Industry Standards

The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) is the largest organization of wood packaging professionals in the world. Founded in 1947, the NWPCA represents over 700 member companies including pallet manufacturers, recyclers, suppliers, and related businesses. The organization serves as the primary voice of the wood packaging industry in North America.

The NWPCA develops and promotes industry standards, provides educational resources, conducts market research, and advocates for the industry with government agencies and regulatory bodies. The association manages the Pallet Design System (PDS), a computer-aided engineering tool that allows pallet designers to optimize pallet specifications based on load requirements, handling conditions, and cost parameters.

Through its Pallet Recycling and Reuse Initiative, the NWPCA promotes sustainable practices across the industry. The association tracks and publishes data on pallet recycling rates, wood recovery, and environmental impact. NWPCA member companies adhere to best practices for pallet manufacturing, repair, and recycling, ensuring consistent quality and environmental responsibility.

The European Pallet Association (EPAL) manages the EUR pallet system, which is the dominant pallet standard across Europe and one of the largest pallet pooling systems in the world. With over 600 million EPAL pallets in circulation and approximately 100 million new pallets produced annually, the EPAL system is a cornerstone of European logistics infrastructure.

EPAL pallets are built to extremely precise specifications. The standard EUR 1 pallet measures 800 x 1200 mm (approximately 31.5 x 47.2 inches) and uses block construction with 9 blocks providing true four-way forklift access. Each pallet uses exactly 78 special nails in a specified pattern. The wood must be kiln-dried or heat-treated, and moisture content must not exceed 22%.

One of the most important features of the EPAL system is exchangeability. EPAL pallets can be exchanged one-for-one between trading partners across all EPAL member countries. This eliminates the need for pallet return logistics and simplifies international trade within Europe. Each pallet is branded with the EPAL and EUR marks, along with the producing country code and license number, ensuring traceability.

EPAL also defines several pallet sizes beyond the standard EUR 1, including EUR 2 (1200 x 1000 mm), EUR 3 (1000 x 1200 mm), and EUR 6 (800 x 600 mm, a half-pallet). Quality control is maintained through regular audits of licensed producers, and EPAL pallets can be repaired only by licensed repair companies using approved methods and materials.

CHEP (Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool) is the world's largest pallet pooling company, operating in over 60 countries. Founded in Australia in 1945, CHEP now manages a pool of over 350 million pallets and containers globally. The company is recognizable by its distinctive blue pallets, which have become ubiquitous in retail and consumer goods supply chains.

The CHEP pooling model works on a rental basis. Manufacturers rent pallets from CHEP, load their products, and ship to retailers or distribution centers. The retailer then makes the pallets available for CHEP collection. CHEP inspects, repairs if necessary, and reissues the pallets back into the pool. This shared-use model eliminates the need for individual companies to purchase, manage, and track their own pallet fleets.

CHEP pallets are built to high specifications and maintained consistently. In North America, CHEP uses the standard 48x40 inch GMA-compatible format. The pallets are designed for durability with an average lifespan of approximately 10 years and can make dozens of trips through the supply chain before requiring repair or replacement. The blue color helps distinguish CHEP pallets from white-wood (company-owned) pallets in the supply chain.

While CHEP pallets offer advantages in terms of quality consistency and eliminating pallet management overhead, it is important to note that CHEP pallets remain the property of CHEP at all times. Unauthorized use, sale, or retention of CHEP pallets can result in fees and legal action. Businesses should ensure they have a valid CHEP account and understand the terms of the pooling agreement before using CHEP pallets.

The GMA pallet specification is more than just dimensions. It defines construction details that ensure consistent performance across the supply chain. Understanding these specifications helps buyers verify quality and ensures compatibility with automated handling systems, racking, and transportation equipment.

For stringer-style GMA pallets, the standard calls for three stringers made from nominal 2x4 lumber (actual 1.5 x 3.5 inches). The top deck consists of seven boards with the two lead boards measuring 5.5 inches wide and the five inner boards measuring 3.5 inches wide. Board spacing is typically 2.5 to 3.25 inches. The bottom deck uses five boards in a similar arrangement.

Nail patterns are also specified. Each deck board is fastened to each stringer with two nails for boards under 4 inches wide and three nails for boards 4 inches and wider. Only helically or annularly threaded nails should be used, as smooth-shank nails do not provide adequate withdrawal resistance for the demands of modern supply chains.

For block-style GMA pallets, nine blocks are used (three rows of three) with perimeter and center stringer boards connecting the blocks. Block pallets provide true four-way forklift entry without notching, making them preferred for automated warehouse systems where pallet orientation cannot be guaranteed.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food contact materials under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. While wood pallets are not directly regulated as food contact materials in most cases, pallets used to transport food products must comply with FDA sanitary transportation requirements under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

The FSMA Sanitary Transportation Rule (21 CFR Part 1, Subpart O) requires that vehicles and transportation equipment, including pallets, used in the transport of food be designed and maintained to prevent the food from becoming contaminated. This means pallets must be clean, free of pest infestation, and free of contaminants such as chemicals, oils, or other hazardous substances.

For direct food contact applications (where food products rest directly on the pallet surface without secondary packaging), the requirements are more stringent. The FDA considers the pallet surface to be a food contact surface, requiring that it be made of materials that are safe, nonabsorbent, and cleanable. In practice, this often means plastic or metal pallets for direct contact, though heat-treated, clean wood pallets are acceptable for most packaged food transport.

The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) framework used by food manufacturers also addresses pallet hygiene. Many food companies require their pallet suppliers to demonstrate compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and provide documentation of heat treatment, cleaning procedures, and pest management programs.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not publish a specific standard dedicated solely to pallet storage. However, multiple OSHA standards apply directly to how pallets are stored, handled, and used in the workplace. Employers are responsible for ensuring pallet storage practices comply with general duty clause requirements (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.

OSHA Standard 1910.176 (Handling Materials - General) requires that storage areas be kept free from accumulation of materials that constitute hazards from tripping, fire, explosion, or pest infestation. It also requires that stored materials be stacked, blocked, interlocked, and limited in height so they are stable and secure against sliding or collapse. This directly applies to pallet stacking practices.

Fire safety is a critical concern with pallet storage. OSHA references NFPA 13 (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems) for guidance on fire protection in facilities storing combustible materials. Idle pallet storage areas are classified as high-hazard occupancies due to the combustible nature of wood. NFPA guidelines recommend limiting idle pallet stack heights, maintaining minimum aisle widths, and ensuring adequate sprinkler protection for pallet storage areas.

Forklift operation around pallet stacks is covered under OSHA Standard 1910.178. Operators must be trained and certified, and loads must not exceed the forklift rated capacity. Damaged pallets should be removed from service immediately to prevent load instability and potential injuries during material handling operations.