Why pallet standards matter
In modern road transport, a pallet is not just a piece of packaging — it is a unit of design that shapes warehouses, handling equipment and vehicle bodies. Internal trailer widths, deck heights, racking layouts, fork access, and load stability are all influenced by the pallet footprint a fleet chooses to work with.
In the UK and Europe, pallet use is defined far more by standard footprints and pooling systems than by minor construction variations. For most operators, three approaches dominate daily operations: the UK 1200×1000 pallet, the Euro 1200×800 pallet, and pooled pallets supplied by providers such as CHEP and GKN.
The UK pallet (1200 × 1000 mm)
The 1200×1000 mm pallet is the most widely used footprint in UK domestic distribution.
- It typically allows two pallets across in many standard box vans and curtainsiders.
- It aligns well with common UK warehouse racking systems.
- It is used across a broad range of sectors, including manufacturing, construction products and general haulage.
From a vehicle design perspective, this footprint strongly influences internal usable width, side-door spacing and load planning strategies. Bodybuilders often optimise internal dimensions around this pallet size because it remains the most common default in UK haulage.
UK pallets can be unpooled white wood pallets owned by the shipper or receiver, or part of a pooled system such as CHEP or GKN.
The Euro pallet (EPAL) (1200 × 800 mm)
The 1200×800 mm Euro pallet is a formally standardised, pooled system governed by EPAL (European Pallet Association).
- A tightly controlled construction specification, including block layout, chamfers and nail patterns.
- Consistent performance in automated warehouses and conveyor systems.
- Strong acceptance across retail and FMCG supply chains in mainland Europe.
Because the footprint is narrower than a UK pallet, it changes how loads are arranged inside vehicles. Fleets working heavily with Euro pallets may specify different internal widths or load layouts to maximise space efficiency.
Euro pallets are typically unpainted wood with EPAL stamps rather than coloured branding.
CHEP (and the legacy "GKN" name): UK pallet pooling
CHEP is a major pallet pooling provider rather than a single pallet type. In the UK, CHEP owns the pallets, manages inspection and repair, and circulates them through a controlled pool that multiple shippers and receivers can use.
- CHEP supplies multiple footprints, including both 1200x1000 mm and 1200x800 mm pallets.
- Pallets are regularly inspected and repaired to maintain consistent handling performance.
- The system is widely used across retail, manufacturing and general distribution.
For transport operators, the main benefit of CHEP is consistency and traceability rather than a unique pallet design. Many large retailers and manufacturers prefer CHEP because it removes the need to manage their own pallet stock.
In the UK, some operators still informally refer to a blue pooled pallet as a "GKN pallet". This comes from the historical name GKN CHEP, which previously operated the CHEP pool in Britain. Today, the system is branded simply as CHEP, and these pallets are normally described as CHEP pallets rather than GKN pallets.
CHEP pallets are commonly blue and clearly branded, which makes them easy to identify in mixed yards. The colour is a practical identification feature; what defines the pallet is its inclusion in the CHEP pool rather than its paint.
How pallet choice affects vehicles and loading
- Internal trailer dimensions and usable load space.
- Fork access and side-loading strategies.
- Load stability and restraint methods.
- Compatibility with warehouse racking and automation.
- Turnaround efficiency at loading bays.
Fleets that standardise around a single pallet footprint can optimise vehicle specifications more effectively. Mixed fleets often need more flexible internal layouts to accommodate both 1200×1000 and 1200×800 pallets.
FAQs
Do pallets have to be returned to the shipper after delivery?
It depends on the pallet type. Pooled pallets such as CHEP, GKN and EPAL normally remain the property of the pallet provider and are returned to the pool via exchange, collection or reverse logistics arrangements. Unpooled white wood pallets are usually owned by either the shipper or receiver and are not typically returned unless agreed in advance.
How high is a pallet?
A standard wooden pallet is typically around 144 mm high, although this can vary slightly depending on construction. In load planning, operators also consider the height of the goods, any pallet collars, and packaging to ensure the total load fits within vehicle internal height limits.
Is there an ISO standard for pallet making?
There is no single universal ISO standard that defines exactly how all pallets must be built worldwide. However, ISO 6780 defines pallet dimensions and tolerances for common sizes including 1200×1000 and 1200×800. EPAL provides a much more detailed construction standard for Euro pallets, while pooled systems such as CHEP and GKN operate their own technical specifications within accepted industry norms.
I have seen blue plastic pallets — what are they called?
Blue plastic pallets are usually reusable plastic pallets supplied by pooling providers such as CHEP or LPR, or by specialist plastic pallet manufacturers. They are commonly used where hygiene, durability and consistent performance in automated systems are important. The blue colour is typically branding or identification rather than a technical classification.
What weight can these pallets hold without breaking?
Capacity depends on pallet type, construction and how the load is supported. As a general guide, standard wooden pallets typically handle around 1,000 to 1,500 kg in a static, evenly distributed load, with lower limits in dynamic handling. Plastic pallets often have clearly specified load ratings. Real-world strength is also affected by load distribution, fork entry positioning, racking support and pallet condition.
Does the wood from pallets get re-purposed or recycled?
Yes. End-of-life wooden pallets are commonly repaired and reused within pallet pools or by recycling companies, reprocessed into wood chips for particleboard or biomass fuel, or upcycled into furniture, construction materials and landscaping products. Pooled systems prioritise repair and reuse before recycling to extend pallet life and reduce waste.
