US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40)

North America

The GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) 48x40in pallet is the default pallet size for US and Canadian freight, used in roughly 30% of all North American shipments.

Footprint1,219 x 1,016 mm48 x 40 in
Pallet height140 mm5.5 in
Typical max load1,360 kg2,998 lb
Typical max stack height1,830 mm72 in

Example load

With a reference 400 x 300 x 300mm, 10kg case, a US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40) fits 9 cases per layer and 6 layers high, for 54 cases per pallet at 540kg total — stopped by its 1,830mm stacking height limit. That works out to 87.2% footprint utilization. Use the calculator below with your own box dimensions for an exact count.

54 reference cases (400x300x300mm) loaded on a US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40)

Calculate your own load

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US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40) in a container or trailer

Frequently asked questions

What are the exact dimensions of a US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40)?

A US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40) measures 1,219 x 1,016 mm (48 x 40 in) at the footprint, with a pallet height of 140mm (5.5in).

How much weight can a US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40) hold?

A typical US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40) is rated for around 1,360kg (2,998lb) of dynamic load, though the exact rating depends on the pallet's construction and condition — always check the manufacturer's rating for load-bearing applications.

How tall can a load on a US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40) be stacked?

Most warehouses and carriers cap stacked loads on a US Standard Pallet (GMA 48x40) at around 1,830mm total height, though this varies by transport mode — check the specific container or trailer page for its interior height limit.