Euro pallets and American pallets are the two most popular load carrier systems used in warehousing and transport. The main difference between them is their dimensions: American pallets measure 1200 x 1000 mm, while Euro pallets measure 1200 x 800 mm. Both types of pallets can be made not only from wood, but also from other materials, including plastic and metal, which expands their use in various industries.
The Euro pallet, also known as the European pallet or EPAL for short, is manufactured in accordance with the PN-EN 13698-1 standard and is the most commonly used type of pallet on the European market. Its standardised dimensions of 1200 x 800 x 144 mm fit perfectly with standard containers and storage systems in Europe. They are also marked with the EUR symbol on one side, which confirms that all standards have been met. The dynamic load capacity of a Euro pallet is 1500 kg, and the static load capacity is up to 4000 kg.
American pallets, also known as universal pallets, covered by ISO 3676, are similar in length but wider, measuring 1200 mm x 1000 mm, and are commonly used in the United States and Japan. Their larger surface area translates into better stability, which is conducive to the transport of liquids. American pallets enable trade around the world.
Universal pallets, known as American pallets, are 200 mm larger than Euro pallets. Their dimensions are 1200 x 1000 mm, while Euro pallets measure 800 x 1200 mm. EN is responsible for standardising Euro pallets, while American pallets are standardised by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
Standardised dimensions mean that pallets are used for storing and transporting loads all over the world. They can be transported using any type of trolley or material handling equipment and stored in any storage system.
Although American pallets are quite commonly used in Poland, they cannot compare to Euro pallets. They are the basic logistics solution throughout Europe, so they work best for local goods. With their help, you can freely store and group products in the warehouse, as long as the runners are positioned perpendicular to the load-bearing beams of the racks. The basic differences are visible to the naked eye, so unless you do business in the US and Canada, Euro pallets are the better solution.
Both load carriers, American and Euro pallets, can be made of various materials. Traditionally, both Euro pallets and American pallets were made of wood, most often coniferous or deciduous. Nowadays, plastic and metal pallets have become the answer to various logistical and industry needs. Plastic pallets are mainly made of high-density polyethylene using injection moulding, which makes them lightweight, moisture-resistant and easy to keep clean. This makes them ideal for the food and pharmaceutical industries, where hygiene is a priority. Metal pallets, on the other hand, are very durable and are used where load requirements are particularly high, e.g. in the automotive industry. Their dynamic load capacity is significantly higher, which is essential in some industries.
The selection of the appropriate type of pallet depends on the specific nature of the business, the type of cargo transported, and storage requirements. American pallets occupy a larger area, which can be both a disadvantage and an advantage. In any storage system, it is important to consider both logistics and the technical parameters of pallets in order to optimise the storage and transport process.
For our part, we can encourage you to order plastic pallets, which are an absolutely innovative solution. Plastic pallets are becoming increasingly popular, especially where hygiene and moisture resistance are important, as well as where lightness and ease of maintenance are required. We are talking about the medical and food industries, but in fact they will work well anywhere. They can be adapted to your individual needs.
Rafał Szarzała Centrum Produkcyjno-Handlowe “Szarpol”
ul. prof. Mariana Rapackiego 3
98-200 Sieradz
