Grocery stores, distribution centers and manufacturing plants all use pallets to handle food and beverages. To ensure the process of moving products between warehouses and locations is quick and standardized, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has established a set of guidelines for all food industry pallets. Pallets manufactured to GMA specifications are typically referred to as GMA pallets. A GMA pallet is one of the six most common size pallets, and is by far the most popular size in the US. A GMA pallet has:
An overall footprint of 48”x40” and typical overall thickness of 4 3/4”
A minimum load-bearing capacity of 2,500 pounds
Four-way forklift entry with two notches on the side
Top and bottom deck boards are a minimum of 1/2 inch thick
A 5 1/2″ x 40″ board on each end of the pallet top, and five 3 1/2″ x 40″ boards in the center
A 5 1/2″ x 40″ board on each end of the pallet bottom, and three 3 1/2″ x 40″ boards between the notches
