Before You Book: The Pallet Measurements That Matter

Measuring your pallet correctly is one of the most important steps when booking a pallet delivery.

The pallet size you choose determines how much space your goods are allocated during transport. If your pallet is larger, taller, wider or heavier than the size selected at booking, it may require additional space in the network. This can lead to extra charges, delays, or issues at collection.

To help your delivery run smoothly, always measure your pallet carefully before booking.

Why accurate pallet measurements matter

When you book a pallet delivery, you are not just booking the wooden pallet base. You are booking the full amount of space your goods take up once they are loaded, packed and secured.

That means your measurements must include:

• The pallet base
• The goods being shipped
• Any packaging
• Shrink wrap, banding or strapping
• Anything that overhangs the pallet

Even a small difference in size can affect which pallet service you need. For example, if your goods are slightly too tall for a half pallet, they may need to be booked as a full pallet. If they are too long for a full pallet, they may need to be booked as oversized.

Booking the correct size from the start helps avoid unexpected costs and keeps your freight moving without unnecessary delays.

A few centimetres might not sound like much, but in pallet delivery terms, they can be the difference between “all sorted” and “that’s going to need another space”.

Pallet Size Guide

Use the measurements below when choosing the correct pallet size for your booking.

Your pallet must fit within the maximum length, width, height and weight for the size selected. If your pallet exceeds any one of these limits, you should choose the next suitable pallet size.

Not sure which pallet size you need?
Use our pallet calculator to help work out the right pallet space for your goods before you book.

How to measure your pallet correctly

1. Measure the length

Measure the longest side of your loaded pallet.

This should be measured from the furthest point at one end to the furthest point at the other. Make sure you include anything that extends beyond the pallet base, such as packaging, loose edges, handles, panels or overhanging goods.

If your goods are longer than 1.2m, they may need to be booked as an oversized pallet.

2. Measure the width

Measure across the widest point of your pallet.

Do not just measure the wooden pallet itself. Your goods may be wider than the base once they are packed or wrapped. Always measure the full width of the loaded pallet, including any overhang or packaging.

3. Measure the height

Measure from the floor to the highest point of the loaded pallet.

This means your height measurement must include both the pallet base and the goods stacked on top of it. Measure after the goods have been packed and secured wherever possible, as packaging can add extra height.

4. Check the weight

Your pallet weight should include the total weight of:

• The goods
• The pallet base
• Packaging materials
• Wrapping, strapping or banding

Do not estimate if you can avoid it. Check product specifications, warehouse records or weighing equipment to get the most accurate figure possible.

Measure twice, book once. A quick check now can help avoid delays, amendments or unexpected charges later.

Common pallet measuring mistakes

Measuring the item instead of the loaded pallet

A common mistake is measuring the product on its own. Your booking needs to reflect the final packed pallet, not just the item being shipped.

Forgetting to include the pallet base

The height of the pallet base counts towards the total height. Always measure from the floor, not from the top of the wooden pallet.

Ignoring overhang

If your goods hang over the edge of the pallet, they still count towards the total length and width. Overhanging goods may also be less stable and more likely to be damaged in transit.

Choosing by weight alone

Weight is only one part of the booking. A light pallet may still need to be booked as a larger size if it is tall, wide or long.

Rounding down

Never round your measurements down to fit a smaller pallet size. If your goods are close to the limit, round up and choose the safer option.

Need help before booking?
If you are unsure how to measure your pallet, which size to choose, or whether your goods count as oversized, visit our help page to get in touch with the PalletOnline team.

Which pallet size should I choose?

• A micro pallet is suitable for smaller, lighter consignments up to 150kg, with a maximum height of 0.6m.
• A quarter pallet has the same maximum dimensions as a micro pallet, but allows a higher weight of up to 250kg.
• A half pallet is suitable for goods up to 1.0m high and 500kg, while still staying within 1.2m length and 1.0m width.
• A full pallet is suitable for larger or taller freight up to 1.2m long, 1.2m wide and 2.2m high, with a maximum weight of 1200kg.
• An oversized pallet is designed for longer freight up to 2.4m long, 1.2m wide and 2.2m high, with a maximum weight of 1200kg.

What happens if the wrong pallet size is booked?

If your pallet is bigger or heavier than the size selected, it may take up more space than expected. This can result in additional charges or delays while the booking is corrected.

In some cases, the pallet may not be suitable for collection until the correct service has been booked. This is why it is always better to measure carefully before confirming your order.

Final checklist before booking

Before booking your pallet delivery, check:

• Have you measured the pallet after packing?
• Have you included the pallet base in the height?
• Have you measured the longest and widest points?
• Is anything overhanging?
• Have you included the weight of the pallet and packaging?
• Does your pallet fit within the size and weight limits selected?
• Have you rounded up rather than down?

Book the right pallet size first time

Accurate measurements help ensure your goods are booked onto the correct service, allocated the right amount of space and moved through the network smoothly.

Taking a few minutes to measure your pallet properly can help you avoid delays, reduce the risk of extra charges and make sure your delivery gets off to the right start.

Ready to book your pallet delivery? Get an instant price and arrange your collection using our pallet delivery quote page.