What is the difference between a standard pallet and a euro pallet?

The difference between a standard pallet (often called a UK pallet) and a Euro pallet mainly comes down to size, usage, and regulations. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Dimensions

• Euro Pallet: Slightly narrower, designed to fit perfectly in European trucks and warehouses.

• UK Standard Pallet: Wider, giving more surface area for bulkier loads, common in UK domestic supply chains.

2. Regional Usage

• Euro Pallet:

  • Widely used across Europe.

  • Standardised by European Pallet Association (EPAL).

  • Preferred for cross-border shipments within the EU.

• UK Standard Pallet:

  • Primarily used in the UK.

  • Not always compatible with European racking and transport systems, which can lead to extra handling costs when shipping internationally.

3. Strength & Construction

• Euro Pallet:

  • Very strict manufacturing standards set by EPAL.

  • Stamped and marked to certify quality.

  • Durable and reusable, making them ideal for international shipping.

• UK Standard Pallet:

  • Quality can vary depending on the supplier.

  • Typically built for domestic use rather than cross-border transportation.

4. Cost & Efficiency

• Euro Pallet:

  • More expensive due to strict regulations and quality control.

  • Fits neatly into European lorries — no wasted space.

• UK Standard Pallet:

  • Cheaper to produce.

  • Can lead to wasted space in European trailers since they’re wider than Euro pallets.

5. Practical Considerations

• If your company ships within the UK, UK standard pallets are fine and often more cost-effective.

• If you’re shipping to Europe, Euro pallets are almost always required to comply with transport and warehouse systems.

• Some businesses use half-Euro or quarter-Euro pallets for smaller loads or retail distribution.