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When do you need a heavy-duty pallet?

A wooden pallet is called heavy-duty when it carries at least 1,000 kg dynamic (while being moved by pallet truck or forklift) and 1,500 to 4,000 kg static (standing on the ground or in a rack). It is semi-heavy between 750 and 850 kg dynamic, and medium-heavy at 850 kg with reinforced fibre blocks.

Beyond the ratings, a heavy-duty pallet differs by: a reinforced deck (22 mm boards versus 15–18 mm), a greater height (155 mm versus 120 mm), solid blocks, and often more deck boards to spread the weight. It is the preferred choice for metallurgy, construction (materials, blocks, slabs), heavy chemicals, aerospace (dense parts) and any unit load above 1 tonne.

Dynamic load vs static load

The essential distinction when selecting a heavy-duty pallet:

  • Dynamic load: the maximum weight carried while the pallet is being moved (hand pallet truck, stacker, forklift). This is the figure that matters for transport and everyday handling.
  • Static load: the maximum weight when the pallet stands on the ground or in a rack (no movement). It is 2 to 4 times higher than the dynamic rating depending on the model.
  • Stacking load: the maximum weight when another loaded pallet sits on top. It varies with the configuration — always check with your carrier.

Full explanation with worked examples in our guide: dynamic vs static load →

Our heavy-duty and semi-heavy ranges

DirectPAL offers several ranges depending on your requirement:

Load comparison table

ModelCategoryDimensionsDynamic loadStatic loadDetails
One-way semi-heavy 80×120Semi-heavy1200×800×120 mm750 kg1,500 kgDetails →
One-way medium-heavy 80×120Medium-heavy1200×800×123 mm850 kg1,500 kgDetails →
One-way heavy 80×120Heavy-duty1200×800×155 mm1,000 kg2,000 kgDetails →
One-way heavy 100×120Heavy-duty1200×1000×155 mm1,000 kg2,500 kgDetails →
EPAL Euro pallet 80×120Heavy-duty, exchange pool1200×800×144 mm1,500 kg4,000 kgDetails →
CP6 to CP9 (chemical)Heavy-duty, perimeter basePer standard1,500–2,000 kg4,000–6,000 kgDetails →
VMF D 3071Heavy-duty, perimeter base1000×1200×154 mm1,000–1,500 kgDetails →
Reinforced custom buildHeavy-dutyTo requirement1,000–3,000 kgPer constructionQuote →

DirectPAL advice: for loads above 1,500 kg dynamic or atypical packaging, ask for a custom quote. Our partner workshops build heavy-duty pallets with boards up to 27 mm, solid blocks and 3- or 5-bottom-board configurations matched to your handling equipment. Published prices for standard references are on the prices page; heavy models are quoted on request.

Frequently asked questions

Which pallet for a 1,000 kg load?

For a dynamic load of 1,000 kg, several options: a heavy one-way 80×120 (economical, single use), an EPAL Euro pallet (1,500 kg headroom, exchange-pool standard), a CP6 to CP9 chemical pallet (up to 4,000–6,000 kg static), or a reinforced custom build. The right choice depends on the number of use cycles and the packaging — our buying guide takes you through it.

Semi-heavy vs heavy-duty — what is the difference?

A semi-heavy pallet carries 750 to 850 kg dynamic, with 18 mm boards and a height of 120–123 mm. A heavy-duty pallet exceeds 1,000 kg dynamic, with reinforced 22 mm boards and a height of 155 mm. The medium-heavy sits in between (850 kg, reinforced fibre blocks). A heavy-duty build typically costs 15–25% more than a semi-heavy but offers a static rating 2–3 times higher for rack storage.

Is an EPAL pallet considered heavy-duty?

Yes — the standard EPAL Euro pallet 800×1200 mm carries 1,500 kg dynamic and up to 4,000 kg static in racking. It is a heavy-duty pallet, as well as being repairable and part of the open exchange pool. It remains the European B2B reference for industrial loads between 500 and 1,500 kg. EPAL product page →

Can heavy-duty pallets be made to measure?

Yes — DirectPAL supplies custom heavy-duty pallets for specific packaging: atypical dimensions, loads beyond 1,500 kg dynamic, reinforced boards (22–27 mm), 3 or 5 bottom-board configurations, ISPM 15 heat treatment for export. Production lead time: 7–15 days depending on volume. Quote within 24 hours.

What is the minimum order for delivery?

We deliver by full truckload from 300 pallets. Below that volume, your order remains available for pickup at one of our 3 depots in the Paris region: Pontault-Combault, Chilly-Mazarin and Mitry-Mory (France). Heavy-duty loads are exactly what full-truckload logistics is built for. Pickup & delivery →

Need heavy-duty or semi-heavy pallets?

Permanent stock of EPAL, heavy one-way, CP and custom builds. Full-truckload delivery across Europe, quote within 24 hours.

Request a quote → Browse the full range →