Walmart pallet requirements: supplier DCs and Walmart Fulfillment Services
Walmart's supplier standards require 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm) four-way Grade A pallets: stringer pallets with 7 top and 5 bottom boards on 3 stringers (2,100 lb loaded), 9-block pallets (2,800 lb) or approved pooled pallets. Loads max 96 in (244 cm), no overhang. WFS has its own rules.
Walmart has two sets of pallet rules. Suppliers shipping purchase orders into Walmart distribution centers follow the Walmart Supply Chain Standards, a long document on Retail Link that covers packaging, labels and pallets. Marketplace sellers shipping inventory into Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) follow the WFS guides on Walmart Marketplace Learn. The two agree on size and grade but differ on pooled pallets, height and weight.
The supplier figures below are from the August 2023 edition of the Walmart Supply Chain Standards, the most recent edition we could read in full; the WFS figures are from Walmart Marketplace Learn as checked in September 2026. Walmart revises both. Confirm against the current edition on Retail Link or Marketplace Learn, and with your Walmart contacts, before you build pallets.
Walmart supplier pallet requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Supplier DCs (Supply Chain Standards) | WFS (marketplace sellers) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 48 × 40 in (±1/4 in) | 40 × 48 in |
| Entry | Four-way (partial four-way stringer; full four-way block) | Four-way |
| Grade | Meet or exceed Grade A | GMA Grade A |
| Pooled pallets | CHEP, PECO, RM2, iGPS approved | Do not ship on PECO or CHEP |
| Maximum loaded weight | 2,100 lb (952 kg) stringer; 2,800 lb (1,270 kg) block | Under 2,100 lb (952 kg) |
| Maximum height | 96 in (244 cm) total, single or double stacked | Under 72 in (183 cm) per pallet; 108 in double stacked |
| Overhang | Not allowed | Only when a single unit cannot fit |
| Pallet labels | SSCC-18 label on at least 2 adjacent sides | Receiving label on all 4 sides |
Grade A stringer pallet standard
The Supply Chain Standards set a minimum Grade A stringer pallet specification:
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Footprint | 48 in ± 1/4 in × 40 in ± 1/4 in (1219 × 1016 mm ± 6 mm) |
| Entry | Partial four-way |
| Top deckboards | Minimum 7 |
| Bottom deckboards | Minimum 5 |
| Deckboard size | Minimum 5/8 in thick × 3-1/2 in wide (16 × 89 mm), ± 1/8 in |
| Stringers | 3, minimum 1-1/4 in wide × 3-1/2 in high (32 × 89 mm), ± 1/8 in |
| Deckboard spacing | Maximum 4 in (102 mm) between boards |
| Condition | Grade A, four-way, flush, non-reversible; sound material, free of knots |
| Maximum loaded weight | 2,100 lb (952 kg) |
This is essentially a GMA pallet in Grade A condition. The template GMA 48 × 40 (7 top and 5 bottom boards, 5/8 in decks, three 1-3/8 × 3-1/2 in notched stringers) meets these dimensions.
Stringer pallet condition rules
The standards list defects that make a stringer pallet unacceptable, including:
- Unsecured or broken deckboards across the width; missing or broken boards
- Missing wood on a leading-edge board greater than 1-1/2 in (38 mm) diameter
- Exposed nails outside the pallet perimeter; raised nails over 1/8 in (3 mm)
- Partial footings (a quarter of the stringer-to-bottom-board contact removed, or nail shanks exposed)
- Tapered breaks 1 in (25 mm) deep along a 10 in (254 mm) or longer run
- Cracks in top or bottom boards larger than 1/8 in wide × 15 in long
- Double stringers, patched boards or metal repair plates
- Exposed splinters over 3 in (76 mm)
Pallets do not need to be bleached white, but must be clean, odor-free and free of debris and stains.
Unbranded 9-block pallet standard
For white-wood block pallets, the standards set a minimum unbranded 9-block design:
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Footprint and entry | 48 × 40 in ± 1/4 in, full four-way |
| Material | Hardwood or softwood lumber; plywood not allowed |
| Bottom | Full perimeter base |
| Top deck | 2 lead boards 5-1/2 in wide and 5 interior boards 3-1/2 in wide, 8 top boards minimum in total |
| Top stringerboards | 3, 48 in long × 3-1/2 in wide |
| Bottom deck | 2 lead boards 5-1/2 in wide and 3 interior boards 3-1/2 in wide, 0.688 in (11/16 in) thick |
| Blocks | 3 center blocks 3-1/2 × 3-1/2 × 3-1/2 in; 6 outer blocks 7-1/2 × 3-1/2 × 3-1/2 in |
| Maximum loaded weight | 2,800 lb (1,270 kg) |
Block pallets are rejected for, among other things, missing more than a third of their blocks, twisted blocks, horizontally split blocks that move, and broken or unsecured boards.
