Container Comparison
Euro Pallet vs US Standard Pallet: Container Loading Compared
Compare Euro pallets (1200x800mm) and US standard pallets (48x40in). See how each fits in shipping containers, stacking differences, and loading patterns.
Quick answer
Euro pallets (1200x800mm) are 20% narrower than US pallets (1219x1016mm), making them more efficient in ISO shipping containers — you can fit 21 Euro pallets in a 40ft container versus 20 US pallets. Use whichever standard your trade lane requires.
Euro Pallet (EUR/EPAL) vs US Standard Pallet (GMA) — Specs Compared
| Specification | Euro Pallet (EUR/EPAL) | US Standard Pallet (GMA) |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Length | 1200mm | 1219mm (48in) |
| Internal Width | 800mm | 1016mm (40in) |
| Internal Height | 144mm | 150mm |
| Internal Volume | N/A | N/A |
| Max Payload | 1,500 kg (dynamic load) | 1,134 kg (dynamic load) |
| Pallet Capacity | 10 per 20ft, 21 per 40ft (floor loaded) | 10 per 20ft, 20 per 40ft (floor loaded) |
| Best For | European trade, ISO container optimization | North American trade, US domestic shipping |
When to Choose Each
Choose Euro Pallet (EUR/EPAL) when:
- Shipping within Europe or from Europe
- You want maximum container utilization
- Your customers/warehouses use EUR/EPAL racks
- Trading with partners who use the European standard
Choose US Standard Pallet (GMA) when:
- Shipping within North America or from North America
- Your supply chain uses GMA-standard racking
- Customers require US standard pallets
- Intermodal US domestic shipping (53ft containers)
Not sure which fits your cargo?
Enter your items into JustLoad.it and see exactly how they fit in both options. The 3D visualization makes it obvious.
FAQ
Euro Pallet vs US Pallet FAQ
Approximately 21 euro pallets (1200x800mm) fit floor loaded in a 40ft container, arranged with a mix of lengthwise and crosswise orientations to maximize the 2.35m width.
Approximately 20 US standard pallets (48x40in / 1219x1016mm) fit floor loaded in a 40ft container. The wider pallet reduces the number per row compared to euro pallets.
Euro pallets are slightly more efficient in ISO shipping containers due to their narrower 800mm width fitting better within the 2.35m container width. You get 5% more pallet positions per 40ft.
Yes. Enter any pallet dimensions into JustLoad.it (euro, US, or custom sizes) and the algorithm will calculate the optimal arrangement for your chosen container.
Plan your load in 3D
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