1200×1000 plastic pallets: load capacity, uses and containers

In briefThe 1200×1000 mm pallet is the ISO industrial pallet size, common in Europe and Asia, with a quarter more deck area than the euro pallet. In plastic you will mostly find it as a heavy-duty pallet with runners: 18-25 kg, 1,250-1,500 kg dynamic load and 1,000-1,400 kg racking load.

The 1200×1000 mm plastic pallet is built to one of the six sizes in ISO 6780 ^[1]. In Europe it is the second size after the euro pallet, and it is also common in Asia ^[2]. In the UK it is often simply called the standard pallet.

Why 1200×1000: 20 cm more on the short side

Compared with the 1200×800 you get 0.24 m² more deck: 1.20 m² against 0.96 m². Manufacturers' data sheets present it as the larger alternative to the euro pallet ^[3]. Sacks, industrial cartons and drums fit that deck better.

For the chemical industry some manufacturers offer closed-deck hygienic models in this size, also aimed at pharmaceuticals and food ^[3].

Classes in 1200×1000

In plastic the 1200×1000 comes in every class, but the most common models are heavy-duty with runners. The values below come from data sheets.

The ranges are the same as for the 1200×800. A lightweight pallet weighs 4-9 kg, holds 650-1,000 kg dynamic and 1,500-2,500 kg static, and generally does not go into racking. A heavy-duty pallet weighs 18-25 kg, holds 1,250-1,500 kg dynamic and 4,500-7,500 kg static, and carries 1,000-1,400 kg in racking; with steel sections it reaches up to about 1,750 kg, according to the data sheets ^[5][6]. On one runner model, reinforcement takes the racking load from 1,000 to 1,400 kg ^[6].

For the medium-duty class in 1200×1000 we have found no independent data sheets besides ROLL's: ask for the values of the model, ideally with a supply specification and acceptance test. The possible bases are 2, 3, 5 or 6 runners, or 9 feet for nestable pallets ^[3]. How to read a data sheet is explained in the guide to plastic pallet load capacity.

Which class to choose in 1200×1000

Start from the use, then look at the data sheet.

• One-way shipping or export: a nestable pallet on 9 feet. It is light (7 kg in the table example) and, when empty, takes up a fraction of the space ^[7].
• Pallet racking: a heavy-duty pallet with runners that declares a racking load, with or without steel depending on the load per position ^[5][6]. For racking ROLL offers the PP69, also in 1000×1200 (PP69-100): 17.5 kg, steel bars, 1,200 kg racking load according to the manufacturer's data sheet ^[8].
• Conveyors and automated warehouses: 5 runners or perimeter runners. Data sheets recommend runner models for roller conveyors and automated warehouses ^[6].
• Chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals: a closed deck, which can be washed and holds no residue ^[3].

The types are compared in the guide to plastic pallet types.

Trailers and containers

One logistics operator's tables give 26 single-stacked 1200×1000 pallets in a standard trailer and up to 22 in a 40 ft container ^[4]. For the 20 ft container the same tables give 10 pallets ^[4]; our single-stacked calculation gives 9. The internal floor measures about 5,898×2,352 mm: along the container you place one row of 5 pallets with the 1200 mm side across (5 × 1,000 = 5,000 mm) and, beside it, one row of 4 with the 1000 mm side across (4 × 1,200 = 4,800 mm), 2,200 mm wide in all. A tenth pallet would need 6,000 mm in one of the two rows, more than the 5,898 mm available.

The same operator warns that the real number depends on weight, fragility, height and any ADR rules for dangerous goods ^[4]. For empty pallets the numbers go up a lot: the data sheet of one heavy-duty runner pallet gives 141 pallets in a 20 ft and 300 in a 40 ft container ^[6]. If you ship pallets to be returned or delivered to a customer, always ask the manufacturer for the loading plan.

In racking: follow the data sheet, including for orientation

In pallet racking the pallet spans two beams: it has no support in the middle and works as a bridge. That is why the racking load counts, the lowest of the three ratings, which applies to a pallet resting only on the beams, with no shelf, under a distributed load ^[9]. On a solid shelf or on the floor, by contrast, the pallet rests on a surface and the static load (standing) and the dynamic load (being moved) apply.

A 1200×1000 can rest on the beams on its 1000 side or on its 1200 side. The clear span changes, and with it the deflection of the deck: ISO 8611 tests the pallet in both directions ^[12]. As a rule the runners go at 90° to the beams, crossing them. For the 1200×800 the usual position in Europe is the 800 side on the aisle and the 1200 side into the bay ^[11]; for the 1200×1000 the same principle applies, but the data sheet tells you which side.

Public sources give no rule that holds for every model. So:

• only put the pallet in racking if the data sheet declares a racking load;
• ask the manufacturer which side it was tested on and in which direction the runners ran;
• check with the racking installer that the depth and beam spacing are compatible.

The full topic is covered in the guide to rackable plastic pallets.

Drums, sacks and concentrated loads

Data-sheet load capacities apply to a uniform load. Four drums standing on the deck are four concentrated loads: the deck flexes between supports more than under a distributed load. The same goes for a reel. Before loading heavy drums, ask the manufacturer to check that configuration. To keep them in place during transport, see load securing.

Export outside Europe

The 1200×1000 is also common in Asia ^[2]. A plastic pallet is excluded from the ISPM 15 phytosanitary standard, which covers wood packaging only ^[10]. Wooden chocks or boards used on the pallet, however, are covered. The details are in the guide to export without fumigation, other sizes on the pallet sizes page. For prices, see plastic pallet prices.

Found a mistake or an outdated figure? Write to us at info@roll-packaging.com