At a Glance
- EPAL pallet dimensions
- 120 x 80 cm (Euro pallet)
- Load capacity
- Up to 1,500 kg dynamic
- Pallet note
- Debt document where no exchange takes place
EPAL: the standard for Euro pallets
EPAL (European Pallet Association) is the organisation that defines and licenses Euro pallet quality standards. An EPAL pallet measures 120x80 cm and carries wood markings, the EPAL logo and an inspection stamp. Only certified EPAL pallets are accepted in the exchange system – damaged or uncertified pallets are refused.
How does pallet exchange work?
On delivery the driver hands over loaded pallets and takes away the same number of empty EPAL pallets. The consignee signs for the quantity. If no exchange pallets are available, the driver issues a pallet note – this records how many pallets the consignee owes the consignor. Pallet notes can be traded or set off.
What to do in a pallet dispute
Disputes over the number or quality of pallets are among the most common operational problems in the forwarding business. Our recommendation: count pallets at handover and have the count confirmed on the consignment note. Photograph damaged pallets. With major customers, introduce regular pallet account reconciliation.
