
Half pallets are a cost-effective and space-saving solution for shipping and storing goods. They're essentially a standard pallet cut in half.
A half pallet is typically 40" x 48" in size, making it perfect for smaller shipments or storing items that don't require the full pallet space. This size is ideal for many businesses that need to transport or store smaller quantities of goods.
Half pallets can be used in a variety of industries, including e-commerce, retail, and food service, where smaller shipments are common.
What is a pallet?
A pallet is a logistics solution used to transport and store goods, and it comes in various sizes. The standard pallet size in North America is 48×40 inches.
In the United States and Canada, the typical half pallet measures 40×24 inches or 48×20 inches. These sizes serve different purposes in logistics.
Half pallets are also known as fractional or modular pallets, and they're increasingly recognized for enhancing supply chain efficiency. They're often used in retail and distribution.
In Europe, the EUR 1 pallet has a counterpart in the EPAL 6 and 7 half pallets, which measure 800×600 mm. Two of these half pallets take up the same floorspace as a full 1200×800 mm euro pallet.
Pallet Details

A half pallet is a modular unit designed for efficient shipping and storage. It has a Euro footprint and is available in both wooden and plastic alternatives.
The wooden half pallet, specifically the EPAL 6 half pallet, has specific requirements for its construction. The bottom and stringer boards must have a thickness of between 22 and 24 mm, with no wanes on the stringers. Poplar wood is not permitted for stringers.
The EPAL 6 half pallet also has specific requirements for its nails. There must be 69 nails used, positioned in a specific pattern to guarantee the diagonal rigidity of the pallet. The nails must be approved by EPAL and verified by a neutral testing institute.
Here are the key details to consider when working with half pallets:
These specifications ensure that half pallets are safe, durable, and efficient for use in shipping and storage.
Details
The details of a pallet are crucial to its functionality and safety. A pallet's safe working load is no longer guaranteed if it's rotten, decayed, or shows heavy splintering, damaged stringers, or unacceptable components.

If a pallet is contaminated, it may spread to the payload, causing further issues. Heavy splintering on several blocks is a clear sign of a problem.
EPAL half pallets can only be repaired by licensed repair operations, and any unauthorized repairs can lead to legal consequences. Only dimensionally accurate components can be used for repairs, as specified in the EPAL Technical Regulations.
Newly produced EPAL 6 half pallets have been heat-treated since 2010, according to ISPM 15. This treatment can be recognized by branded markings on both central blocks on the long sides. Methyl bromide treatment is strictly prohibited.
EPAL 6 half pallets have specific dimensions: bottom and stringer boards must be between 22 and 24 mm thick, deck boards at least 17 mm, and there must be no wanes on the stringers. Poplar wood is not allowed for stringers.
The position of the nails used in constructing EPAL half pallets is crucial for diagonal rigidity. The nails must be evenly spaced, at least 20 mm from the edges, and only approved nails with a head marking of two letters can be used.
Pallet Size
Pallet size can be a bit confusing, especially when dealing with international shipments. Standard pallet sizes vary between countries.
In Europe, the standard pallet is smaller than in North America. This means that half pallets in Europe are also smaller than their North American counterparts.
If you're shipping goods across borders, it's essential to know the standard pallet size for your destination country to avoid any issues with fitment or customs clearance.
The difference in size between half pallets can be significant, so it's crucial to double-check the specifications before making a purchase or planning a shipment.
Key Information
Our pallets are designed with durability in mind, available in a modular half pallet of a euro footprint. This makes them suitable for both heavy duty and light loads.
The pallets are made via injection moulding from recycled plastics, making them 100% recyclable for a circular and sustainable economy. This is a great option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
One of the key features of our pallets is the safety rims and rubber strips that stop goods from sliding. This ensures a secure and stable transportation of your products.
Here are some key specifications of our pallets:
- Bottom decks with 3 runners
- Bottom decks with 6 or 9 feet: nestable
- 2-way or 4-way entry with standard pallet jack or forklift
- Optional tracking technology for location and temperature
The pallets are also available with optional tracking technology, allowing you to keep track of your products' location and temperature in real-time. This can be especially useful for high-value or temperature-sensitive goods.
Benefits and Considerations
Half pallets offer several attractive benefits, particularly for retail. They allow for greater use of floor display, which can increase sales by up to 30%. This is because twice the number of half pallets can be placed on the sales floor for display compared to full-sized pallets.
One-touch order picking and in-aisle replenishment are also made easier with half pallets. This can create dramatic labor savings at the distribution center and retail. By ordering a half-pallet quantity, case picking is not required at the warehouse.
Half pallets can also be used to access convenience stores or smaller retail outlets that require entrance via a man-door. This eliminates the need for restacking goods onto a stocking cart to enter the store.
Block pallets are increasingly preferred due to full four-way access, allowing for flexibility in the warehouse, truck, and store. Pallet quality is also critical in retail settings, from aesthetics and public safety perspectives.
The half pallet has several key benefits, including being optimal for combining with euro pallets and quarter pallets. It's also sustainable through reusability, durability, and recycling. The half pallet is exempt from ISPM-15 treatment, making it easier for exports.
Here are some key features of the half pallet:
- Recognized ISO half pallet size
- Ideal for shipping and loading in smaller quantities
- Lightweight in relation to maximum load capacity
- Easy to clean
- Safe to handle manually: lightweight and no nails or splinters
- Loading space optimized with smaller pallets for smaller loads
- Nestable models: lightweight, reusable and ideal for exports and retail
- Heavy duty models: robust, impact resistant and improved TCO for intralogistics
Modular half pallets have a euro footprint and are used for both heavy duty and light loads. They're available as a plastic alternative to wooden Düsseldorf pallets, and have safety rims and rubber strips to prevent goods from sliding.
Chep Pallets

Chep pallets are a type of plastic pallet made by Chep, a global leader in the pallet industry.
They're known for their durability and can withstand heavy loads.
Chep pallets come in a variety of sizes, including half pallets.
Half pallets are ideal for smaller shipments or when space is limited.
Chep pallets are also easy to clean and resistant to pests and mold.
They're a popular choice for many industries, including food and beverage.
In fact, Chep pallets are used by some of the world's largest companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a half pallet?
A half pallet typically measures 48" x 20" in size, but it's best to confirm the exact dimensions with your supplier to avoid any confusion.
Does Amazon really sell leftover pallets?
Amazon doesn't directly sell leftover pallets, but you can buy them through third-party liquidation marketplaces that partner with Amazon to resell excess stock. These pallets often contain returns, shelf-pulled, damaged, and overstock items.
Sources
- https://www.chep.com/de/en/products/pallets/wooden-half-pallet
- https://www.epal-pallets.org/eu-en/load-carriers/epal-6-half-pallet
- https://www.cantareropallets.com/post/what-are-half-pallets-and-are-they-right-for-your-needs
- https://www.palletone.com/introducing-the-half-pallet/
- https://cabka.com/en-us/pallets/dimensions-800x600
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