Pallet standards
What each standard covers, the numbers that matter on a drawing, and which buyers require it. 11 pages.
Construction and testing
- Uniform Standard for Wood PalletsThe Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets is the North American industry standard published by Woodpack Global (formerly the NWPCA). It defines pallet terminology, lumber quality,…
- ASTM D1185ASTM D1185 is the ASTM standard test method for pallets and related structures used in materials handling. It covers compression, bending (rack) strength, stiffness with a 2-hour creep…
- ISO 8611ISO 8611 is the international test standard for flat pallets, in three parts: test methods, performance requirements, and maximum working loads. It separates the nominal load, a comparison…
- ASTM F680ASTM F680 is the ASTM standard test method for nails. For pallets it is best known for the MIBANT (Morgan Impact Bend Angle Nail Tester) impact-bend test, which reports a bend angle in…
Sizes
- ISO 6780ISO 6780 is the international standard for the principal dimensions and tolerances of flat pallets. Its 2003 edition lists six footprints: 1200 x 800, 1200 x 1000, 1219 x 1016 (48 x 40…
- ANSI MH1ANSI MH1 is the American National Standard for pallets, slip sheets and other unit-load bases, with editions in 2016 and 2021. It covers definitions, standard sizes, wood pallet…
- GMA pallet specification (48 x 40 grocery pallet)The GMA pallet is the 48 x 40 in grocery-industry stringer pallet from the 1992 Grocery Manufacturers Association spec. A typical build has 3 notched stringers (about 1-3/8 x 3-1/2 in), 7…
- EPAL Euro pallet specificationEPAL is the European Pallet Association's licensed exchange-pallet system. The EPAL 1 Euro pallet is 1200 x 800 x 144 mm, weighs about 25 kg, and is built from 11 boards, 9 blocks and 78…
Export
Buyer requirements
- Costco pallet requirements for suppliersAs documented in 2026, Costco's supplier pallet policy requires pooled block pallets and accepts purpose-built pallets only by exception. A purpose-built whitewood pallet needs a PDS…
- Home Depot pallet requirements for suppliersAs summarized from Home Depot's supplier shipping standards in 2026, Home Depot requires a current PDS analysis or an ASTM D1185 test, a minimum capacity of 2,800 lb (3,500 lb for heavy…