Industries
Pallets for military and government shipments
Reviewed
The footprint most associated with military shipments is 40 x 48 in (1016 x 1219 mm), with stringers running the 40 in direction. Military and government pallets are usually built to a drawing or specification named in the contract, so the job is spec control: build exactly what the document says, at its current revision, with the required treatment, marking and inspection records.
Common pallet sizes
| Size | Metric | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 40 x 48 in | 1016 x 1219 mm | Commonly listed for military loads |
| 48 x 40 in | 1219 x 1016 mm | General supply shipped through commercial distribution |
| 48 x 48 in | 1219 x 1219 mm | Drums and square loads |
| 1200 x 1000 mm, 1200 x 800 mm | 47.24 x 39.37, 47.24 x 31.5 in | Shipments to and within Europe |
The 40 x 48 and the 48 x 40 are different pallets. Length (the stringer direction) is stated first, so a 40 x 48 has 40 in stringers and 48 in deckboards, and forks enter differently. Check which one the drawing calls for. ANSI MH1, the US pallet standard, includes a part on military pallets; the contract documents govern.
Construction and spec notes
Build to the drawing
Government and defense work is usually quoted against a drawing, a specification sheet or a packaging requirement in the contract. Unlike commercial work, "or equal" substitutions are often not allowed without written approval. Before quoting, confirm:
- The document number and revision the contract references
- Every dimension, species or species group, grade, moisture content and fastener callout
- The required treatment and mark
- Required marking, labels or stencils on the pallet
- Inspection, first-article and documentation requirements
If anything is unclear or appears to conflict, raise it in writing before production. A pallet built to the wrong revision can be rejected at receiving.
Spec control on your side
Keep your own record for each order: the drawing and revision, the lumber and fastener certifications, the treatment records and the inspection results. A to-scale drawing with a title block, a parts list (bill of materials) and a cut list makes it easy to show that what you built matches what was specified. palletdesign.ai produces all three from a design; the contract's drawing still governs.
Loads, handling and stacking
Military and government loads cover everything from boxed supplies to heavy equipment. Describe the load as it bears on the deck (uniform, line or point loads), the handling equipment, and whether loads are stacked or racked. Use a skid or a heavy block pallet for equipment. Capacity from a simple beam check is indicative; where the contract requires a rating, it will come from a specified test or an engineering analysis.
Treatment and moisture
Shipments overseas need ISPM 15 treatment and marking, like any export. Repaired or remanufactured pallets must be re-treated and re-marked. State the moisture content required: green lumber can mold in closed containers during long transits.
Quality and consistency
Government buyers often order the same pallet repeatedly over a long contract. Hold tolerances to the Uniform Standard (for example pallet size +1/4 / -1/2 in and flatness within 1/4 in corner to corner) unless the drawing is tighter, and check nail quality and lumber grade on every lot.
What to put in the RFQ
- Contract, drawing or specification number and revision
- Footprint, with stringer length first (40 x 48 or 48 x 40)
- Full construction callout, or the design if you are proposing one
- Lumber species, grade and moisture content
- Fastener type, length and wire diameter
- ISPM 15 treatment and mark
- Marking, stenciling and labeling
- Inspection, first article and documentation
- Quantity, delivery schedule and destination
See how to write a pallet RFQ and how to read a pallet drawing.
Questions
- What size pallet does the military use?
- 40 x 48 in (1016 x 1219 mm) is the size commonly listed for military loads. The contract drawing or specification always decides the actual size and construction.
- Is a 40 x 48 pallet the same as a 48 x 40?
- No. The first number is the stringer length, so a 40 x 48 has 40 in stringers and 48 in deckboards. Forks enter from different sides.
- Can I substitute materials on a government pallet order?
- Only with written approval from the buyer. Government pallets are usually built exactly to the referenced drawing or specification.