Pallet transport in Europe: how it works

Pallets in international transport

The pallet is the standard loading unit in road freight transport. A standard semi-trailer can hold 33 euro pallets (80x120 cm) or 26 industrial pallets (100x120 cm) placed on the floor. By stacking on two levels, capacity doubles for light goods.

Almost all goods travelling by road in Europe are handled on pallets. This simplifies loading and unloading, reduces handling times and protects goods during transport.

Pallet types and standard sizes

International transport mainly uses two formats. The choice of format affects the number of pallets that can be loaded and therefore the cost per pallet.

• Euro pallet (EPAL/EUR): 80x120 cm, maximum weight 1,500 kg, the most used in Europe
• Industrial pallet: 100x120 cm, maximum weight 1,500 kg, common in trade with non-EU countries
• Half pallet: 60x80 cm, used for small volumes and large-scale retail
• Non-standard pallet: any non-standard size, requires specific volumetric calculation

How pallet shipping costs are calculated

In groupage, the cost of a pallet shipment is based on three variables: number of pallets, total weight and load height. If the load is light but tall, chargeable (volumetric) weight applies. If heavy but low, actual weight applies.

The chargeable weight formula is: length (m) x width (m) x height (m) x 333 = chargeable weight in kg. The cost is always calculated on the greater of actual weight and chargeable weight. This is why it is important to optimise pallet height.

How to prepare a pallet for transport

A poorly prepared pallet is the main cause of damage during transport. Goods must be arranged stably, must not protrude beyond the pallet edges and must be secured with stretch film or strapping.

The maximum recommended height for a groupage pallet is 180-200 cm from the ground (pallet included). Taller loads may be accepted but limit the ability to stack other pallets on top, increasing cost.

• Use intact pallets in good condition
• Do not let goods protrude beyond the pallet edges
• Wrap with at least 3-4 layers of stretch film
• Protect edges with cardboard corner protectors
• Clearly indicate weight, recipient and "FRAGILE" if necessary

Delivery times for pallet shipments

Times depend on destination and service type. In groupage, pallet shipments from Puglia typically require 4-7 working days for France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Times for Spain and Luxembourg are similar.

Italfrance S.r.l. operates fixed weekly departures. Collection is at the client's premises or by direct delivery to our 5,000 sqm warehouse in Bisceglie.

Request a quote for pallet shipments

For an accurate quote, we need: number of pallets, dimensions (length x width x height), weight per pallet, collection point and destination. With this data we calculate the exact cost within 24 hours.

We handle shipments from 1 pallet up to full truck load. For large volumes we also consider the FTL option. Contact us on +39 348 331 4224 or by email at italfrance.srl@libero.it.