Nominal load
Nominal load is the load rating produced by the standard ISO 8611 test with rigid beams and applicators. It lets pallets be compared on equal terms, but it is not the payload the pallet can safely carry in a real load and support condition; that is the maximum working load.
Also called ISO 8611 nominal load, rated nominal load
Reviewed
Nominal load vs maximum working load
| Term | What it is | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal load | result of the standard ISO 8611 test setup | comparing pallets |
| Maximum working load | largest payload for a specific load type and support condition (ISO 8611-3) | planning real shipments |
| Safe working load | general term for the rated working load in a stated condition | specs and RFQs |
Because the test uses rigid, idealized loading, a pallet's nominal load can differ from what it can carry under soft bags, drums or point loads.
Where you see it
- Block pallets in Europe and Asia are often compared by ISO 8611 nominal load
- PDS 6.11 added an ISO 8611 nominal-load prediction, for block pallets only
- Plastic pallet ratings may be tested to ISO 8611 or ASTM D1185, which differ in loading and deflection limits, so ask which standard a number comes from
Why it matters
Buyers comparing quotes should not treat a nominal load as permission to load that much in service. Ask for the working load in your actual support conditions, or a test or PDS report. See ISO 8611.
Questions
- Can I load a pallet to its nominal load?
- Not necessarily. Nominal load is a comparison rating; the allowed payload in service is the maximum working load for your load and support condition.
Related
- ISO 8611: pallet load testing, nominal and working loadsISO 8611 sets test methods and load ratings for flat pallets: nominal load is a comparison rating, maximum working load is the allowed payload per support case.
- Maximum working loadMaximum working load is the largest payload a pallet may carry for a specific load type and support condition, as defined in ISO 8611-3. It varies by condition.
- Safe working loadSafe working load (SWL) is the rated load for a pallet in a stated support condition, with a safety margin. It is not the breaking load and varies by condition.
- Pallet load capacity: safe load, support conditions and ratingsPallet load capacity depends on support: floor, stacked, forklift or racked. How safe load differs from breaking load, and how ratings are set.
- Overall heightOverall height is the total height of a pallet from floor to top deck. A GMA-style 48x40 is 4.75 in: 5/8 in top deck + 3-1/2 in stringer + 5/8 in bottom deck.
- OverhangOverhang is how far a pallet deck extends past the outer stringers or blocks, forming a wing. Zero overhang means flush. Not the same as load overhang.