Pallets are the unsung backbone of UK freight. Almost everything that moves by road spends part of its journey on one, yet the differences between pallet types catch people out all the time, leading to wasted space, surcharges and loads that do not fit the vehicle. Here is a clear guide to the sizes and weights that matter.
The two pallets you will meet most
UK standard pallet (1200 x 1000mm)
The 1200mm by 1000mm wooden pallet is the unofficial UK standard and by far the most common in domestic distribution. It suits British warehouse racking and lorry decks well, and a good-quality example will carry up to roughly one tonne, with lighter-grade versions rated nearer 750kg.
Euro pallet (1200 x 800mm)
The Euro pallet measures 1200mm by 800mm and is the standard across mainland Europe, so you will see it on anything moving to or from the EU. It is narrower than the UK pallet, which affects how many fit across a trailer. A and B grade Euro pallets weigh around 24kg empty and can carry up to about 2,500kg, while lower grades are rated far lower, down to a few hundred kilograms.
Other sizes you may encounter
- Half pallets (around 600 x 800mm) for smaller consignments and retail display
- Quarter pallets for compact, lighter loads
- US-spec pallets (1219 x 1016mm, the 48×40 inch pallet) on imported goods
- Bespoke and oversize pallets for machinery and non-standard products
Pallet weight terms that matter for haulage
When booking pallet freight, networks usually price by footprint and weight band rather than the pallet itself. Common categories include:
- Quarter pallet: typically up to around 250kg
- Half pallet: typically up to around 500kg
- Light or economy full pallet: up to around 750kg
- Full pallet: up to around 1,000kg, sometimes more by arrangement
Crucially, height matters too. Most networks cap a standard full pallet at around 2.2 metres tall. Go above that and it may be treated as an oversize item or counted as more than one space.
How many pallets fit on a trailer
A standard 13.6-metre curtainsider holds 26 UK standard pallets in a single layer (loaded in two rows), or up to 33 Euro pallets thanks to their narrower footprint. If pallets are stackable and the goods allow, you can sometimes double-stack to carry more, which is one of the simplest ways to reduce cost per pallet.
Getting it right saves money
Matching your goods to the correct pallet size, keeping within weight and height limits, and stacking sensibly all reduce the number of spaces you pay for. Overhang is the silent cost: a load that spills even slightly over the pallet edge can be rejected or surcharged, so pack within the footprint.
Wood, plastic and pallet quality
Most UK pallets are timber, which is cheap, repairable and easy to recycle, but plastic pallets are increasingly common where hygiene matters, such as food and pharmaceutical work, or where pallets are reused many times. Plastic is lighter, washable and consistent in size, though it costs more upfront. For export, timber pallets must usually be heat-treated and marked to the international ISPM 15 standard so they can clear phytosanitary rules; sending an untreated wooden pallet abroad can see a whole shipment turned back at the border.
Pallet grade also matters more than people realise. A tired, damaged pallet can fail under load, collapsing stock and causing injury, so reputable distribution uses sound pallets rated for the weight. When you book freight, it is worth confirming the pallet is in good condition, the load is shrink-wrapped or strapped to the deck, and nothing overhangs the edges. These small details are the difference between goods that travel safely and a claim waiting to happen.
Whether you have a single pallet or a full trailer load, Northampton Road Haulage can advise on the most cost-effective way to palletise and move your goods. Call our Northampton team on 01604 385213 for a no-obligation quote and honest advice on the right approach for your load.