Size matters: An explanation of different pallet sizes and common terms

Plastic pallets are versatile transport solutions available in a wide range of sizes to meet various needs. Each pallet size offers specific advantages and applications that enable efficient and safe goods handling. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the most common pallet sizes and explain where they’re typically used.

Eighth pallet

The 1/8 pallet is the smallest pallet in the series, measuring 300 mm x 400 mm, and is ideal for displaying smaller products or handling small transport quantities. Applications:

• Retail: Perfect for displaying small containers or promoting small products.
• Transport of small quantities: Ideal for transporting small or fragile goods that need to be handled efficiently and in a space-saving manner. See for yourself how our FIDUS light 403 lives up to its name, weighing in at just 1 kg.  

Quarter pallet

Measuring 400 mm x 600 mm, the quarter pallet is another compact format that is particularly useful for displays, as well as for promoting and presenting products and merchandise. Applications:

• Product display: Often used in retail spaces and as promotional displays, as they showcase products effectively while being easy to handle. Our  FIDUS light 604.
• Smaller truck or cargo shipments: Thanks to its compact size, it is ideal for smaller shipments and optimizing warehouse space. 

Half-pallet

The plastic half-pallet measures 600 mm x 800 mm and is a smaller version of the Euro pallet. It is particularly suitable for smaller packages or for use in confined spaces. Applications:

• Retail and Shelving: Often used for smaller packages that are placed on shelves in supermarkets or warehouses.
• Partial loads and smaller shipments: Ideal for efficiently organizing smaller shipments. A reliable and sturdy all-rounder is the  FIDUS light 806 9F – stackable and easy to handle. 

Euro pallet

The Euro format is arguably the best-known and most widely used pallet format. Measuring 1200 mm x 800 mm, it corresponds to the classic Euro pallet, which is used in many sectors of international trade and transportation. As the name suggests, it is used primarily in Europe. Applications:

• Transporting goods throughout Europe: Thanks to their standardized dimensions, Euro pallets are ideal for cross-border transport.
• Storage of goods: Due to their standard size, Euro pallets are widely used in many warehouses and distribution centers.
• Simple stacking and handling process: Standard machines and shelving systems are designed for the Euro format. The  FIDUS ultralight 1208 impresses with a low weight of just 4.6 kg and a static load capacity of up to 2,500 kg. 

Industrial pallet

Industrial pallets are larger than Euro pallets and have standard dimensions of 1200 mm x 1000 mm. They are often mistakenly confused with Euro pallets, but their dimensions differ slightly. They are suitable for export worldwide (IPPC-compliant). Applications:

• Heavy-duty applications: Industrial pallets are generally more robust and can handle heavier loads, which is why they are often used for heavy goods and industrial applications.
• Transporting large goods: For bulky items that cannot be transported on standard Euro pallets, industrial pallets are the ideal choice.
• Industry: As the name suggests, the industrial-sized pallet is a popular choice for industrial companies, particularly in machine-controlled production environments with automated conveyor systems.  

Discover a wide variety of industrial-grade plastic pallets—tailored to your specific needs. For example, the popular  FIDUS light 1210 CD with a solid deck and 9 nestable runners.

Chemical palette

The chemical pallet is specifically designed for transporting chemicals or other hazardous materials. It often has a reinforced structure and is generally larger than standard pallets to ensure safety during transport. Applications:

• Transport von Chemikalien und gefährlichen Stoffen: Diese Paletten sind oft mit speziellen Sicherheitsmerkmalen ausgestattet, wie z.B. einer verstärkten Bauweise, um den sicheren Transport von chemischen Produkten zu gewährleisten.
• High-rack warehouses: Chemical pallets are suitable for use in high-bay warehouses and hazardous areas because they offer a higher load capacity. 
  

Container pallet

Container pallets are specially designed load carriers that make optimal use of the cargo space in ISO containers. With their square dimensions of 1140 x 1140 mm, they enable efficient loading, reduce empty space, and thus lower shipping costs. Thanks to their robust construction, they are ideal for international shipping and ensure the safe transport of your goods over long distances. They are often characterized by the fact that they can be loaded from four sides. They are therefore known as 4-way pallets. Applications:

• Ocean freight and container transport: Container pallets are frequently used in ocean freight because they fit perfectly into standard container sizes and make loading and unloading easier.
• Large warehouses and logistics centers: They are also suitable for efficient use in large logistics centers and high-bay warehouses. 
  

Display pallet

The display pallet is specifically designed for presenting products in retail settings or at trade shows. With its compact dimensions and sturdy construction, it is ideal for product presentation and quick sales. Display pallets are typically quarter-size or half-size pallets, meaning they measure 400×600 mm or 600×800 mm, respectively. Applications:

• Retail: Display pallets are ideal for showcasing products at points of sale and offering them directly for sale.
• Promotions and trade shows: Particularly useful for promotions and events where products need to be presented quickly and effectively. 

Plastic pallets in various sizes

Choosing the right pallet size is crucial for efficient logistics and the safe transport of goods. At PURUS PLASTICS, you’ll find a wide selection of plastic pallets in various sizes, suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you need standard sizes like the Euro pallet or custom sizes for specific requirements, we offer the solution that best fits your needs. If you have any questions about which pallet sizes are right for your needs, our customer service team is happy to assist you!