Direct answer. The US pallet, also called the ISO pallet or American pallet, measures 1,200 x 1,000 mm, a wider format than the EUR/EPAL Euro-pallet (1,200 x 800 mm). The half-pallet measures 800 x 600 mm and the quarter-pallet 600 x 400 mm: reduced formats for small volumes or constrained spaces.
Formats designed for uses beyond the Euro-pallet
The US pallet, or ISO 1200 x 1000 pallet, is the reference format in North America and in part of international trade, particularly maritime, where it coexists with the Euro-pallet. Its larger footprint than the EUR/EPAL pallet lets it support comparable loads, in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 kg depending on the manufacturer, but it takes up more space in a vehicle or racking designed for the European format, which reduces the number of units that can be transported per load. The choice between the two formats mainly depends on the destination of the goods and the standards of the relevant industry: a mostly European flow naturally relies on the EUR pallet, while a transatlantic flow or one destined for certain international retail chains may require the US format.
The half-pallet (800 x 600 mm) and the quarter-pallet (600 x 400 mm) are reduced variants of the Euro-pallet, obtained by dividing its footprint by two or by four. They are commonly used for lightweight products or slow-moving items, particularly in food and pharmaceutical distribution, where they allow a finer product assortment to be displayed without tying up a full Euro-pallet on a shelf or storage location. Their dimensional compatibility with the EUR pallet makes it easier to integrate them into the same racking or handling flow, provided the gripping equipment is adapted as needed.
FAQ
What's the difference between a EUR pallet and a US pallet?
The EUR/EPAL pallet measures 1,200 x 800 mm, while the US (or ISO) pallet measures 1,200 x 1,000 mm, a larger footprint. The EUR pallet remains the reference in Europe; the US pallet dominates in North America and in part of international maritime flows.
What is a half-pallet used for?
The half-pallet (800 x 600 mm) allows smaller volumes to be transported or stored without tying up a full Euro-pallet. It's widely used in food and pharmaceutical distribution for slow-moving items or products requiring finer-grained handling.
Can a half-pallet be stacked on a standard Euro-pallet?
A half-pallet (800 x 600 mm) can be positioned within the footprint of a standard Euro-pallet, which makes it easier to integrate into standard racking. Compatibility, however, depends on the weight, load stability and handling equipment used on-site.
Related terms
EUR/EPAL pallet · Semi-trailer capacity · Palletizing · Packing configuration · UVC / UM.
To go further: Euro-pallet dimensions.
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