International Freight Pallet Specifications: US vs. Euro

Understanding Global Pallet Dimensions

Exporters shipping goods between North America and Europe face two distinctly different platform standards. The dominant shipping unit in the United States and Canada is the 48x40-inch GMA pallet, while the European Union standardizes on the 1200x800-millimeter EUR/EPAL pallet. Selecting the proper platform from certified heat-treated export pallets prevents receiving rejections at destination overseas distribution hubs.

While 48x40 inches translates to 1219x1016 millimeters, making it only slightly longer than the Euro pallet, the 216-millimeter difference in width creates serious operational hurdles in European high-bay rack storage systems.

Stringer vs. Block Construction Differences

Beyond external length and width measurements, the internal engineering of US and Euro platforms differs fundamentally:

• US GMA Stringer Architecture: Built using three parallel vertical wooden runners (stringers) measuring 1.75 inches thick by 3.5 inches tall. Forklift access on the 40-inch side is through cut-out stringer notches, while entry on the 48-inch side is open, creating a four-way entry profile with partial restriction for hand pallet jacks.
• European EPAL Block Architecture: Built using nine solid timber blocks connecting bottom base boards to top deckboards. This open block design allows four-way access with equal clearance for both heavy forklifts and low-clearance European manual hand jacks.
• Fastener Patterns: EPAL pallets adhere to strict European Pallet Association guidelines, requiring exactly 78 certified nails driven in rigid geometric patterns, ensuring uniform load resistance during transit.

Ocean Container Loading and Floor Utilization

Standard ISO shipping containers measure 92 inches (2340 millimeters) in interior width. This specific container geometry affects how efficiently each pallet type packs into the cargo space:

• 20-Foot Ocean Container: Holds 10 standard US GMA 48x40 pallets single-stacked on the floor, or 11 standard EUR/EPAL pallets (1200x800mm) loaded with long sides across the floor width.
• 40-Foot Ocean Container: Accommodates 20 to 21 US GMA pallets loaded straight, compared to 24 to 25 EUR/EPAL pallets, optimizing internal ocean shipping volume.

Using our interactive pallet load calculator helps freight forwarders calculate exact cubic volume and container floor positions before loading export cargo.

Destination Rack and Handling Compatibility

Shipping US GMA pallets into European grocery distribution centers often creates unexpected repalletizing costs. Most European automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and conveyor rollers are engineered specifically for the 800mm width of EPAL units. An American 1016mm wide pallet will trigger conveyor sensor alarms and fail to enter automated storage racks.

Conversely, European skids loaded into American distribution centers can slip through standard 42-inch teardrop rack beams without supplemental wire decking. Shippers can review regional freight corridors to connect with specialized pallet recyclers that stock authentic heat-treated EUR/EPAL block skids locally in North America.