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Logistics Knowledge- European Pallet (referred to as "Euro Pallet")

In the large-scale and multi variety transportation services, in order to improve turnover efficiency and enhance safety during transportation, we need to establish unified norms and standards to improve operational efficiency and facilitate mass production and storage.

Containers are the best example, as unified containers greatly improve the efficiency of shipping and transportation, equipped with standard dimensions and truck interfaces, as well as card slots on cargo ships. Significantly improve homework efficiency.

Similarly, standardization of pallet size is also an important specification. Europallet (EUR pallet or EPAL pallet) is the most widely used standardized wooden pallet in Europe, and its size, structure, and load-bearing capacity all follow the unified standards established by the European Pallet Association (EPAL).

1. Standard size

120cm x 80cm (length x width): This is the most common pallet size in Europe, suitable for most European trucks, containers, and shelving systems.

(Amazon requires a height limit of 180cm for palletizing, so removing the height of the pallet itself, the European pallet can only be palletized up to 165cm when entering Amazon warehouses, and up to 200cm for other commercial addresses, including the height of the pallet itself.)

Other commonly used pallet sizes in Europe include 1200mm × 1000mm (industrial pallets) and 800mm × 600mm (semi pallets), but strictly speaking, "European pallets" specifically refer to the 1200 × 800 specification, with size specifications derived from the internal limitations of containers.

2. Main features

Material: Usually made of pine, spruce and other woods, treated with insect and mold prevention (such as heat treatment in accordance with ISPM 15 international standards).

Structure:

The top panel consists of 5 wooden boards (3 wider in the middle and 2 narrower at the edges).

The bottom is supported by 3 wooden boards or 9 wooden blocks.

The four corner rounded design makes it easy for forklifts to operate from any direction.

identification:

The side of the tray is nailed with EPAL logo and EUR label.

Label the production number, inspection mark, and IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) logo.

3. Load bearing capacity

Dynamic load: 1500 kilograms (load capacity during transportation when moving).

Static load: 4000 kilograms (load-bearing capacity when stacked at rest).

Shelf load: usually not exceeding 1000 kilograms (when used for three-dimensional shelves)

4. Usage scenarios

Logistics transportation: widely used in European road, rail, and sea transportation, matching standard container and truck sizes.

Storage: shelf system adapted to European automated warehouses.

Circular sharing system: EPAL pallets can be leased or exchanged, and can be recycled through pallet pools such as CHEP and LPR.

It is possible to modify the product appropriately to improve space utilization and ensure product safety protection,

5. Certification and Standards

EPAL certification: regulated by the European Pallet Association (EPAL) to ensure consistent pallet quality.

ISPM 15: Complies with international plant quarantine standards and allows cross-border transportation.

UIC 435-2: Tray Standards Developed by the International Union of Railways

6. Differences from other pallets

European standard pallet (EUR) vs American standard pallet: 48 × 40 inch (approximately 1200 × 1000mm) pallets are commonly used in the United States, with different structures.

Disposable tray: Non standard wooden or plastic tray, without EPAL label, cannot be recycled.

7. Environmental Protection and Sustainability

Can be repaired and reused multiple times, with a lifespan of up to 5-10 years.

After disposal, it can be recycled into sawdust or biomass fuel.

If you need to identify genuine European pallets, please check the EPAL logo and EUR stamp. This standardized design significantly improves the efficiency and compatibility of the European supply chain.