Choosing the Right Pallet Size for Your UK and EU Road Freight Shipments

Growth is the goal of any business, and one of the best ways to achieve that goal is by expanding into new markets. Today’s freight ecosystem makes that easy. It’s hyperconnected, seamless, and flexible.

However, individual jurisdictions have their own rules and preferences when it comes to receiving freight, especially with regards to pallet size requirements. For shippers looking to scale between the UK and EU, understanding pallet sizing is crucial.

Pallet sizing might seem like a small detail, but it’s paramount for optimum efficiency and cost control as you scale your operations.

Think of freight pallets like puzzle pieces. They need to fit perfectly together for smooth logistics operations. If some pallets are larger or smaller than others, it can cause delays, compromise load stability, and slow down partners further down the supply chain.

The industry knows this, which is why both the EU and UK have long used standard pallet sizes. The aim is to make freight transport as seamless as possible.

The one catch for shippers is that these jurisdictions’ standard sizes aren’t the same. This means you may need to use different pallet sizing for cross-border shipments.

The standard UK pallet size is 1.2 metres by 1 metre (1,200 x 1,000 mm). This footprint fits seamlessly into most UK warehouse racking systems, trailers, and forklift configurations.

Beyond the footprint, you’ll often hear pallet types described by the height of the load:

• Full pallet: Up to 2.2 metres high and can handle up to 1000 kg. These are used for bulk and high-volume shipments.
• Half pallet: Up to 1.2 metres high and can carry 400–500 kg. Ideal for moderate loads or shipping smaller product runs.
• Quarter pallet: Up to 0.8 metres high and can carry up to 250 kg. These are suitable for promotional stock, samples, and lighter goods.

The most commonly used pallet across the EU is the Euro pallet size (EUR 1). Its dimensions are 1.2 metres by 0.8 metres (1,200 x 800 mm), making it slightly narrower than the UK standard pallet.

As well as the EUR 1, there are a few other common pallet sizes used in certain sectors across the EU:

• EUR 2: 1,200 x 1,000 mm (same footprint as a UK standard pallet)
• EUR 3: 1,000 x 1,200 mm (rotated EUR 2)
• EUR 6: 800 x 600 mm (half the size of a euro pallet)
  

These alternatives are used more selectively, often for specialised freight or retail needs.

As you can see by looking at their dimensions, the crucial difference between UK and EU pallets comes down to their footprint. Euro pallets are narrower by design. In turn, so are European trailer dimensions and warehouse racking systems.

If you’re shipping between the UK and EU, this difference matters. Using the wrong pallet size can reduce trailer efficiency, increase the risk of rejection at depots, or even trigger repacking fees at border warehouses.

For smooth cross-border operations, it’s critical to match your pallet format to the destination country’s standards.

As well as considering the size of the pallet you’d like to ship, it’s vital to think about the height of your load. This also dictates the amount of space your shipment will occupy.

Here’s an overview on when to use each:

Full pallets
Full pallets are best suited to bulk shipments, large or heavy single items, and full truckload consignments. They’re ideal when maximising trailer space is a priority, offering the most cost-effective option for high-volume deliveries that need to move as a consolidated load.

Half pallets
Half pallets work well for medium-sized orders, especially when shipping to multiple destinations or managing retail replenishment.

Quarter pallets
Quarter pallets are ideal for small consignments, urgent top-up deliveries, or seasonal and promotional stock. Their compact size makes them perfect for fast-moving, just-in-time logistics models.

Most logistics networks can technically handle both UK and Euro pallets. Larger freight forwarders and carriers are equipped to transport and process a variety of pallet sizes, especially for cross-border freight.

However, being conscious of pallet measurements can make a significant difference to your bottom line. Here’s why:

• Space inefficiency: Euro trailers are optimised for EUR 1 pallets (1,200 x 800 mm). UK pallets don’t stack or fit as neatly, which can waste trailer space or require fewer pallets per load.
• Higher handling costs: Some EU warehouses or distribution centres may charge for re-palletising if your pallet dimensions don’t match their racking system.
• Delays and repacking risks: If your pallet creates stacking or unloading issues, it may be repacked at a hub, slowing delivery and introducing the risk of product damage.
• Retailer requirements: Some EU retailers and logistics companies specify EUR 1 pallets only, meaning your pallet may be rejected if it’s the wrong size.
  

As you scale your business across borders, understanding local pallet requirements is essential to maximising efficiency. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when shipping palletised freight internationally.

• Check before you ship: Before you prepare a pallet, always check the pallet standards required by your destination country. Many EU businesses will expect goods to arrive on Euro pallets (typically the EUR 1 size: 1,200 x 800 mm).
• Invest in compatible pallets: Always use the correct pallet size for cross-border shipping to reduce operational risks.
• Streamline with a pallet exchange system: The best cargo solutions facilitate pallet exchange programs, enabling you to swap full pallets for empty ones in order to keep a balanced inventory across the supply chain.

Amazon Freight offers reliable UK and EU road freight services for all standard pallet sizes, including full, half, and quarter pallets. Whether you’re shipping domestically or cross-border, our network is built to handle a wide range of load types—with the added benefit of deep visibility and control over your shipments.

Pallet sizing is a small detail that makes a big difference to your success, especially when moving goods across UK and EU borders. With the right processes and the right partner, you can turn your expansion ambitions into reality.

That’s where Amazon Freight comes in. We offer the network, expertise, and reliability to help you scale seamlessly—no matter the pallet size, route, or destination.

Get started today by creating your free shipper account or learn more by getting in touch with our team.

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