The industrial pallet is a standardized four-way pallet. Like the Euro pallet, it is standardized. This means it has specific dimensions and must meet certain requirements. Only then can it be used in the industry.

The Euro pallet and the industrial pallet mainly differ in their dimensions. The differences are found in the width. The industrial pallets are standardized by the European Pallet Association. There are two different types of pallets, marked as Type 2 and Type 3. The dimensions of the industrial pallet are:

• Size of Industrial Pallet Type 2: 1200 x 1000 x 144 mm
• Weight of Industrial Pallet: 31 kg
• The load capacity of Type 2 is up to 1500 kg with a dynamic load
• The load capacity of Type 2 is up to 4000 kg with a static load

Type 3 Industrial Pallet Dimensions:

• Size of Industrial Pallet Type 3: 1200 x 1000 x 144 mm
• Weight of Industrial Pallet: 35 kg
• The load capacity of Type 3 is up to 1500 kg with a dynamic load
• The load capacity of Type 3 is up to 4000 kg with a static load

However, the specifications are variable. This means the industrial pallet can vary in height and weight. Differences also exist in the wood used. Typically, pine wood, softwood, or hardwood are used. The use of different types of wood can cause the load capacity to vary.

Applications of the Pallet

Despite the deviation in width, the industrial pallet is also standardized so that it can be moved by special machines. The main applications are in various industrial sectors. The pallets can also carry more static load than the classic Euro pallet. Areas where heavy loading is necessary require an industrial pallet. If the pallets are used for shipping, pallet shipping boxes or pallet containers are suitable.

Markings on the Pallet

Industrial pallets are marked with various labels. The markings are largely mandatory and must be noted on the pallets. The marking is done according to the EPAL system. The left corner block of the industrial pallets has the EPAL marking. Although this marking is not legally required to be noted on the pallets, it is often demanded and applied. There are some countries where the marking must be displayed. Italy is one such country.

Another marking on the industrial pallet is the manufacturer's code. To note this, a branding clip is used. Important to know: If repaired industrial pallets are put into circulation, they must be marked. For this purpose, inspection nails are used. Inspection nails must be attached once on the middle block and once on the long side. A look at the corner block on the right side shows that the EUR marking is found here.

The EPAL marking is also found on the left block. Here it is enclosed in an oval border. Some companies use the opportunity to mark the industrial pallet with their own label. For this, there is space on the middle block. Known markings include DB for Deutsche Bahn. This allows the pallets to be assigned. The reference to the country where the pallet was manufactured can also be noted on the middle block. Often, numbers are found at this point. The sequence of numbers also has a meaning. They represent the year of manufacture. The manufacturer number and the month in which the pallet was manufactured are also integrated into the pallet in this way. To indicate that the wood used is pest-free, an IPPC marking is used.

Industrial Pallets in Different Usage Stages

When an industrial pallet has been used, it is not immediately discarded. Instead, there are different classifications of a pallet's usability. New pallets are used in areas where sensitive products, such as food, are handled. If a pallet has already been used but shows no defects, it is considered a like-new pallet. It is important that no more than two different exchange processes have been carried out with this pallet. Classic industrial companies like to use a like-new pallet to save costs. However, the prerequisite is that the pallet has no splinters and is completely intact.

If a pallet already has a defect but is still usable, it is referred to as exchangeable. However, they are no longer used in industrial companies. Instead, companies and providers, such as freight forwarders, use these pallets. Used industrial pallets must be repaired before they can be put back into circulation. The repaired industrial pallets must be marked. Additionally, they may only be repaired by certain licensed companies. The reason for this is that there are precise guidelines for repairing an industrial pallet. These guidelines apply to major repairs as well as minor corrections. Even a wrongly placed nail can limit the usability of the industrial pallet.