What is A GMA Pallet?
GMA pallet was defined by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now the Consumer Brands Association) to unify pallet standards across the U.S. food and consumer goods industries. It measures 48″ x 40″, with 4-way forklift entry and a uniform deck board layout. This is the only size accepted by most U.S. retail distribution centers, and it fits precisely into 96-inch selective rack systems, and remains the most widely used and logistics-compatible pallet in the U.S.
The purpose of GMA pallet standards is to ensure consistency across industries by eliminating dimension mismatches. With everyone using the same specifications, businesses can:
Today, GMA pallets are no longer limited to grocery supply chains. They’re widely adopted in:
- Consumer packaged goods (CPG) distribution
- Food processing and bottling facilities
- Warehouse automation systems
- Retail DCs handling mixed product loads
What Are the Standard Dimensions of a GMA Pallet?
If you’re looking for the standard GMA pallet size, here’s the exact specification used across the U.S. logistics industry.
- The standard GMA pallet size is 48” x 40” (1219 mm × 1016 mm), sized to fit efficiently in U.S. trucks and racking systems.
- The typical wood GMA pallet height is 6.5 inches (165 mm), suitable for racking and stacking. Plastic pallets may vary slightly depending on design.
- All GMA pallets have a 4-way forklift entry, with notches on both sides for easy lifting and placement.
- A typical wood GMA pallet top deck has seven boards, including two 5.5″ end boards and five 3.5″ center boards.
- The bottom deck usually has five boards, with the same end boards and three 3.5″ center boards between notches.
- Both top and bottom deck boards must be at least 0.5 inches thick, ensuring structural durability.
- A standard GMA wood pallet typically carries a dynamic load of 2,000–2,500 lbs, with static loads up to 4,600 lbs.
- The average weight ranges from 35 to 50 lbs for wood, and 25 to 50 lbs for plastic, depending on material and design.
These specifications are the foundation of GMA pallet standards and are followed by most manufacturers and distributors in North America.
Interested in how GMA pallet weight varies by material? Check out How Much Does a Pallet Weigh: Plastic vs Wood Compared.
GMA Pallets VS Other Global Standard Sizes
GMA pallet dimensions are not universally accepted—different regions use their own standard sizes based on ISO pallet specifications. Here’s how the GMA pallet compares to other common global formats.
| Region | Standard Name | Dimensiones (mm) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | GMA Pallet | 1219 × 1016 (48”×40”) | Grocery, retail, general export |
| Europe (EU) | Euro Pallet (EUR 1) | 1200 × 800 | FMCG, warehouse racking |
| Europe (Retail) | Half Euro (EUR 6) | 800 × 600 | Shelf-ready retail, small parcel logistics |
| Global/UK/Japan | ISO Pallet | 1200 × 1000 | General industry, mixed export |
| Asia | Industrial Pallet | 1100 × 1100 | Consumer goods, sea freight |
| Asia/Africa | Square Pallet | 1200 × 1200 | Bulk materials, chemical drums |
| Australia | AUS Pallet | 1165 × 1165 | Domestic transport & exports |
If you’re shipping globally, the standard GMA pallet size may not fit systems built for Euro, Asian, or Australian pallets. To avoid stacking issues or repacking costs, many businesses like us adapt to region-specific pallet dimensions.
As plastic pallets manufacturers, we supply a full range of export, transport, and storage pallets—not limited to North America. Our plastic pallets are ISPM-15 exempt, making them ideal for international shipments without fumigation delays.
What Are the Different Grades of GMA Pallets?
GMA pallet grades help you choose the right balance of durability, appearance, and cost. Let’s break down the key differences between Grade A, B, and C.
Grade A GMA Pallets
Grade A pallets are the highest quality recycled GMA pallets available.
These pallets are structurally sound with no companion stringers or block repairs. Most Grade A pallets have minimal surface wear and meet standard GMA pallet specifications in both size and deck configuration.
