GMAPaletten

GMAPaletten are standard wooden pallets defined for North American logistics by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA). The most common size is 40 by 48 inches (1016 by 1219 mm). This size is widely used in the grocery, consumer goods, and retail sectors to move and store palletized goods.

GMAPaletten are designed for four-way forklift access and typically use a stringer construction. The standard height is about 5.5 inches, but there are variations in board configuration, stringers, and overall dimensions depending on supplier and application. Load ratings depend on wood grade and construction but are commonly in the range of 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. They are used both as returnable pallets within closed-loop supply chains and as one-way or pooled pallets in distribution networks.

Materials and handling: GMAPaletten are predominantly made from softwood lumber, such as pine. For international shipments, pallets may be heat-treated to meet ISPM 15 requirements, and carry an appropriate stamp. Domestic pallets may be untreated or lightly treated depending on the supplier and customer requirements.

Relation to other standards: GMAPaletten differ from the European EUR-pallet, which measures 80 by 120 cm, and they are not always directly interchangeable in cross-continental shipping. In such cases, adapters, different pallets, or dual-pallet handling solutions may be used.

Care and lifecycle: Pallets can be repaired or rebuilt to extend their life. They are inspected for damage, with unusable pallets retired and replaced to maintain safety and compatibility with handling equipment and storage systems.