Pallet dimensions often refer to the pallet footprint. When booking freight, however, you need the size of the complete shipment, including the pallet, goods and packaging. This distinction matters when choosing a service and calculating the price.
Common pallet sizes compared
- Euro pallet/EUR pallet: 1,200 × 800 mm (120 × 80 cm). A standardised format. Correct construction and markings also matter when establishing compliance with the applicable standard.
- Half pallet: commonly 800 × 600 mm (80 × 60 cm). Half the footprint of the EUR format. Height, material and construction can vary between models.
- Industrial pallet: for example, 1,200 × 1,000 mm (120 × 100 cm). EPAL 2 is a pallet in this format. Other models and formats are also used.
- One-way pallet: dimensions vary. The term does not describe a single standard size. It may have the EUR footprint or be tailored to a particular load.
The term full-size pallet is often used in contrast to half pallet, but always check the intended format. These are footprint dimensions, not general booking dimensions or maximum load specifications.
Pallet footprint and overall shipment dimensions differ
A EUR pallet may have a 120 × 80 cm footprint while the packed shipment is wider because of protruding goods or packaging. The pallet’s own height is also included in the total shipment height.
Use the packed load as your starting point. Also check that the pallet format and complete shipment meet the selected freight service’s specifications.
How to measure length, width and height
- Length: measure the shipment’s longest horizontal dimension between its outermost points.
- Width: measure the other horizontal dimension, including anything that protrudes.
- Height: measure from the underside of the pallet to the shipment’s highest point, including top protection and other packaging.
Use the unit requested by the booking form. Shiplink’s booking guide specifies centimetres. Measure each piece if a shipment contains several pallets of different sizes.
Worked example: enter the total height
Illustrative example, not a service limit: a pallet is 15 cm high. The goods and packaging together rise 100 cm above its top surface. The total shipment height is therefore 15 + 100 = 115 cm.
Enter 115 cm in the height field, not 100 cm. If top protection is added beyond those 100 cm, include that too. Measure the packed shipment to check the result; actual pallet heights vary.
Overhang and stackability when booking
Overhang means that goods or packaging extend beyond the pallet edges. Include it in the overall dimensions; it may affect service choice and cost. Avoid overhang by choosing a pallet that fits the load. Read more about what affects pallet shipping costs.
Stackability is a separate booking detail. State whether other freight can be placed on top under the selected service’s requirements. A flat top or a particular pallet format does not automatically make the shipment stackable.
Enter total weight alongside pallet dimensions
The pallet’s own weight is only part of the total. Add the goods and all packaging, or weigh the complete shipment after packing. A shared footprint does not mean that different pallet models weigh the same or have the same load capacity.
Shiplink is a freight platform where businesses can compare and book freight services from multiple carriers. Use actual overall dimensions and total weight when comparing the available options. See how to compare pallet shipping.
