Standard size
48 x 40 inch pallets
The GMA standard pallet is the most common in North American freight. Carriers and facilities are designed around this dimension.
Freight Glossary
Pallet Shipping
Pallet shipping is the movement of freight that is loaded onto standardized pallets, typically 48 by 40 inches, and transported via LTL, FTL, or dedicated vehicle. Palletized freight is the standard unit of measure in commercial shipping because pallets protect goods during handling, allow forklifts to load and unload efficiently, and provide a consistent unit for pricing and space allocation on trailers.
Why it matters
Pallet shipping directly affects freight cost because carriers price by the pallet for many services. Proper palletizing reduces damage, prevents reclass charges from loose freight, and speeds up loading and unloading at facilities. A shipper moving 10 pallets per week who palletizes incorrectly can see 5 to 15 percent higher freight costs from reweighs, reclassification, and damage claims. Pallet dimensions, stacking height, and weight distribution all factor into how carriers rate and handle the shipment.
When to use it
Ship on pallets whenever your freight is going through any facility that uses forklifts, which includes virtually all LTL terminals, cross-docks, and warehouse receiving docks. Floor-loaded freight is only appropriate when the commodity and destination require it. For LTL shipments, always palletize and shrink-wrap your freight before the carrier arrives. For pallet delivery to residential or limited-access locations, confirm that liftgate service is included in your rate.
How Warp thinks about it
Warp offers per-pallet pricing across its network, which means you know the exact cost per pallet before you ship. No ambiguous freight class calculations or post-delivery reclassification surprises. The Warp cross-dock network handles palletized freight with minimal touches, and the platform provides instant quotes for pallet shipments across LTL, box truck, and cargo van modes so you can compare options in seconds.
Pallet Shipping
Palletized freight is the standard unit for commercial shipping and cross-dock operations.
Pricing
Per-pallet or by weight and class
LTL carriers price by class and weight. Warp offers flat per-pallet pricing that eliminates reclassification risk.
Best practice
Shrink-wrap, stack within footprint
Properly palletized freight reduces damage, prevents accessorial charges, and speeds up facility throughput.