Technical guide
The maximum load of a pallet is not a single figure — it is three distinct ratings: dynamic (in motion), static (at rest), racking (on beams). Here is how to read them, calculate your requirement and pick the right model with a safety margin.
In one sentence: every wooden pallet carries 3 distinct load ratings — dynamic (in motion), static (at rest), racking/stacking. The dynamic rating is 2 to 4 times lower than the static one. Apply a 20–30% safety margin: for 1,000 kg of real load, choose a pallet rated at least 1,200–1,300 kg dynamic.
The dynamic load is the maximum weight the pallet can carry while being moved. It covers every use involving motion:
It is the most demanding rating for the pallet, because the forces generated by acceleration and deceleration add to the static weight. It is therefore the reference value to compare with your real load.
The static load is the maximum weight supported at rest — on the ground, without movement or vibration. It is typically 2 to 4 times higher than the dynamic load, because the mechanical stresses are lower (no jolts, load applied progressively).
Relevant situations:
A special case: storage in racking. The pallet rests on 2 parallel beams, which creates a central bending stress that does not exist on the ground. The capacity is typically lower than the static rating and comparable to the dynamic one.
This value is critical for racked warehouses: undersizing means the risk of a pallet collapsing and goods falling. For heavy industry, choose reinforced heavy-duty pallets.
| Model | Dynamic load | Static load | Racking load | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-way light 800×1200 | 400 kg | — | Not recommended | Details → |
| One-way semi-heavy 800×1200 | 750 kg | 1,500 kg | Not advised | Details → |
| One-way heavy 800×1200 | 1,000 kg | 2,000 kg | 500 kg max | Details → |
| EPAL Euro pallet 800×1200 | 1,500 kg | 4,000 kg | 1,000 kg | Details → |
| CP1, CP2 (skids) | 1,000 kg | 3,000 kg | 1,000 kg | Details → |
| CP3 (skids, closed deck) | 1,250 kg | 4,000 kg | 1,250 kg | Details → |
| CP6, CP7 (perimeter base) | 1,500 kg | 5,000 kg | 1,500 kg | Details → |
| CP9 (reinforced perimeter) | 1,500 kg | 6,000 kg | 1,500 kg | Details → |
| VMF D 3071 | 1,000 – 1,500 kg | — | 1,000 kg | Details → |
| Custom reinforced | 1,500 – 3,000 kg | Per spec | Per spec | Quote → |
⚠️ Nominal values for a new pallet with a uniformly distributed load. Reduce by 30–50% for a reconditioned grade C pallet or a concentrated load.
Weigh the contents of a full pallet precisely, in your usual packaging. Example: 24 cartons × 12 kg = 288 kg → real load = 288 kg + the weight of the empty pallet (~25 kg for an EPAL) = 313 kg in total.
This margin covers:
Example: real load 1,000 kg → choose a pallet rated at least 1,200–1,300 kg dynamic.
Look up the pallet in the table above whose dynamic load covers your need with the margin. If several options qualify:
All published ratings assume a uniformly distributed load across the deck. If your packaging concentrates the weight in the centre (e.g. an 800 kg motor on an EPAL pallet), the pallet needs to be 30–50% stronger than the rating suggests. For these cases, choose a CP with a reinforced deck or a custom pallet.
If you stack 3 full pallets (say 3 × 800 kg in a truck), the bottom pallet must support 2 × 800 kg = 1,600 kg (the weight of the 2 pallets above it, as a static load). An EPAL carries 4,000 kg static — fine. A semi-heavy one-way pallet carries 1,500 kg static, so stacking is limited to 2 levels.
Wood loses 20–30% of its strength in humid environments (unheated warehouse in winter) or cold ones (sub-zero cold storage). For these environments, take an extra margin or use a treated pallet (water-repellent, anti-fungal).
A 4-way pallet can be picked up from all 4 sides. A 2-way pallet only from the 2 long sides. If your handling requires entry from any side (automated logistics), a 4-way pallet is mandatory. All EPAL and CP pallets are 4-way. Some light one-way pallets are 2-way — check case by case.
The dynamic load is the maximum weight carried while the pallet is being moved (pallet truck, forklift, transport). The static load is the maximum weight supported at rest (on the ground, no handling). The static rating is typically 2 to 4 times higher than the dynamic one because the mechanical stresses are lower.
Recommended margin: 20 to 30% above the real weight. A pallet rated 1,000 kg dynamic should carry no more than 700–800 kg in practice. This margin covers wear, shocks, asymmetric loads and harsh conditions (humidity, cold).
The load supported when the pallet rests on 2 parallel beams (industrial racking). This creates a central bending stress that does not exist on the ground. The value is typically lower than the static rating, comparable to the dynamic one. Critical for racked warehouses: for heavy industry, choose reinforced heavy-duty pallets.
For a real 1,000 kg dynamic load (with a 20% margin, plan 1,200 kg of capacity): heavy one-way 800×1200 (rated exactly 1,000 kg, single use), EPAL (1,500 kg, comfortable margin), CP6 to CP9 (1,500 kg, robust industrial), or a reinforced heavy-duty pallet.
A standard EPAL pallet: 1,500 kg dynamic, 4,000 kg static, 1,000 kg in racking. Values for a pallet in good condition (grade A/B) with a distributed load. Reduce by 30–50% for a grade C pallet or a concentrated load.