Pooled pallets
Walmart suppliers can lease pooled pallets or buy one-way white-wood pallets. The standards name CHEP, PECO, RM2 and iGPS as approved poolers and state that all pallets must meet or exceed Grade A. WFS is different: its guide tells marketplace sellers not to ship on PECO or CHEP pallets. See pallet pooling.
Other sizes and materials
- Half pallets 48 × 20 in and quarter pallets 24 × 20 in are for approved programs only, typically display pallets. See half pallet, quarter pallet and display pallets.
- Oversized pallets are allowed only when the product cannot fit on 48 × 40 without overhang. If only one dimension is too large, grow the 40 in width and keep the 48 in length.
- Odd-sized pallets are not allowed through the grocery network.
- Alternative materials (plastic, metal) need approval and may require proof of structural capability and fire rating. All standard pallets must be edge-rackable. Corrugated pallets are not accepted into Walmart DCs.
- Slip sheets need prior approval and must be solid fiber (not corrugated) with 3–6 in (76–152 mm) flaps.
- Wood packaging must meet ISPM 15 (heat treatment or methyl bromide) where regulated.
Height, stacking and weight
| Rule | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum total pallet height, GM, dry grocery, perishables | 96 in (244 cm), single or double stacked |
| Department 4 consumer paper goods | 108 in (274 cm) |
| Full pallet pull (ships to store as a unit) | 85 in (216 cm) without pallet |
| Individual pallet load, outbound double stacking | Not over 2,500 lb (1,134 kg) including pallet |
| Bottom layer must support (loads under 750 lb) | An additional 1,500 lb (680 kg) |
| Bottom layer must support (loads over 750 lb) | An additional 2,500 lb (1,134 kg) |
| "Do not double stack" labels | Not allowed |
Walmart double stacks pallets from DCs to stores, so your load must be designed to carry another pallet on top. Case count per layer must match the Ti-Hi in Walmart's item file.
Building and securing the load
- No overhang. Layers must be rectangular and level.
- Secure cases with stretch wrap. Gluing or taping cases to each other or to the pallet is not allowed, and stapling PDQ displays to the pallet is not allowed.
- Bagged products need a tray or a slip or tier sheet between product and pallet.
- A tier sheet is required under shrink-packed layers (including between the bottom layer and the pallet) unless the item is a full pallet pull.
- WFS adds stretch wrap rules: wrap bottom-up with overlap, double-wrap the bottom, no more than 10 layers, do not cover fork or jack entries.
Labels
- Supplier DCs: an SSCC-18 pallet label in GS1-128 format on at least 2 adjacent sides, preferably upper right, ideally between layers of wrap. Pallet pulls and PDQ displays also need 8-1/2 × 11 in placards on all 4 sides. See pallet labels and SSCC.
- WFS: a receiving label with the shipment ID on each of the 4 sides, top center.
What gets refused or charged back
Walmart's compliance program lists pallet defects that trigger fees: poor-quality pallets, non-48 × 40 pallets, overhang, excess height, missing labels, missing tier or slip sheets, shifted or unstable loads, and cross-contaminated pallets. Fees or chargebacks may be assessed when pallets fail the requirements.
How to spec a compliant pallet for Walmart
| Field | Stringer option | Block option |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | 48 × 40 in ± 1/4 in | 48 × 40 in ± 1/4 in |
| Entry | Partial four-way (notched stringers) | Full four-way |
| Top deck | 7+ boards, 5/8 × 3-1/2 in min, 2 wide lead boards recommended | 2 × 5-1/2 in leads + 5 × 3-1/2 in, 8 boards min |
| Bottom deck | 5+ boards, 5/8 × 3-1/2 in min | Perimeter: 2 × 5-1/2 + 3 × 3-1/2 in, 11/16 in thick |
| Stringers / blocks | 3 stringers, 1-1/4 × 3-1/2 in min | 9 blocks, 3-1/2 in high |
| Max deck gap | 4 in | 4 in |
| Condition | New or Grade A; no repairs with plates or companion stringers | New or Grade A |
| Load rating | 2,100 lb loaded; edge-rackable | 2,800 lb loaded; edge-rackable |
| Treatment | ISPM 15 HT for imported freight | Same |
Start from the GMA 48 × 40 template or the 48 × 40 block template and check the board counts against the table before requesting quotes.
