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How Much Weight Can a Pallet Hold?

A standard GMA 48x40 wood pallet holds 4,600 lbs of static load and 2,800 lbs of racked load under ASTM D1185 testing. United States Pallets supplies new, recycled, custom, and ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets to commercial buyers in all 50 states, with a 50-pallet minimum order and a written quote target of under 2 business hours.

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Quick Answer: A standard GMA 48x40 wood pallet holds 4,600 lbs of static load and 2,800 lbs of racked load under ASTM D1185 testing.

Detailed Answer

ASTM D1185 defines six pallet test methods producing standard capacity ratings: static compression (max apparent load), dynamic compression (vibration/transit), racking (supported on ends only), fork-lift handling, sling handling, and inclined impact. Standard 48x40 GMA stringer pallets test at 4,600 lbs static / 2,800 lbs dynamic / 2,800 lbs racked. Block pallets typically test 5,500 lbs static / 3,800 lbs racked. Recycled Grade A pallets test 3,500 lbs static, Grade B 2,200 lbs. Heavy-duty industrial pallets can test up to 8,000+ lbs static. Specify ASTM D1185 ratings in your RFQ to ensure capacity match.

Authoritative Sources

ASTM D1185
NWPCA Uniform Standard
ISO 8611

Companion Resources

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