Standard Pallet Sizes: The Complete Guide for Canadian Businesses

Choosing the wrong pallet size causes inefficiency throughout your entire supply chain — from racking space wasted to freight carrier surcharges. Here is a definitive breakdown of every major pallet size used in Canada.

The North American Standard: 48" x 40"

The 48x40 pallet is by far the most common size in North American supply chains. It is used by grocery retailers, general merchandise distributors, and manufacturers of all types. It fits standard North American truck trailers, is compatible with most racking systems, and is available in enormous quantities — both new and recycled — from suppliers across Ontario.

The Square Pallet: 48" x 48"

The 48x48 square pallet is the standard in paint, chemical, and drum industries. Its symmetrical footprint makes it ideal for products stored in cylindrical containers or barrels. It is also common in the beverage industry. Because it is larger than the 48x40, fewer fit in a trailer, which is an important capacity planning consideration for logistics managers.

The Telecom Pallet: 42" x 42"

The 42x42 pallet was originally developed for the telecommunications industry but is now widely used in printing, paint, and technology sectors. It offers a slightly smaller footprint than the 48x48 while still accommodating many round containers and irregular product shapes. It is less common in the recycled market than 48x40, so lead times can be longer.

Custom and Non-Standard Sizes

Some industries require pallets outside these standard sizes. Aerospace, marine, pharmaceutical, and specialty retail often specify custom footprints, unusual heights, or specific lumber species. Serv-U-Pallets Inc. manufactures custom pallets to any dimension, including export-spec skids for heavy machinery that may be 60" x 48" or larger.

Pallet Height: The Often-Overlooked Dimension

Standard pallet height is approximately 5.5 inches for a standard stringer pallet, but this can vary by construction type. Warehouse racking beam heights, conveyor clearances, and transport vehicle floor heights all depend on consistent pallet height. Always specify your required height when ordering, especially for custom builds or ISPM-15 certified export pallets.