There are three subcategories within Grade A:
- Premium A (1A): like-new condition with no metal plates or visible repairs
- Melon A (1B): slight discoloration or minor wear but structurally intact
- 1R: may include metal plates to repair minor stringer splits
Grade A pallets support use in food logistics, pharmaceutical supply chains, and automated warehousing, where structural consistency, hygiene, and compatibility with high-speed systems are required.
If your operations require hygiene, visual consistency, or high-volume automation, Grade A pallets are the most reliable choice.
Grade B GMA Pallets
Grade B pallets show more wear and usually include one or more stringer repairs.
Common repair methods include companion stringers, plugs, or block reinforcements, which restore function but affect appearance and long-term durability. These pallets may have darker wood, uneven coloring, or small imperfections—but still meet most size and handling standards.
Standard B Grade pallets are popular for:
- General warehousing
- Export shipments where pallet reuse is limited
- Non-food manufacturing or industrial distribution
They’re a cost-effective option when aesthetics or long-term durability aren’t a top priority. If you need volume with acceptable strength, Grade B offers strong value.
Grade C GMA Pallets
Grade C pallets are considered end-of-life units and are rarely used for active logistics.
These pallets typically have multiple repairs, broken stringers, or non-standard board spacing. They may no longer meet gma pallet specifications, and their inconsistent quality can pose safety risks.
Grade C pallets are best suited for:
- Scrap recovery
- DIY or secondary use (e.g., display bases, one-time local moves)
- Material recycling or chipping
We don’t recommend using Grade C pallets for any commercial transport or export, as they may lead to load failure or rejection at warehouses.
Frequently Asked Questions About GMA Pallets
Are GMA Pallets Always Made of Wood?
Yes. GMA pallets are defined as wood pallets made with hardwood or softwood stringers, typically southern yellow pine or oak, to meet structural standards.
Are GMA Pallets Compatible with Automation and Modern Warehousing?
Yes. GMA pallets (48″ × 40″, 4-way entry) meet automation system requirements, including ASRS and conveyors designed for pallets between 47.2″–48″ long and ≥3.5″ bottom opening height. Plastic GMA pallets are preferred in automation due to tighter dimensional tolerances, no splintering, and smooth integration with barcode systems and robotic arms.
How Many GMA Pallets Fit in a Truckload or Container?
A 53-foot trailer typically holds 26–30 GMA pallets single stacked or up to 60 when double stacked, depending on load height. A 40-foot container fits 20–21 pallets. Final capacity depends on pallet height, cargo clearance, and whether racking or side entry is used.
How Much Weight Can a GMA Pallet Hold?
A GMA pallet holds 2,500 lbs dynamically and up to 4,600 lbs statically, depending on material and build. Racking load limits vary by support type—full deck vs. open beam—so warehouse planners must verify specs to avoid failure in high-bay or unsupported systems.
Can Plastic Pallets Follow GMA Dimensions?
Yes. Plastic pallets can follow GMA dimensions (48″ × 40″) with 4-way entry and are widely used in export, food, and pharmaceutical logistics. Unlike wood, they resist moisture, eliminate splinters, and require no repair grading—making them ideal for hygiene-critical workflows and automation systems that demand consistent sizing and debris-free handling.
Choosing the Right Pallet Standard Starts with Enlightening Pallet
When GMA Doesn’t Fit, Plastic Precision Can.
GMA pallets set the benchmark for domestic logistics—but not every supply chain fits that mold. From export routes to sterile zones to high-speed automation, you may need something just as standardized but more adaptable. That’s where engineered plastic pallets come in.
If you’re navigating those in-between cases—where GMA specs feel close but not quite right—we can provide plastic alternatives built to the same 48×40 footprint, with options for custom sizing, racking compatibility, and automation use.
Get in touch for a full GMA-to-plastic sizing chart or to compare pallet grades by application. We’ll help you move forward with clarity!
