Understanding Amazon Pallet Requirements: A Complete Guide for Global Sellers
When shipping products to Amazon FBA warehouses, one of the most critical steps is ensuring your goods are packed and palletized correctly. Think of it as buying a ticket to entry: if your pallets don’t meet Amazon’s requirements, your shipment may be refused, delayed, or even incur extra fees.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Amazon FBA pallet requirements, standard pallet dimensions, and best practices to avoid costly mistakes.
Why Pallet Requirements Matter
Imagine this: a seller sends 20 pallets of consumer electronics to an Amazon Fulfillment Center. But the pallets exceed the maximum pallet height by just 10 cm. Instead of a smooth delivery, the shipment gets rejected at the dock, forcing costly rework, storage fees, and delays in restocking.
This scenario happens more often than you think. Knowing the typical pallet dimensions and FBA pallet requirements isn’t just about compliance—it’s about saving money, protecting your products, and keeping your Amazon account healthy.
Standard Pallet Dimensions Explained
Before we dive into Amazon-specific rules, let’s clarify what a standard pallet size actually means. Globally, there isn’t one single standard; dimensions vary by region and use case.
| Pallet Type | Standard Dimensions (L × W) | Height (Typical) | Region / Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Standard (GMA) | 48 × 40 in (122 × 102 cm) | 5.5 in base + load | USA / North America |
| Euro Pallet (EUR 1) | 120 × 80 cm (47.2 × 31.5 in) | Varies | Europe |
| UK Standard | 120 × 100 cm (47.2 × 39.4 in) | Varies | UK |
| Double Pallet Size | 96 × 40 in (244 × 102 cm) | Varies | Bulk freight |
🔗 Reference: ISO Pallet Dimensions
When people ask:
-
“What size is a typical pallet?” → In the US, it’s 48 × 40 inches.
-
“How big are pallets in feet?” → About 4 ft × 3.3 ft.
-
“What is the pallet size in USA?” → The GMA standard, 48 × 40 in.
Amazon FBA Pallet Requirements
Amazon uses these rules to standardize handling, safety, and storage efficiency.
1. Pallet Type
-
Must be wooden pallets, 40 × 48 inches (1,016 × 1,219 mm).
-
GMA Grade B or higher.
-
No broken boards, protruding nails, or contamination.
-
Plastic pallets are only allowed with prior approval.
2. Pallet Height and Weight
-
Maximum pallet height (including goods): 72 inches (182 cm).
-
Maximum pallet weight: 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
-
Pallets must be stackable and stable.
3. Palletizing Rules
-
All cartons on a pallet must be the same SKU (unless Amazon allows mixed-SKU pallets for specific cases).
-
Cartons must not overhang pallet edges.
-
Use shrink wrap tightly (clear wrap preferred).
-
Place a pallet label on each side.
4. Special Products
-
Liquids & Fragile Goods: Extra wrapping and dividers required.
-
Oversized Items: May require palletless shipping.
-
Hazardous Materials: Must comply with Amazon hazmat policy.
🔗 Reference: Amazon FBA Packaging & Prep Requirements
How to Prepare Your Pallets for Amazon FBA
Follow these steps to stay compliant:
-
Choose the right pallet – GMA standard, 40 × 48 in.
-
Stack boxes correctly – Align edges, avoid overhang.
-
Shrink wrap securely – At least 3 layers, wrap tightly.
-
Label everything – Each carton + 4 sides of the pallet.
-
Check dimensions & weight – Stay under the max pallet height and weight.
-
Book with your carrier – Confirm delivery slot at Amazon warehouse.
Common Mistakes Sellers Make
-
Using non-standard pallet sizes (Amazon will reject them).
-
Exceeding the FBA pallet height limit.
-
Overweight pallets (Amazon won’t unload them).
-
Poor shrink wrapping → unstable loads.
-
Incorrect or missing pallet labels.
💡 Pro Tip: Always double-check Amazon FBA box size limit 2024 updates to avoid compliance issues.
FAQs: Amazon Pallet Requirements
Q: What is the maximum pallet height for Amazon FBA?
A: 72 inches (182 cm).
Q: How much does a standard pallet weigh?
A: A GMA wooden pallet weighs 30–48 lbs. (A “blue pallet” or CHEP pallet weighs around 75 lbs.)
Q: Can I use Euro pallets for FBA shipments in the US?
A: No, Amazon US requires 40 × 48 in pallets. Euro pallets are only valid in EU warehouses.
Q: Do Amazon sell pallets?
A: No, Amazon does not sell pallets directly. You need to source them from local suppliers.
Q: What if my products exceed pallet size or weight?
A: You may need palletless shipping or Amazon’s oversized handling service.
Q: Can I mix SKUs on one pallet?
A: Generally no, unless specified otherwise by Amazon.
Zbao Logistics: Your FBA Pallet Partner
Navigating all these rules can be overwhelming. That’s where Zbao Logistics comes in. We specialize in Amazon pallet requirements, FBA storage, and global shipping solutions:
-
✅ Professional palletizing service (US & EU standards).
-
✅ Shrink-wrapping, labeling, and compliance checks.
-
✅ Consolidation and delivery to Amazon FBA warehouses worldwide.
-
✅ Transparent pricing and real-time tracking.
Whether you need Amazon pallet warehousing distribution, FBA pallet storage, or shipping pallets to Amazon FBA, our team ensures your products arrive on time and hassle-free.
📩 Contact us today to get a free consultation on your next FBA shipment.
Further Reading
