Standard Pallet Dimensions in Canada: The GMA 48×40 Guide

If you buy, sell, or move goods in Canada, you have almost certainly handled a standard pallet without thinking much about its dimensions. But pallet size matters — it affects racking compatibility, truck loading efficiency, forklift clearance, and even your cost per unit shipped.

This guide covers everything you need to know about standard pallet dimensions in Canada, with a focus on the GMA 48×40 pallet that dominates the North American supply chain.

The GMA 48×40 Pallet: Canada's Standard

The most common pallet size in Canada is 48×40 inches (approximately 1219×1016 mm). This is often called the GMA pallet, after the Grocery Manufacturers Association, which standardized it for the North American grocery and consumer goods industry.

When people say "standard pallet" in Canada, they almost always mean the 48×40. It fits standard warehouse racking, North American semi-trailers, most forklifts and pallet jacks, and standard stretch-wrap machines.

At Pallet Recycling Guys, the vast majority of our used pallet stock is 48×40 GMA-style pallets. Used ones start at $5 each at our Surrey yard.

Why 48×40 and Not 40×48?

You will see both "48×40" and "40×48" used to describe the same pallet. The convention is length × width, but different industries flip the numbers. In practice, they refer to the same pallet: 48 inches in one direction and 40 inches in the other. The 48-inch dimension typically runs parallel to the stringers, and the 40-inch dimension runs across.

Other Common Pallet Sizes in Canada

While the 48×40 dominates, several other sizes are used in specific industries:

• 42×42 inches — Common in the telecommunications and paint industries.
• 48×48 inches — Used in the drum and chemical industries.
• 36×36 inches — Used in the beverage industry for quarter-pallet displays.
• Euro pallet (1200×800 mm) — Standard in Europe. Does not fit North American racking as cleanly.
• Custom sizes — We build custom pallets to any dimension at our Surrey yard.

Pallet Height and Weight

A standard 48×40 wooden pallet is typically:

• Height: 5.5 to 6 inches (140–152 mm) for a standard stringer pallet
• Weight: 30 to 70 lbs (14–32 kg) depending on wood species and moisture
• Load capacity: 2,500 to 5,000 lbs static; 1,000 to 2,500 lbs dynamic

Pallet Grades in Canada

Used pallets are graded by condition:

• Grade A (Premium) — Near-new condition. Suitable for food contact and high-value goods.
• Grade B (Standard) — Serviceable condition. Suitable for general warehousing and storage.
• Grade C (Utility) — Structurally intact but cosmetically worn. Suitable for one-way use or internal storage.

At our Surrey yard, we sort and grade every pallet before sale. Used 48×40 pallets start at $5 — price depends on grade and quantity.

Heat-Treated vs. Non-Heat-Treated Pallets

If you export goods internationally, you need to know about ISPM-15. This standard requires wooden pallets used in international trade to be heat-treated to kill insects and pathogens. Heat-treated pallets are stamped with the IPPC mark and the letters HT.

We stock ISPM-15 certified heat-treated pallets at our Surrey yard. Call 604-761-5661 for pricing and availability.

Where to Buy Standard Pallets in Surrey and Metro Vancouver

Pallet Recycling Guys is a family-run pallet yard at 12255 Industrial Road in Surrey, BC. We have been supplying pallets to Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley businesses for over 16 years. We stock used wooden pallets from $5, plastic pallets from $10, new wooden pallets, heat-treated ISPM-15 export pallets, and custom pallets.

Open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 604-761-5661 or send a WhatsApp message to arrange pickup or delivery.