service selected.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
FAQ on standard pallet and road freight shipping dimensions
Why do road freight shipping dimensions matter?
How can I measure the dimensions of my road freight shipment?
- Measure the length (l), width (w), and height (h) of cargo in metres. For oddly-shaped items, measure them as if they are in a rectangular cardboard box. Use the extreme points to get the length, width and height.
- Multiply the length x width x height to get the cubic measurements of your shipment. If you have multiple items, repeat this step for each and add all of them together.
- Divide the total by 5,000 to get the cubic metres of your shipment.
- Weigh your shipment, then divide the weight by the cubic metres to get the density or the ratio of weight to volume.
What is the maximum loading height when shipping a standard pallet?
What are the different standard European pallet dimensions for shipping?
- EUR 1: 80 cm x 120 cm (31.50 in x 47.24 in)
- EUR 2: 100 cm x 120 cm (39.37 in x 47.24 in)
- EUR 3: 100 cm x 120 cm (39.37 in x 47.24 in)
- EUR 6: 60 cm x 80 cm (23.62 in x 31.50 in)