Half pallet: Definition, measurements, and main uses

The half pallet plays an important role in logistics and warehousing. Like its full-size counterpart, it streamlines product movement and simplifies storage on shelves. Thanks to its smaller footprint, it offers exceptional versatility — perfect for tight spaces and transporting smaller volumes of goods. Its adaptability makes it a practical solution for a variety of needs and applications.

In this post, we review the standard sizes of half pallets and the most common materials that go into manufacturing them. We’ll also provide a guide to the most frequently employed types and their applications in industry.

What is a half pallet?

A half pallet, also known as a display pallet, is a unit load widely utilized in logistics and warehousing. While it can be employed across many sectors, it’s most common in the retail and food industries. Half pallets make inventory replenishment easier, and their compact size makes them suitable for showcasing products at points of sale.

Like standard pallets, half pallets can be made from different materials:

• Wooden half pallet. These are one of the most popular options on the market due to their cost-effectiveness. Strong and reliable, they can be repaired after heavy wear. Half wooden pallets are broadly utilized for consumer goods, though they may require cross bars or support surfaces to be stored in certain racking systems.
• Plastic half pallet. Typically made from injection-molded plastic, these weigh less than wooden models and are easier to clean. This makes them a good choice for retailers that require safe, hygienic handling of products at sales outlets. They also tend to be more durable than wooden pallets.
• Metal half pallet. Although these half pallets are similar in design to their wooden versions, their high strength makes them optimal for the automotive and metal industries.
• Cardboard half pallet. Made from corrugated board or rigid paper, they are designed for a single application. They’re lighter than their wooden counterparts and usually cheaper. Disposable and recyclable cardboard formats are becoming increasingly available.

How big is a half pallet?

Half pallets don’t come in just one size — their dimensions vary depending on where in the world they’re employed. Here are some of the most common formats:

• In North America, smaller pallets are available alongside the standard 48" × 40" American or GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet. Half pallet dimensions are typically 40" × 24" or 48" × 20".
• Quarter pallets, roughly 20" × 24" or 24" × 20", are often used for promotional displays and small-volume shipments. Meanwhile, the less common third pallets, typically 40" × 16" or 40" × 18", are mainly for special applications.
• In Europe, the half Euro pallet measures 600 × 800 mm, half the length of a standard Euro pallet. It’s especially popular in the food industry, where its handy size makes product replenishment quicker and easier.

Half pallet applications

Half pallets are widely employed in retail distribution and the FMGC sector. By handling smaller quantities, they make inventory replenishment easier. They can serve both in warehouses, out of customers’ view, and directly in sales spaces — which is why they’re also called display pallets.

This format enables companies to present goods to shoppers exactly as they arrive from the warehouse. Half pallets are often seen in DIY stores, garden centers, and supermarkets, where they make it simpler to keep shelves stocked — particularly for high-demand products.

The half pallet in warehousing and transportation

The smaller size of half pallets allows more items to be stored on shelves, making them ideal for FMCGs and products already at points of sale. In most cases, two half pallets can fit in the space of a single GMA pallet.

Small pallets can also be utilized in some automated storage solutions. If a system is designed for standard-size pallets, half pallets may need to be consolidated or placed on slave pallets (platforms that support other pallets). If the storage solution is calibrated for full pallets, adjustments are sometimes necessary, which is why it’s best to consult professionals.

When it comes to transportation, half pallets are easier to handle and relocate, making them a practical choice for order picking and fulfillment. They also enable companies to utilize smaller vehicles for distribution. This can speed up last-mile delivery — especially to stores with limited space.

The half pallet: A tailored solution

Half pallets are a valuable logistics tool that offers flexibility and efficiency, particularly in retail environments. When properly integrated into the supply chain, they help optimize both storage space and distribution operations. They can reduce transportation costs, make better use of storage capacity, and cut down on packaging waste. In a market that values agility, sustainability, and operational efficiency, the half pallet is an appealing option for maximizing space and cost-effectiveness.