Everything You Need to Know About Pallets in Ecommerce Fulfillment
Why They Matter, How They’re Used— What You Need to Know
What Is a Pallet?
A pallet is a flat, portable platform used to stack, store, and transport goods. Typically made of wood, plastic, or metal, pallets are the foundational unit in shipping and warehousing. They make it easier to move large quantities of products using forklifts, pallet jacks, or automated systems.
In ecommerce fulfillment, pallets play a critical role in inventory storage, order preparation, shipping, and receiving. Whether you’re a small online brand or a high-volume seller, understanding how pallets work can improve your operational efficiency, reduce shipping costs, and help protect your products.
Why Pallets Are Used in Ecommerce Fulfillment
Pallets are essential in modern fulfillment centers for several key reasons:
Efficient Storage
Pallets allow for vertical racking in warehouses, maximizing space.
They make it easy to group products by SKU, customer, or shipment.
Streamlined Handling
Forklifts and pallet jacks can move multiple boxes or totes at once, cutting labor time.
Palletization supports faster receiving and shipping processes.
Product Protection
By keeping goods off the floor, pallets reduce moisture damage, dirt exposure, and crushing.
Cost-Effective Shipping
Consolidating goods on a pallet minimizes the chance of damage and helps LTL (Less Than Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) carriers handle loads more efficiently.
Standardization
Pallet dimensions are often standardized, making it easier to design packaging, racking systems, and shipping strategies that work across carriers and countries.
How Ecommerce Companies Use Pallets in Fulfillment
Here’s how ecommerce brands use pallets in real-world fulfillment workflows:
Inbound Receiving
When goods arrive from manufacturers or suppliers, they’re often palletized. This makes it faster to unload and verify inventory.
Storage
Products are stored on pallets, either on the floor or in high-density pallet racks, sorted by SKU or product category.
Pick and Pack Operations
Orders can be picked directly from palletized stock or assembled into outbound pallets for B2B or wholesale shipments.
Outbound Shipping
Ecommerce brands shipping large B2B orders or participating in wholesale marketplaces like Faire or Abound often use pallets to ship consolidated loads to retailers or distribution centers.
Retail Fulfillment
DTC e-commerce brands that scale into retail often need to prep retail-ready pallets to meet big box store or distributor requirements.
Types of Pallets
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pallets. Different types serve different needs:
Wood Pallets
Most common and cost-effective.
Available in heat-treated (ISPM 15 compliant for export) or non-treated forms.
Recyclable and repairable, but susceptible to splinters and moisture.
Plastic Pallets
Durable, reusable, and cleaner than wood.
Ideal for hygienic environments (e.g., food or pharmaceuticals).
Higher upfront cost, but long-lasting.
Metal Pallets
Used for heavy-duty or specialized shipping.
Expensive but extremely durable and secure.
Corrugated Paper Pallets
Lightweight, recyclable, and often used for single-use international shipments.
Not ideal for heavy loads.
Standard Pallet Sizes
Different regions use different pallet size standards, but the most common in North America is the GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet.
North America
Standard - GMA / 48x40,
Dimensions - 48” x 40” (Fits standard racking & freight)
Europe
Standard - Euro Pallet (EUR 1)
Dimensions - 47.2” x 31.5” (Used across EU logistics)
Asia
Standard - ISO Standard (Asia)
Dimensions - 43.3” x 43.3” (Common in Japan and South Korea)
Australia
Standard - Australian Pallet
Dimensions - 45.9” x 45.9” (Compatible with Aussie containers)
Pallet Entry Types & Construction Styles
Entry Types:
2-Way Entry: Accessible from two sides (forklifts only).
4-Way Entry: Accessible from all four sides (forklift and pallet jack).
Top Deck Styles:
Stringer Pallet: Boards run lengthwise; popular in North America.
Block Pallet: Designed with blocks for higher load-bearing; more versatile entry.
Load Capacities & Weight Considerations
Dynamic Load Capacity: Weight the pallet can handle while being moved (~2,000–3,000 lbs).
Static Load Capacity: Weight the pallet can hold at rest (~4,000–6,000+ lbs).
Racking Load Capacity: Weight it can hold on a rack without bottom support (~1,000–2,500 lbs depending on type).
Pallet Labeling and Tracking
Ecommerce companies with high-volume operations often use pallet labels, barcodes, and RFID tags to:
Track SKUs by pallet
Monitor inventory movement
Automate warehouse management systems (WMS)
Palletization Best Practices for Ecommerce
Stack boxes evenly to avoid tipping or damage.
Use corner boards, stretch wrap, and straps to secure loads.
Consider layer pads for stability between levels.
Match pallet type and size to your carrier and destination requirements.
Label clearly with shipping info, SKU, and any handling instructions.
When a 3PL Like Rogue Fulfillment Uses Pallets
At Rogue Fulfillment, we work with ecommerce companies across industries like beauty, supplements, apparel, and hemp-derived products. Palletization is a key part of our:
Receiving process (for wholesale or supplier shipments)
Storage strategy (for high-volume SKUs or case-packed goods)
Pick & pack workflows (batch picking to pallet for outbound shipping)
Freight shipping (including B2B/retail shipments or cross-docking)
Pallet FAQs for Ecommerce Brands
Q: Can small ecommerce companies benefit from using pallets?
Yes—especially when shipping in bulk, storing excess inventory, or scaling into wholesale or retail distribution.
Q: What if my products vary in size and weight?
Custom pallet configurations or mixed-SKU pallets can be built by your 3PL for flexibility.
Q: Are there pallet requirements for Amazon FBA or big-box retailers?
Absolutely. Most have strict rules around pallet type, weight limits, labeling, and height. A good 3PL will help you stay compliant.
Final Thoughts: Pallets Are the Backbone of Ecommerce Fulfillment
Pallets may not be flashy, but they’re foundational to scaling your ecommerce brand. Whether you’re importing goods, storing them efficiently, or shipping wholesale orders, mastering palletization can help reduce costs, protect your products, and improve fulfillment speed.