GMA vs Euro pallet: size, construction and use
The GMA pallet is 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm), traditionally a 3-stringer, partial 4-way pallet, and is the North American grocery standard. The Euro pallet (EPAL 1) is 1200 × 800 mm (47.2 × 31.5 in), a licensed 9-block, 4-way pallet. Use the one your destination's supply chain runs on.
- Type
- Wood stringer
- Footprint
- 48.00 × 40.00 in
- Height
- 4.75 in
- Lumber
- 13.5 bd ft
- Est. weight
- 59 lb (27 kg)
- Fasteners
- 84
Every dimension is editable. Get the drawing free, or request a quote.
These are the two most common pallet footprints in the world, and they come from different supply chains. The GMA pallet (named for the former Grocery Manufacturers Association) is the North American 48 × 40 in standard. The Euro pallet is the European 1200 × 800 mm standard, managed as a licensed exchange system by EPAL. Both sizes are in ISO 6780.
Side-by-side comparison
| GMA pallet | Euro pallet (EPAL 1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm) | 1200 × 800 mm (47.2 × 31.5 in) |
| Area | 13.3 sq ft (1.24 m²) | 10.3 sq ft (0.96 m²) |
| Height | about 4.75–5.5 in (120–140 mm), varies with board sizes | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Construction | 3 notched stringers, 7 top and 5 bottom deckboards (classic spec) | 9 blocks, 3 stringerboards, 5 top boards, 3 bottom boards |
| Entry | Partial 4-way | 4-way |
| Weight | about 30–50 lb (14–23 kg), varies with species and moisture | about 25 kg (55 lb) |
| Load rating | Depends on design and support | Safe working load 1,500 kg; up to 4,000 kg static (EPAL) |
| Governance | Industry spec; any shop can build it | EPAL licensees only; audited |
| Exchange | White-wood exchange or pooled block equivalents | EPAL open exchange pool |
| Trailer fit | 26 straight / 30 turned in a 53 ft trailer | 33 in a 13.6 m trailer |
| Designer template | GMA 48 × 40 | EPAL 1 |
EPAL figures are from the EPAL specification. GMA dimensions describe the traditional recycled-grocery-pallet spec; today many grocery suppliers use pooled block pallets at the same 48 × 40 in footprint.
Construction differences
The classic GMA pallet is a stringer pallet: three hardwood stringers with notches for side forklift entry, seven top deckboards and five bottom deckboards. It is simple to build and repair, and it is the most common single pallet design in the US.
The EPAL 1 is a block pallet with nine blocks and a defined bill of materials, down to the 78 nails and their markings. Every EPAL pallet carries the EPAL mark and the ISPM 15 treatment mark. Because it is standardized and audited, a full EPAL pallet can be swapped one-for-one in the exchange pool. See EPAL and block vs stringer.
Why the sizes differ
The 48 × 40 in footprint grew up with North American trailers (about 98–102 in inside width) and grocery distribution. The 1200 × 800 mm pallet fits European trailers (about 2.45 m inside width), where three pallets loaded with their 800 mm sides across (2,400 mm) fill the width, and it suits European store aisles and rack bays. Neither fits the other's trucks efficiently. See pallets per truckload.
Converting loads between the two
A load built for one footprint rarely fits the other cleanly. A 48 × 40 in load on a 1200 × 800 mm pallet overhangs by about 19 mm in length and 216 mm in width in total, which is far beyond usual overhang limits. The usual options are:
- Repack onto 1200 × 1000 mm pallets, which are close to 48 × 40 in (1200 × 1000 mm vs 1219 × 1016 mm) and common in European industry.
- Redesign the case pattern for 1200 × 800 mm if the product will be sold through European retail.
- Ship on GMA pallets and cross-dock at the destination, accepting the handling cost.
Use the cases per pallet calculator to compare case counts on each footprint, and see pallet overhang.
Cost
A new GMA-style stringer pallet is roughly $10–25 in 2026 US estimates. EPAL pallets are built by licensees in Europe and a few in North America, and they are priced higher in the US because they are block pallets with licensing and audit requirements. In Europe, used EPAL pallets have an active trading market. See pallet cost.
When to choose each
Choose the GMA 48 × 40 in when: you ship within North America, especially grocery, retail and general distribution, or your customer specifies it.
