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Pallet types: EUR/EPAL, industrial and pallet exchange
EUR/EPAL 1200x800 versus industrial 1200x1000, the effect on LDM, how pallet exchange works and the disputes it most often causes.
· 3 min czytania
The pallet type affects both how much a truck can take and the price. Writing only "10 pallets" in a listing is not enough; the pallet type must be stated too.
EUR / EPAL pallet (1200 x 800 mm)
The most common pallet in Europe is the EUR pallet, measuring 1200 x 800 mm. EPAL is the organisation that runs the standards and quality control for these pallets; genuine ones carry "EPAL" and "EUR" marks. They are known for being reusable, repairable and exchangeable.
In a standard trailer three EUR pallets fit side by side across the width, in rows along the length. Each pallet takes 0.4 LDM. For the calculation, see the LDM article.
Industrial pallet (1200 x 1000 mm)
The 1200 x 1000 mm pallet is common in chemicals and some industrial goods. Two fit across the width and each takes 0.5 LDM. The same weight can take more floor on an industrial pallet, which creates a price difference on part loads. Unlike the EUR pallet, the industrial pallet is not part of an exchange system and usually travels with the goods.
Other sizes
Half pallets (600 x 800) and custom sizes exist too. Other standards appear by country. If you are not sure, state the size in centimetres.
Pallet exchange
With standard pallets such as the EUR pallet, a common practice is pallet exchange: the carrier takes the load on pallets and, at delivery, takes back the same number of empty, usable pallets. That keeps pallets in circulation. It is not mandatory; the parties must agree. The order should settle:
- Will pallets be exchanged?
- How many, and which type?
- Where does the exchange happen (loading or unloading)?
- If there is no exchange, who pays for the pallets?
The most common disputes
- Quality: the empty pallet handed back is damaged or not genuine EPAL, and the receiver refuses it.
- Number: the return of the same number is forgotten or impossible; the carrier cannot get pallets after unloading.
- Paperwork: with no exchange document, nobody can prove who took how many from whom.
- Time: the receiver has no pallets ready, the truck waits, and it turns into a waiting charge.
As a precaution, count pallets with the driver at loading and at delivery, write the figure on the exchange slip or the CMR, and take photos. The value and the rule of pallet exchange vary by country and contract; state them clearly in the listing and the order. For terms, see the Freight Glossary.