Wooden Pallet Load Capacity: How Many Kg Can It Hold?

Choosing wooden pallets of the right size and type is a decisive factor in protecting your cargo and keeping your warehouse safe. This guide gives importers a detailed load-capacity chart and shows how to calculate the real working load for the most common types of wooden pallets we manufacture in Vietnam. As a Vietnam-based exporter, ICD Vietnam supplies these pallets FOB Vietnam, with USD pricing on request.

Static vs Dynamic Load Capacity: An Important Distinction

When discussing wooden pallet load capacity, you will meet two basic but easily confused concepts: static load capacity and dynamic load capacity.

Static load capacity is the weight of cargo resting on a stationary pallet that is not in motion. This value is higher because the pallet does not absorb the forces created by lifting and handling equipment.

Dynamic load capacity is the maximum weight while the pallet is lifted, lowered or transported by a forklift. This value is 40-60% lower than the static figure because the pallet also bears vibration and impact forces.

Criteria	Static load	Dynamic load
Usage condition	Cargo resting, not moving	Forklift lifting/lowering, in transit
Value range	1,000-5,000 kg	500-2,000 kg
Pallet selection	Based on warehouse storage conditions	Based on the type of forklift used

Load Capacity Chart by Wood Type and Standard Size

Below is a detailed load-capacity chart for the most common wooden pallet types we produce. Sizes are shown in millimetres, the standard footprints requested by export buyers. For market-specific requirements, see our overview of pallet standards by market.

Pallet type	Size	Static load	Dynamic load	Best for
Standard pine	1200x1000 mm	1,000-1,500 kg	500-700 kg	Light cargo, one-way export
Acacia, single deck	1200x1000 mm	1,500-2,500 kg	800-1,200 kg	General domestic warehousing
Acacia, double deck	1200x1000 mm	2,500-3,500 kg	1,200-1,800 kg	Stacked storage, heavy cargo
Rubberwood	1200x1000 mm	2,000-3,000 kg	1,000-1,500 kg	Food, medium-weight cargo
LVL pressed wood	1200x1000 mm	3,500-5,000 kg	1,800-2,500 kg	Machinery, heavy industrial goods
Standard EPAL pallet	1200x800 mm	4,000 kg	1,500 kg	Standard EU export

If you ship to Europe, the EPAL/EUR footprint is often mandatory. Learn more in our guide to EPAL EUR pallets.

7 Factors That Affect Real Load Capacity

Pallet load capacity is not a fixed number. The real working value depends on the following factors:

• Wood type: LVL pressed wood carries the highest load (3,500-5,000 kg); pine the lowest (1,000-1,500 kg).
• Size and design: The longer, wider and thicker the pallet, the higher the capacity. The spacing between deck boards affects rigidity.
• Wood quality: Timber free of cracks, insect damage and defects supports a higher load.
• Moisture content: Wood above 18% moisture reduces real capacity by 15-25%. Timber must be properly seasoned and kiln-dried.
• Operating environment: Cold storage, ambient warehouse or outdoor use each affect wood durability differently.
• Load distribution: Evenly spread cargo raises capacity. Concentrating weight in one corner reduces real capacity by 30-40%.
• Manufacturing technique: Pallets laminated or pressed to the correct process carry more than hand-built pallets. See our pallet manufacturing process.

Safety Factor: Why Not Use the Maximum Rated Load?

Many companies make a mistake: they plan around the maximum load printed in the chart. This is wrong because:

• Wood is not a perfect material: Material fatigue reduces strength over time.
• Unforeseen risks: Changes in moisture and impacts during transport reduce the real working load.
• Higher reliability: You should only use 70-80% of the maximum load to ensure long-term safety.

Worked example: A double-deck acacia pallet has a maximum static load of 3,500 kg. The recommended working load = 3,500 x 75% = 2,625 kg.

For Warehouse Managers: How to Calculate Required Capacity Before Ordering

Before selecting pallets to buy, a warehouse manager should follow these steps:

• Step 1: Determine the average cargo weight per pallet (kg).
• Step 2: Determine the type of movement (static, dynamic or combined). If forklifts are used, prioritise dynamic load.
• Step 3: Calculate required capacity = cargo weight divided by 0.75 (75% safety factor).
• Step 4: Compare against the load chart and choose a suitable pallet type.
• Step 5: Also consider wood type, durability, price and number of reuses. Compare options in our pine vs acacia pallets guide.

Common Mistakes That Overload Pallets and Their Consequences

Overloading a pallet causes serious consequences for the warehouse:

• Cracked or broken pallets: Cargo falls and is damaged, and workers can be injured (one accident equals a large cost).
• An unsafe warehouse: Reduced stacking plans take up more floor space and lower efficiency.
• Higher costs: Replacement pallets must be bought, insurance costs rise and production time is lost.
• Company reputation: Damaged cargo leads to customer complaints and lost orders.

Bottom line: Respecting the maximum load and the safety factor is a long-term investment that lowers your operating costs.

FAQ: Common Questions About Wooden Pallet Load Capacity

1. How long before a wooden pallet needs replacing?

It depends on usage conditions. Ambient warehouse: 3-5 years. Cold storage or outdoor: 1-2 years. Inspect regularly (every 3-6 months) to catch cracks and insect damage early.

2. Can I stack 3-4 pallets to save warehouse space?

Yes, but you must ensure the capacity of each pallet at the bottom layer. For example: with 4 stacked double-deck acacia pallets, the bottom layer bears the cargo plus 3 pallets above, so it must be checked carefully.

3. Which holds more, a wooden pallet or a plastic pallet?

LVL pressed wooden pallets carry a higher load than plastic pallets (3,500-5,000 kg vs 500-1,500 kg). However, plastic pallets are more durable and hygienic, making them suitable for food warehouses. See our wooden vs plastic pallets comparison.

4. How do I know how much my wooden pallet can hold?

Check the label or sticker on the pallet, or ask your supplier. If it is a used, second-hand pallet, send it for professional inspection or reduce the rated load by 30-40% to stay safe.

Request a Quote

Need wooden pallets engineered to a specific load rating for export from Vietnam? ICD Vietnam manufactures pine, acacia, rubberwood and LVL pallets to your size and capacity requirements, with ISPM 15 heat treatment for international shipments. Contact us to request a quote (RFQ) and our team will recommend the right pallet and confirm FOB Vietnam pricing in USD.