The current pallet size is divided into two major size series, 1200mm and 1100mm. The 1200mm×1000mm pallet is the most widely used in the world, and it is also the most widely used in China.
The European national standard pallet has two sizes of 1200mm*800mm, and the American national standard pallet size is 1219mm*1016mm. In fact, this size is not much different from 1200mm*1000mm, and the difference in length and width is less than 2mm.
In Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore and my country’s Taiwan and other regions, the pallet size of 1100mm*1100mm is used in a large proportion. Commonly used in Oceania is a 1067*1067 standard pallet.
Pallets have a direct relationship with stored shelves, transported products, containers, transport vehicles, unloading platforms, and handling facilities. Therefore, the size of the pallet is the basis for considering the size of other logistics equipment.
For example, the most common beam width dimensions of pallet beam racks are 2300mm and 2700mm. The former holds two pallets of 1200mm×1000mm, and the latter holds three pallets of 1200mm×800mm.
Here, it is particularly worth mentioning that in order to establish an effective pallet public system, a uniform pallet must be used, and pallet standardization is a prerequisite for consistent pallet operations. The following factors should be considered when choosing the size of the pallet:
1. The specifications and dimensions of transportation tools and transportation equipment should be considered:
The appropriate pallet size should be in line with the size of the transportation tool, which can make full use of the space of the transportation tool, increase the loading rate, and reduce the transportation cost, especially the internal dimensions of the shipping container and the transportation commercial vehicle.
2. To consider the packaging specifications of the goods loaded on the pallet:
Select the appropriate pallet according to the packaging specifications of the pallet loaded goods, maximize the use of the surface area of the pallet, and control the height of the center of gravity of the loaded goods. The reasonable index for pallet-carrying cargo is: reaching 80% of the pallet’s surface area utilization rate, and the height of the center of gravity of the cargo should not exceed two-thirds of the pallet width.
3. To consider the versatility of pallet size:
The international standard pallet specifications should be used as much as possible to facilitate the exchange and use of pallets.