Weight of a pallet: how to determine it?

So what is the weight of a handling pallet? Discover in this guide, the answer to your question.

What is a handling pallet?

Also called logistics pallet, the handling pallet is an accessory that is used to support goods of all kinds according to their quantity. It is the most widely used load carrier in the supply chain.

The handling pallet performs several functions, namely:

• Optimize storage;
• Gather a large number of goods;
• Transport goods;
• Count the number of goods;
• Etc.

The advantages of the handling pallet are numerous and are especially noticeable in delivery services. For example, when transporting in semi-trailers, wooden pallets reduce the risk of damage to goods.

What are the parts of a handling pallet?

Before moving on to using a pallet, it is important to know its anatomy and structure. Thus, the handling pallet is generally composed of several main elements, namely:

• The tray or the edge board: this is the main part of the pallet. It is used to accommodate the different loads that must be borne by the entire device;
• The soles: these are boards on which the dice rest and are of the same length as the crosspiece;
• The crosspiece: it is the horizontal plane that holds and assembles the dice of a pallet;
• Dice or studs: these are cubes that are placed between the soles and the floor. They are very important because they support the upper floor and create notches that allow the passage of forks;
• Clear tracks: these are complementary empty spaces between the floors. They form an upper tray if several pallets are arranged.

Handling pallets are mainly made of wood, but can have plastic or metal variants. The weight of a handling pallet will therefore vary according to the materials used.

What is the weight of a handling pallet?

Handling pallets can be categorized according to their weight:

• The light pallet: it is a single-use pallet. Its resistance varies from 0 to 400 kg and it can weigh up to 9 kg;
• The semi-heavy pallet: for limited use, it is used for multi-rotation and can support loads ranging from 400 to 800 kg. Its weight varies between 10 and 17 kg;
• The heavy pallet: most often, these are wooden pallets used for multi rotation. They can support up to 1500 kg and weigh between 17 and 25 kg.

The last category of pallet is considered the heaviest, but sometimes these accessories exceed 30 kg.

What are the types of handling pallets?

Handling pallets can be classified according to several types of properties, but the most commonly used classification is their format. Thus, we can distinguish:

• The ISO pallet or American pallet: it measures 1,200 x 1000 mm and has four inputs. It is much more used in North America, Canada and Japan. However, it cannot be used in Europe because of its configuration;
• The EUR/EPAL pallet or Europe pallet: this pallet has four main entries and is suitable for export thanks to the ISPM15 standard (International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15). It measures 1,200 x 800 mm and weighs up to 30 kg. The EUR pallet or EPAL pallet is able to support a dynamic load that weighs 1,400 kg and is recognizable by its logo;
• The half-pallet: it is a European pallet divided in two along the length. It usually measures 800 x 600 mm and does not exceed 10 kg. It is easy to maneuver, multi-rotating and finds its place in retail;
• The quarter pallet: this is the smallest format of pallets. It has a format of 600 x 400 mm and has a weight of less than 7.5 kg. Thanks to its small size, it is very present in sectors such as distribution;
• The CP pallet or chemical pallet: as its name suggests, it is intended for the chemical industry. It is special because it has nine variants with different dimensions and weights.

In France, the law does not restrict the dimensions of handling pallets. These accessories have become standardized over the years and have resulted in pallets with sizes up to 1,200 x 1,200 mm.

If you are looking for an efficient means of handling for all your heavy loads, you have come to the right place! With Manut-LM solutions, lift bags, panels, pallets and other heavy objects safely. The weight of a pallet will no longer be an issue.

Our Manut-LM and TAWI experts are here to analyze your problems in order to imagine the most suitable handling system for your heavy loads.