2-Way Entry
Forklifts and pallet jacks enter from the two ends only. Typical of stringer pallets with solid stringers.
- Stringer pallets
- Budget-friendly
- Straight-in handling
The standard: 48 × 40
The 48″ × 40″ pallet — often called the GMA pallet — is the most common size in North America. It fits standard racking, works with most handling equipment and loads efficiently into trailers. A 53-foot trailer typically holds 26 of them on the floor loaded straight, or about 30 when turned (pinwheeled).
Common sizes by industry
Sizes are listed length × width in inches. The first number is the stringer length.
| Size (in.) | Common industries & uses |
|---|---|
| 48 × 40 | Grocery, consumer goods and general freight — the most common pallet in North America |
| 42 × 42 | Telecommunications, paint |
| 48 × 48 | 55-gallon drums |
| 40 × 48 | Military, cement |
| 48 × 42 | Chemical, beverage |
| 40 × 40 | Dairy |
| 48 × 45 | Automotive |
| 44 × 44 | Drums, chemical |
| 36 × 36 | Beverage |
| 48 × 36 | Beverage, shingles, packaged paper |
2-way vs. 4-way entry
Entry type describes which sides of a pallet forklifts and pallet jacks can enter.
Partial 4-Way
Notched stringers let forklift tines enter from the sides too — but pallet jacks still need the ends.
- Notched stringers
- Forklift: 4 sides
- Jack: 2 sides
True 4-Way (Block)
Blocks instead of stringers open all four sides to forklifts and pallet jacks alike.
- Block pallets
- Any-side handling
- Tight warehouses
Stringer vs. block construction
- Stringer pallets use three (sometimes more) long boards between the top and bottom decks. They’re economical, easy to repair and the most common construction for 48×40s.
- Block pallets use 9 or more blocks, giving true 4-way entry and typically higher strength — popular in busy warehouses and pooled programs.
- Single-face vs. double-face: a double-face pallet has deck boards on both top and bottom for added stability and stacking.
How to choose
Before you order, have answers to a few questions:
- What are your product’s dimensions — does it overhang a 48×40?
- How much does a full load weigh?
- What equipment handles it — forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors?
- Will it go into racking, and what type?
- Is it shipping internationally?
Bring those answers to our team and we’ll recommend a size and construction — or build a custom pallet around them.
Sizes we commonly supply
- 48×40 #1 · 4-way
- 48×40 #2 · 4-way
- 48×40 · 2-way
- 48×40 · Block
- 40×40
- 48×48 · 2-way
- 42×42
- 48×36
- 36×36
- 40×48
- 44×44
- Custom sizes
Have a question about your pallets?
Our team will help you choose the right option.
