Goods come in many shapes and sizes – and so do the pallets they are transported on. But how do you know which pallet size to use? And what happens if your goods don’t fit the UK standard pallet size and weight?
Find out all you need to know in our comprehensive guide to standard pallet sizes used in the UK.
Article contents
- Standard UK pallet sizes
- UK pallet v Euro pallet
- Oversized UK pallet sizes
- Pallet services
- Pallet size FAQs
- Get a pallet delivery/storage quote
The standard pallet size UK is 1m x 1.2m at the base, with a number of variations of height/weight restrictions to suit your needs. The range of different sizes lets businesses price pallet storage and distribution in the most cost-effective way.
Standard UK pallet sizes
Here are the standard UK pallet sizes in mm, cm, m and kg, as well as inches, feet and pounds. Click on the tab to change between measurement units.
Metric measurements
Millimetres
Centimetres
Metres
MAX 1200kg
FULL PALLET
A: 1200mm (length)
B: 1000mm (width)
C: 2200mm (height)
MAX 500kg
HALF PALLET
A: 1200mm (length)
B: 1000mm (width)
C: 1200mm (height)
MAX 250kg
QUARTER PALLET
A: 1200mm (length)
B: 1000mm (width)
C: 800mm (height)
MAX 1200kg
FULL PALLET
A: 120cm (length)
B: 100cm (width)
C: 220cm (height)
MAX 500kg
HALF PALLET
A: 120cm (length)
B: 100cm (width)
C: 120cm (height)
MAX 250kg
QUARTER PALLET
A: 120cm (length)
B: 100cm (width)
C: 80cm (height)
MAX 1200kg
FULL PALLET
A: 1.2m (length)
B: 1m (width)
C: 2.2m (height)
MAX 500kg
HALF PALLET
A: 1.2m (length)
B: 1m (width)
C: 1.2m (height)
MAX 250kg
QUARTER PALLET
A: 1.2m (length)
B: 1m (width)
C: 0.8m (height)
Imperial measurements
Inches
Feet
MAX 2,646lbs
FULL PALLET
A: 47.24in (length)
B: 39.37in (width)
C: 86.81in (height)
MAX 1,102lbs
HALF PALLET
A: 47.24in (length)
B: 39.37in (width)
C: 47.24in (height)
MAX 551lbs
QUARTER PALLET
A: 47.24in (length)
B: 39.37in (width)
C: 31.5in (height)
MAX 2,646lbs
FULL PALLET
A: 3.94ft (length)
B: 3.28ft (width)
C: 7.22ft (height)
MAX 1,102lbs
HALF PALLET
A: 3.94ft (length)
B: 3.28ft (width)
C: 3.94ft (height)
MAX 551lbs
QUARTER PALLET
A: 3.94ft (length)
B: 3.28ft (width)
C: 2.62ft (height)
There are other variations of the 1m x 1.2m standard UK pallet size. These may suit your needs better, for example, when your goods weigh less or don’t require as much height. The most common options are:
- Light pallet – 1.2m x 1m x 2.2m high – same as a UK full pallet but with a lower maximum weight of 750kg
- Mini quarter pallet – 1.2m x 1m x 0.6m high, max weight 150kg
There are also smaller and larger footprints available. For example, the smaller Euro pallet, with a 0.8m x 1.2m footprint and different weight restrictions, is a useful option for some – find out more in the next section on Euro pallets.
And Palletways, our palletised freight network, offers a larger pallet size of 1.2m x 1.2m footprint as standard. This can help you save money on larger loads which often trigger an oversized pallet cost.
The cost varies depending on the pallet size. As a guide, you can send our full pallet from around £49.80 exc VAT.
>> Learn more about our pallet collection service
UK pallet v Euro pallet
To accommodate different shapes and sizes of goods, most UK freight forwarders also offer Euro pallet size options. So what’s the difference between a standard UK pallet and a Euro pallet?
The key difference between the UK and Euro pallet is the base or footprint. Standard pallets in the UK measure 1.2m long x 1m wide whereas Euro pallets are slightly smaller at 1.2m x 0.8m.
This is because standard pallet sizes differ slightly depending on the country or region of the world where the pallets and goods are coming from. The Euro pallet is recognised across Europe and is one of the six pallet dimensions for international export recognised by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). This means they can be handled by forklift trucks – and should fit through most European door frames and property sizes.
Weight options also vary between standard and Euro pallets. For example, a Euro half pallet can support goods up to 2.2m high – as high as a UK light pallet – but it has a lower maximum weight capacity of 500kg. This option is perfect for lighter goods and will cost you a lot less when shipping in bulk.
In summary, if you’re wondering whether you need a standard UK pallet or a Euro pallet size, it depends on the goods you want to transport. Rest assured, the range of pallet types available means there will usually be an option to suit your needs.
>> Get in touch with our experienced advisers to discuss your needs
Oversized UK pallet sizes
When it comes to sending your goods to suppliers or customers, most commercial freight will be secured onto standard size wooden pallets for ease of shipping.
Sometimes your goods don’t fit the standard size and weight restrictions. But they must still be palletised for safe transport and safely strapped into place. Businesses that ship large or bulky items – furniture, building materials, large industrial components and so on – will need to use specialised oversized pallets to enable safe shipping.
If your consignment is too wide, too tall or too heavy then it will be classed as oversized freight – also known as ‘ugly freight’ in the industry. There are no set oversized UK pallet sizes, however. Over size simply means anything over and above the standard 1m x 1.2m footprint.
It’s no surprise that oversized goods carry a freight surcharge and tend to cost more. For example, overheight or overweight goods are usually charged as the next pallet type (see chart below).
Loading and unloading can also be an issue. Forklifts and pallet trucks have limits on what they can lift. And tail-lifts (lifting platforms) on lorries have a maximum weight and may incur extra charges for use.
>> How is oversized freight charged? Click on the guide below to find out – opens in new window. (Note: Palletways now uses a larger 1.2m x 1.2m pallet as standard.)
IFL pallet services
International Forwarding provides an extensive range of UK and international pallet delivery services to any destination. We can send your cargo wherever it needs to go, with economy, express and groupage delivery options available.
We serve a number of industries. And our membership of the Palletways network allows us to deliver items fast and cost-effectively for our customers.
- We manage the entire pallet transport process from our UK hub.
- Extensive EU coverage through cargo partners and Palletways’ network of 450 freight depots and 23 transport hubs in 24 countries.
- Seamless integration into wider 3PL solutions from warehousing to stock management.
- UK customs clearance through our Birmingham office and Dover agent.
We offer the best rates on palletised shipping according to size and delivery time. Call us for a tailored quote.
>> Find out more about our pallet delivery services
FAQs
The standard pallet size UK is 1m x 1.2m. (A larger standard of 1.2m x 1.2m is now available through our pallet freight network Palletways.)
Most of our customers palletise their own freight ready for transportation. We can pack pallets in some cases – please get in touch for more information. Or read our guide on how to preparing your pallet.
Yes, we can arrange for your pallet collection. Timings generally depend on whether delivery speed or budget is your key priority. You can easily set your preferred pallet collection date and time when you book in your job. Find out more about pallet delivery and collection.
We transport pallets around the UK, to and from Europe, and beyond – via road, sea or air. See our list of destinations.
Yes! We offer secure, reliable pallet and bulk storage at our three large-scale warehouses in Birmingham, West Midlands – at the heart of the UK transport network. (We also offer cargo handling and onward distribution.)
>> Find out more: Warehouse storage and Pallet storage in Birmingham
Get a pallet delivery or storage quote
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