How much weight can a standard pallet hold? This is perhaps the very first question you might have in your mind when loading products on a pallet.
Since there are different types of wooden pallets and they vary differently depending on the materials the pallets are made of, and the design and the size needed for a particular application – these greatly affect how much weight the pallet can hold.
To give you an overview, we prepared the tables below:
| Wooden Pallet Size | Weight It Can Hold in Lbs. | Weight It Can Hold in Kgs. |
| 48" x 40" | 4,600 lbs. | 2,087 kgs. |
| 36" x 36" | 4,700 lbs. | 2,132 kgs. |
| 42" x 42" | 3,700 lbs. | 1,678 kgs. |
| 48" x 48" | 3,700 lbs. | 1,678 kgs. |
The load capacity also has a significant effect on the weight capacity of the pallet.
| Type | Static Load Capacity | Dynamic Load Capacity |
| Block Pallet | Can Withstand up to 4,600 lbs. | Can Withstand up to 4,600 lbs. |
| Stringer Pallet | Can Withstand up to 2,500 lbs. | Can Withstand up to 2,500 lbs. |
| Plastic Pallet | Can Withstand up to 5,000 lbs. | Can Withstand up to 30,000 lbs. |
Note: the static load capacity is the maximum limit the pallet can hold when the forklift equipment is in a stationary position, while the dynamic load capacity is the maximum limit the pallet can hold when the forklift is in operation. Those are two different things to consider when calculating the weight limit.
Having those figures will give you accurate information to make a calculation for the weight of shipments coming in and out of the inventory, and doing so will improve stacking and storage and most importantly the safety of the workers in the workplace.
Factors That Affect the Weight Capacity of the Pallet
Type of Woods Used in the Construction
In the market today, there are two (2) most common types of woods used in the construction of wooden pallets: block pallets and stringer pallets. The former is used in the 4-way design that offers better clearance to insert the forklift forks while the latter is used in a 2-way design that holds a lesser amount of weight. The 4-way design has a bigger of the number of decks used in the construction, therefore it is sturdier and holds more weight compared to its counterpart.
Number of Deck Boards Installed
The spacing between the deck boards is dictated by the number of the board installed – the tighter the spacing is, the more boards are installed on the pallets. This is to increase the weight capacity the pallet can hold and to contain the size of the load so that it won’t tip over between the spaces.
The thickness of the Boards or Decks Used in the Construction
The thickness of boards in standard-size pallets is 5/16” but much thicker boards can be used to hold a heavier weight. The US and Euro standards have a very slight difference in standardizing the dimension of the pallet, but it is comparable so that the pallets ship out from one country to the next can be acceptable and won’t hamper the supply chain.
Type of Merchandise the Pallet Holds
You have to determine the product to be laid on top of the wooden pallet or the application the pallet will be used for. For example, the 48x48 size is ideal to transport drums, and another square size which is the 36x36 is used to hold beverage bottles and cans. The product also affects how much capacity the pallet can hold.
Design of the Pallet
Block pallets (4-way entry), stringer pallets (2-way entry), double-face pallet (with deck both at the bottom and on the top of the pallet, as its name implies), solid deck pallet (no spaces between decks) are the designs most common nowadays. Each design has its pros and cons in terms of holding the weight of the load.
The Storage Where the Pallets are Kept
Woods degrades over time thus affecting the weight capacity the pallet can carry. The storage where the pallet is kept plays a vital role in the condition of the pallet. Storage, where there is a lot of water or moisture, can significantly affect the wood condition. The plastic-type, on the other hand, can withstand moisture and retain its toughness thus can hold even more weight.
Wood vs Plastic Pallet?
What we’ve discussed above is the wooden-type pallet. But what if you are using plastic, does the weight the plastic pallet can hold differ from the wood?
The plastic type has a larger capacity limit. The standard size plastic pallet can hold between 2,200 lbs and 16,500 lbs. (1,000 kgs and 7,500 kgs).
Plastic pallets are a popular use for many applications. They’re more hygienic compared to their wooden counterpart, with that, plastic pallets are the ideal solution in pharmaceutical and food handling applications. They’re easy to clean with just water compared to wooden plastics which are prone to the development of molds.
In terms of prices, the plastic pallets are 2-3x more expensive compared to the wooden type. If your business is shipping products with pallets with no means of returning, then the wooden type is economical to use.
What most people like about using plastic pallets is they have a longer lifespan and can withstand temperature without deforming or degrading. It is more durable to be utilized in almost any heavy-duty use and perfect for manual handling as there is no splinter that can injure a worker’s hand.
Plastic-type can have the same design and dimension as the wooden type.
Important Words to Leave
It is best recommended to know the limits of the pallet you’re using in your warehouse before utilizing to heavy-duty application. Carrying loads that are heavier than what the pallet can hold not only shortens the lifespan of the pallet but it also a safety risk that we don’t want to be in.
Before putting the pallets into action, always determine first the weight the pallet can hold, you may contact the manufacturer for more accurate information regarding this matter.
