Pallet: the base unit of closeout trading
A pallet is a flat transport platform, usually wood, that goods are stacked on so a forklift or pallet jack can move them. In the US the standard GMA pallet is 48 by 40 inches. In closeouts, "a pallet" is also a unit of sale, but how much is on it varies widely by height, weight and packing.
Reviewed by Tyler Kober · Updated
Key takeaways
- The standard US GMA pallet is 48 by 40 inches; the Euro pallet is 1200 by 800 mm.
- Pallet lots differ by height, weight and how tightly they are packed; ask for all three.
- A 53-foot dry van fits 26 standard pallets single-stacked on the floor.
What is a pallet?
A pallet is a flat platform, usually wood and sometimes plastic, that goods are stacked on so they can be lifted and moved with a forklift or pallet jack. In the US, the common GMA pallet measures 48 by 40 inches. In closeout trading, "pallet" also means a lot size: buyers buy "a pallet of shelf pulls" or "ten pallets of returns."
How pallets are used in closeouts
A pallet is a convenient unit of sale, but it says nothing on its own about quantity. Ask about:
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Height | A pallet stacked higher holds more goods and costs more to ship |
| Weight | Drives freight cost and whether it can be stacked |
| Packing | Cartons, loose items, or a gaylord box on the pallet |
| Unit count | The best single measure of what you are buying |
| Condition of the pallet itself | Broken pallets can be refused by carriers |
For freight, pallet size matters too. A 53-foot dry van fits 26 standard pallets single-stacked, two across, which is why "26 pallets" is the classic FTL truckload. Ocean containers fit fewer, and the count depends on pallet size and orientation; see how many pallets fit in a trailer or container.
Example
Two sellers each offer "a pallet of mixed housewares." One is stacked waist high with light items; the other is stacked tall with heavy cartons. The second holds far more goods and costs more to ship. A buyer who asks for height, weight and unit count can compare them fairly; a buyer who compares "per pallet" cannot.
The common confusion
A "pallet" in a listing is not a standard quantity. It is a container for goods, and sellers stack and pack very differently. Another confusion: pallet sizes differ between regions, so pallets built for US trucks may not fit a container or a foreign warehouse as neatly. Before you buy pallet lots, read are liquidation pallets worth it.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
How big is a standard pallet?
In the US, the most common size is the GMA pallet at 48 by 40 inches. In Europe, the standard Euro pallet is 1200 by 800 millimeters. Other sizes exist for specific industries and regions. Height depends on how high the goods are stacked, which is why it matters for freight and value.
How much merchandise is on a liquidation pallet?
It varies a lot. A pallet of small health and beauty items can hold far more units than a pallet of small appliances. Stack height, carton size and whether the pallet is a gaylord or stacked cartons all change the count. Ask for unit count, height and weight rather than assuming.
Can I double-stack pallets on a truck?
Only if the pallets and goods can bear the weight and the total load stays within weight limits. Many closeout pallets are not stackable because cartons are soft, uneven or fragile. Mark pallets do not stack when needed, and tell the carrier in advance.
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