If you’re new into the world of pallets, you’d be forgiven for not knowing there are actually different sizes and types available. While there are standard dimensions, measurements vary between countries which makes international shipping arrangements extra confusing if you don’t know what your options are to begin with.
Standard pallet sizes in Australia
The standard pallet size in Australia is 1165 mm x 1165 mm, with 150 mm the average height. Pallets are available in various materials, including commonly used plastic or wood, and most makers conform to size in whichever material they use.
However, although Australia does have a countrywide standard, pallet size can still vary by industry. This is especially true in industries that rely on pallets and have an associated transport infrastructure set up.
Industries that commonly make extensive use of pallets include:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Chemicals
- Food and beverages
- Automotives
Even within these industries there is significant sizing variation, with pharmaceutical companies often preferring hygienic pallets measuring 1200 mm x 800 mm, while chemical suppliers tend to use 1300 mm x 1100 mm.
What is the standard size of a pallet in other countries?
Why you need to consider the whole supply chain
The success of your supply chain relies on ensuring you have the right pallet for your needs, and for the other organisations involved. Understanding where your Australian pallet fits into your global supply chain is key.
Getting the pallet wrong results in:
- Longer load and unpack time – where loading or receiving organisations do not have the correct equipment to load quickly, or have to move the goods to another pallet size to continue transportation.
- Issues with warehouse transport, such as fork lifts or conveyor belts – many factories have perfectly designed systems where goods move through on automatic conveyers and are easily picked up by the equipment available. Odd sizes can cause these automated systems to fail.
- Difficulty meeting international customs requirements – ISPM 15 is a set of standards designed to reduce the spread of pests through global shipping. Any wooden pallet must be appropriately certified before passing through customs, so it’s crucial you think about how this extra compliance step fits into your supply chain if you aren’t using plastic.
- Hygiene concerns – Especially where food or pharmaceuticals are involved, hygiene is critical. Wooden pallets are particularly susceptible to moisture and mildew, prompting some organisations to use only plastic materials.
The ISO recognises six pallet dimensions commonly used in certain parts of the world.
ISO recognised pallet dimensions
The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is an independent body that regulates commercial standards across a range of industries to make worldwide trade safe and efficient. In the case of pallets, the ISO recognises six dimensions commonly used in certain parts of the world or in particular industries.
Many countries accommodate several sizes, alongside the one they use most commonly. The following are frequently used dimensions.
| Dimensions | Countries commonly used in |
| 1219 mm x 1016 mm | North America and South America |
| 1200 mm x 800 mm | Europe including the UK |
| 1067 mm x 1067 mm | European Asia, North America |
| 1165 mm x 1165 mm | Australia |
| 1100 mm x 1100 mm | Asia |
| 1200 mm x 1000 mm | New Zealand, Europe, Asia |
Finding out which pallet size best suits your particular supply chain can save you spending more than you need to, or having trouble getting your goods to their end destination.
Ready to go or still not sure what pallet’s best? Either way, speak to the experts at Eco Pallets for more information and to get your order underway.
