How Much Does a Pallet Weigh? Don’t Guess, Get the Facts!
Knowing pallet weight is important for freight cost calculations, warehouse storage planning, load distribution, and compliance with industry regulations. Accurate
48×40 is the most common size for pallets in North America. It is also referred to as GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) due to its standardized specifications. This standard 48×40 pallet weight varies from 35 to 40 lbs (15.88 kg to 18.14 kg). The weight depends on wood thickness, material type, pallet design, moisture content, and manufacturing standards.
Knowing the weight of the pallets is important for several aspects of shipping and storage. Freight costs, load capacity, compliance, and material selections are affected due to the weight. The load capacity will also change based on the wood type, design, and age. So know the weight of your pallets.
Wooden pallets are most common and used widely in retail and grocery supply chains. The average weight of a 48×40 Wooden Pallet is 35 to 40 lbs (15.88 kg to 18.14 kg). However, the weight will vary depending on wood type, moisture content, and construction. For example, a 48×40 pallet made from softwood-like Oak, Maple, and Hickory wood weighs around 35 lbs (15-16 kg). A 48×40 hardwood pallet, on the other hand, weighs around 40lbs (18kg).
Plastic pallets are lighter than wooden pallets, making them a great alternative to wooden pallets. They are used in food, pharmaceutical, or export industries to maintain hygiene and consistency for their resistance against moisture and pests. A 48×40 plastic pallet weighs between 15 and 30 lbs (6.8 kg to 13.6 kg). The weight will vary depending on the design and plastic type.
CHEP (Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool) pallets are a specific type of 48×40 wooden pallet designed for a rental pooling system. These pallets are made from high-quality hardwood or mixed wood species. The average weight of a 48×40 CHEP pallet is 60-70 lbs (27-31 kg). It is heavier than average wooden pallets due to robust construction, reinforced block design, and thicker boards.
Presswood pallets are another pallet type made from compressed wood fibers and resin. These innovative pallets use wood waste in their manufacturing process, making them lightweight yet durable. The average weight of a 48×40 presswood pallet is 34 lbs (15.42 kg), making it a perfect option for one-way shipping or export.
Metal pallets are made from steel or aluminum. They are the heaviest due to their materials. Aluminum pallets are lighter than metal pallets. The average weight of a 48×40 aluminum pallet is 51 lbs (23.13 kg). On the other hand, the standard weight of a steel steel counterpart is 70–100 lbs or more (31.75 — 45.36 kg).
There are three types of load capacity for pallets. Static load, dynamic load, and racking load. Static load means the maximum load a weight can take when stationary, such as when stacked on the floor or stored in a warehouse. Dynamic load refers to the maximum weight a pallet can support when being moved, such as by a forklift or pallet truck during transportation. Rack load means the maximum load a pallet can support when stored on a rack.
| Pallet Type | Own Weight (lbs) | Static Load (lbs) | Dynamic Load (lbs) | Racking Load (lbs) |
| Wooden (GMA) | 35–40 | 4,000–6,000 | 1,500–2,500 | 1,500–3,000 |
| Plastic | 15–30 | 3,000–5,000 | 1,500–2,500 | 1,000–2,500 |
| CHEP (Wooden) | 60–70 | 5,000–7,000 | 2800 | 2,000–3,500 |
| Presswood | 34 | 2,000–4,000 | 1500 | 800–1,200 |
| Metal (Aluminum) | 51 | 10,000–15,000 | 5,000–8,000 | 4,000–6,000 |
Knowing pallet weight is important for freight cost calculations, warehouse storage planning, load distribution, and compliance with industry regulations. Accurate
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