Choose the Euro 1200 × 800 mm when: goods are distributed in Europe, the customer expects EPAL exchange, or the load is sized for European retail and racks. For heavier or larger loads in Europe, the 1200 × 1000 mm pallet is common. See European pallet sizes.
For export in either direction, the pallet needs ISPM 15 treatment. You can open the GMA template or the EPAL 1 template in the designer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ship GMA pallets to Europe?
You can, with ISPM 15 heat treatment, but 48 × 40 in pallets fit European trucks, racks and store systems poorly. Many shippers repack onto 1200 × 800 or 1200 × 1000 mm pallets for European distribution.
Is any 1200 × 800 pallet a Euro pallet?
No. Only pallets made by EPAL licensees to the EPAL specification carry the EPAL mark and enter the EPAL exchange pool. Other 1200 × 800 pallets are simply Euro-size.
How many Euro pallets fit in a truck?
A standard 13.6 m European semi-trailer takes 33 EUR pallets in one layer. A 53 ft US trailer takes 26 GMA pallets loaded straight or 30 turned.
Sources and references
Related
- TypesGMA pallet: 48 × 40 in dimensions, construction, weight and gradesA GMA pallet is a 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm) wooden stringer pallet built to the grocery industry's standard: three notched stringers for partial 4-way entry, seven top and five bottom deckboards, and an overall height of about 4-3/4 in (121 mm) in the standard build. It is the most common pallet in the United States.
- TypesEuro pallet (EUR / EPAL 1): dimensions, weight and constructionThe Euro pallet (EUR or EPAL 1) is a licensed European block pallet measuring 1200 × 800 × 144 mm (47.2 × 31.5 × 5.7 in). It weighs about 25 kg (55 lb), has 11 boards, 9 blocks and 78 nails, and carries a safe working load of 1,500 kg (3,307 lb). Only EPAL licensees may build and mark it.
- Sizes48 × 40 pallet (GMA): dimensions, weight and specsA 48 × 40 in pallet (1219 × 1016 mm) is the North American standard, also called the GMA pallet. The typical build is a partial 4-way stringer pallet about 4.75 in tall with 7 top and 5 bottom deckboards on 3 notched stringers. Pooled 48 × 40 block pallets (CHEP, PECO) share the same footprint.
- Sizes1200 × 800 pallet (Euro pallet): dimensions, weight and specsA 1200 × 800 mm pallet (47.2 × 31.5 in) is the Euro pallet, standardized as EPAL 1 / EUR 1 and one of the six ISO 6780 sizes. The EPAL 1 is 144 mm tall, weighs about 25 kg, and has a safe working load of 1,500 kg. It is the standard pallet for European retail and food logistics.
- StandardsEPAL: the European pallet system, marks, licensing and exchangeEPAL (European Pallet Association e.V.) runs the open exchange pool for EPAL Euro pallets. Only licensed producers and repairers may make or repair them, and independent inspectors check quality. The EPAL 1 is 800 × 1200 × 144 mm, about 25 kg, with a 1,500 kg safe working load.
- StandardsISO 6780: the six international pallet sizesISO 6780:2003 sets principal dimensions and tolerances of flat pallets for intercontinental handling. It recognizes six sizes: 1200 × 800, 1200 × 1000, 1219 × 1016 (48 × 40 in), 1165 × 1165, 1067 × 1067 and 1100 × 1100 mm, and covers openings, chamfers, wings, flatness and distortion.
- Sizes48 × 40 pallet (GMA): dimensions, weight and specsA 48 × 40 in pallet (1219 × 1016 mm) is the North American standard, also called the GMA pallet. The typical build is a partial 4-way stringer pallet about 4.75 in tall with 7 top and 5 bottom deckboards on 3 notched stringers. Pooled 48 × 40 block pallets (CHEP, PECO) share the same footprint.
- TypesEuro pallet (EUR / EPAL 1): dimensions, weight and constructionThe Euro pallet (EUR or EPAL 1) is a licensed European block pallet measuring 1200 × 800 × 144 mm (47.2 × 31.5 × 5.7 in). It weighs about 25 kg (55 lb), has 11 boards, 9 blocks and 78 nails, and carries a safe working load of 1,500 kg (3,307 lb). Only EPAL licensees may build and mark it.
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Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 776 words.