48x40
48 x 40 pallets: the GMA standard
A 48 x 40 pallet is the North American default, called the GMA pallet. It measures 1,219 by 1,016 millimetres and is what most consumer goods ship on.
- Inches
- 48 x 40
- Millimetres
- 1,219 x 1,016
- Deck area
- 13.3 sq ft
01 Dimensions and weight
| Measure | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | 48 x 40 in | 1,219 x 1,016 mm |
| Deck area | 13.3 sq ft | 1.24 sq m by the same sum |
| Height | 5.5 to 6 in | Some sources quote 6.5 in |
| Empty weight | 33 to 49 lb | One source gives a typical 37 lb |
| Reinforced weight | 55 to 66 lb | Heavier wood build |
02 Load ratings, with the sources' own differences
Interlake Mecalux gives standard GMA pallets 2,000 to 2,800 lb dynamic and 2,500 to 4,600 lb static. PHS quotes a standard 48 x 40 x 6 in wooden pallet at 3 short tons static and 1 short ton dynamic. The two sources do not agree because load rating depends on the build, the lumber and how the load is placed, so treat both as typical ranges, not guarantees. Many pallets can handle a load of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb).
03 What it carries well
Cartons planned on a 16 x 12 inch module are the easy case: nine boxes make a layer. Retail goods, beverages in cases, packaged food and parcel freight were built around this size, which is why sorted used 48 x 40 stock is the easiest to buy and sell. It is the size to expect in a mixed pile at a distribution dock near the airport or in New Stanton.
04 Builds and grades
The classic is a stringer pallet with three boards under the deck. Block versions exist and take forks on all four sides. Grades A, B and C all appear in this size, and it is the size where grade A and grade B sorted stock is most often available.
05 When another size is better
Round or square heavy loads such as drums go better on 48 x 48. Chemical and beverage lines often use 48 x 42. If the load overhangs a 48 x 40 deck, the pallet is the wrong size.
06 Quick figures worked from the dimensions
| Check | Result |
|---|---|
| Deck area | 48 x 40 = 1,920 sq in = 13.3 sq ft |
| Boxes of 16 x 12 in per layer | 9, as the trade sources show |
| Layers to 4 ft of stack, 12 in boxes | 4 |
| Boxes per 4 ft stack | 36 |
Nine boxes a layer times four layers of 12 inch boxes makes 36 in a stack four feet high.
Q Questions
Can I mix 48 x 40 with other sizes on one truck?
Yes, but each size racks and stacks separately. Say so on the request and list the sizes and counts.
Why is 48 x 40 the default?
Because the GMA pallet became the standard that grocery and consumer-goods supply chains were built around, and ISO accepts the 48 x 40 specification as the North American standard pallet size.
Src Sources
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