Frequently asked questions
What size pallet does Walmart require?
48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm) full pallets. Half pallets (48 × 20 in) and quarter pallets (24 × 20 in) are allowed only for approved programs such as display pallets. Odd sizes are not allowed through the grocery network.
Does Walmart accept CHEP or PECO pallets?
For supplier shipments into Walmart DCs, yes: the Supply Chain Standards list CHEP, PECO, RM2 and iGPS as approved poolers. Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) for marketplace sellers says not to ship on PECO or CHEP pallets.
What is Walmart's maximum pallet height?
96 in (244 cm) total for general merchandise, dry grocery and perishables, single or double stacked; 85 in for a pallet pull; 108 in for Department 4 paper goods. WFS allows 72 in per pallet.
What is Walmart's pallet weight limit?
2,100 lb for a Grade A stringer pallet load and 2,800 lb for a block pallet load under the supplier standards; no individual pallet over 2,500 lb in the outbound double-stacking rules. WFS limits each pallet to under 2,100 lb.
Are Grade B pallets accepted by Walmart?
No. Walmart requires pallets to meet or exceed Grade A condition, and does not allow double stringers, patched boards or metal repair plates on stringer pallets.
Sources and references
- Walmart Supply Chain Standards, Pallet Standards section, August 2023 edition (Walmart Inc.; supplier access via Retail Link)
- Walmart Marketplace Learn: WFS inbound orders, select and pack pallets (Walmart)
Related
- GuidesAmazon FBA pallet requirements: size, height, weight, wrap and labelsAmazon FBA calls for 40 × 48 in (1016 × 1219 mm) four-way pallets, at most 72 in (183 cm) tall including the pallet and 1,500 lb (680 kg), in clear stretch wrap with box labels facing out. GMA Grade B or better wood and four pallet labels are widely reported rules. Confirm in Seller Central.
- GuidesCostco pallet requirements: pooled block pallets and purpose-built exceptionsCostco requires iGPS, PECO or CHEP block pallets throughout North America and refuses GMA/Grade A stringer, CHEP stringer, CHEP Euro and corrugated pallets. Purpose-built pallets need advance approval per item; Costco's published supplement requires them to be designed with PDS.
- GuidesHome Depot pallet requirements: shipping platform standards for suppliersThe Home Depot asks suppliers to ship on a standard 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm) all-wood pallet, excluding species classes 7 and 14. Other platforms need an approved exception backed by a PDS analysis or ASTM D1185 test of capacity stacked three high. Confirm details in your supplier guide.
- GuidesPallet grades: Grade A, Grade B, remanufactured and combo palletsUsed pallets are sold by grade. Grade A (#1) pallets are clean and sound with few or no repairs; Grade B (#2) pallets are sound but repaired, often with companion stringers. Remanufactured and combo pallets are rebuilt from used and new parts. Definitions vary by vendor, so write yours down.
- SizesHalf pallet: dimensions and uses (48 × 20 and 800 × 600)A half pallet is half of a region's standard pallet. In North America it is 48 × 20 in (1219 × 508 mm), half of a 48 × 40. In Europe it is 800 × 600 mm (31.5 × 23.6 in), half of a 1200 × 800 Euro pallet, made by EPAL as the EPAL 6 and EPAL 7. Half pallets are used mainly for retail floor displays.
- SizesQuarter pallet: dimensions and uses (24 × 20 and 600 × 400)A quarter pallet is a quarter of a region's standard pallet. In North America it is 24 × 20 in (610 × 508 mm), a quarter of a 48 × 40. In Europe it is 600 × 400 mm (23.6 × 15.7 in), a quarter of a 1200 × 800 Euro pallet. Most are plastic display pallets for retail floors.
- GuidesPallet labels and SSCC-18: the GS1 logistic label explainedAn SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is an 18-digit GS1 number that identifies one logistic unit, such as a pallet, for its whole journey. It is printed as a GS1-128 barcode with Application Identifier (00). GS1 puts pallet barcodes 400 to 800 mm (16 to 32 in) above the base, on two adjacent sides.
- IndustriesPallets for grocery and consumer goodsGrocery runs on the 48 × 40 in pallet: GMA-style stringer pallets or pooled block pallets (CHEP, PECO, iGPS plastic). Retailers set the rules in vendor guides: footprint, entry, condition, height, weight and labels, and some accept pooled pallets only. Check each retailer's current guide.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 1,568 words.