If your racking doesn't match your pallets, you're wasting space on every single bay. Australia uses its own standard pallet size, and whether you're setting up warehouse storage, importing goods, or specifying pallet racking, getting this dimension right is the starting point for an efficient warehouse.
The Australian Standard Pallet
The standard pallet size in Australia is 1165mm x 1165mm (approximately 45.9" x 45.9"). This square pallet is commonly referred to as the "Australian standard pallet" and is the dominant pallet size used across Australian supply chains.
Here's how it compares to other common pallet sizes around the world:
| Region | Dimensions | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Standard | 1165mm x 1165mm | Square |
| North American (GMA) | 1219mm x 1016mm | Rectangular |
| European (EUR) | 1200mm x 800mm | Rectangular |
| Asian | 1100mm x 1100mm | Square |
The square shape of the Australian pallet offers a key advantage: it fits efficiently in both directions, which simplifies loading and gives more flexibility in racking bay configurations. It's a detail our design team accounts for in every racking layout.
Why Pallet Size Matters for Racking
Pallet dimensions directly affect how your racking system is designed. The size of your pallets determines:
- Beam length — beams need to span wide enough to support two or three pallets per bay, with clearance between each pallet and the uprights
- Bay depth — upright frames must be deep enough for pallets to sit fully supported without overhanging
- Aisle width — forklifts need room to manoeuvre pallets in and out. Larger pallets generally require wider aisles unless you're using reach trucks or VNA equipment
- Overall storage capacity — getting pallet placement right at the design stage maximises your warehouse's storage capacity without wasting space
If you're importing goods on non-standard pallets (such as EUR or GMA sizes), your racking may need to accommodate mixed pallet dimensions. This is worth flagging early in the design process.
Common Pallet Types Used in Australia
While the 1165mm x 1165mm standard dominates, you'll encounter several pallet types in Australian warehouses:
CHEP Pallets (Blue)
The most widely circulated pallet in Australia. CHEP operates a pallet pooling system, so these pallets are rented rather than owned. Standard CHEP pallets follow the 1165mm x 1165mm Australian specification.
Loscam Pallets (Red)
Another major pooling provider. Loscam pallets also conform to the 1165mm x 1165mm standard and are common in grocery, retail, and manufacturing supply chains.
Plain Timber Pallets
Used across a range of industries, particularly for export. Sizes can vary, so always check dimensions before designing racking around plain timber pallets.
Plastic Pallets
Growing in use for hygiene-sensitive industries like food processing and pharmaceuticals. Available in both standard and custom sizes.
Pallet Weight Considerations
Size is only half the equation. The weight of loaded pallets is equally critical when specifying storage systems.
A standard Australian pallet typically weighs between 20 and 40kg empty, depending on the material and construction. Pooled pallets from CHEP and Loscam tend to sit at the lighter end, while heavy-duty timber pallets built to AS 4068 can weigh 30kg or more. Loaded weights vary enormously depending on the product:
- Light goods (e.g., packaging, plastics): 300 to 500kg per pallet
- Medium goods (e.g., beverages, hardware): 500 to 1,000kg per pallet
- Heavy goods (e.g., building materials, metals): 1,000 to 1,500kg+ per pallet
Every pallet racking system is engineered for a specific Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL) per beam level. Exceeding this rating compromises structural integrity and breaches AS 4084 compliance.
Measuring Your Pallets Correctly
If you're working with non-standard or mixed pallets, measure accurately before ordering racking:
- Length — the dimension parallel to the stringer or bearer
- Width — the dimension perpendicular to the stringer or bearer
- Height — the pallet deck height (usually 150mm for standard timber pallets)
- Loaded height — total height of pallet plus goods, which determines beam spacing in your racking
Also note any overhang. If products extend beyond the pallet edges, you'll need extra clearance between pallets and uprights to avoid damage during placement.
Getting Racking Right for Your Pallet Size
The key takeaway: always start with your pallet dimensions and loaded weights before specifying racking. A system designed around accurate pallet data will deliver better space utilisation, safer operation, and fewer costly modifications down the line.
Working with non-standard pallets or a mix of imported and local sizes? Our team can design a storage solution around your exact pallet dimensions and weights. Get in touch and we'll make sure your racking fits what you're actually storing.
