Export Plastic Pallets for Sale
Key information for export plastic pallet buyers
- Capacity: 2,200-5,300 lbs dynamic; up to 20,000 lbs static, depending on footprint and base style
- Price: $8-$20 each
- Common sizes: 1100×1100mm (43×43"), 1200×1000mm, and 1140×1140mm (CP8/CP9).
- Per pallet: Sized to carry one standard FIBC/Super Sack bulk bag or a cubed-out carton load.
- Per container: Roughly 40-52 pallets per 40' HC container depending on footprint.
- More: Browse all plastic pallets for sale and used plastic pallets for sale - sizes, types, and styles available.
Overview
Export plastic pallets are pallets built to match international shipping standards rather than domestic warehouse footprints. Their dimensions follow the ISO 6780 standard, which recognizes six approved pallet footprints for global trade, so the same core sizes repeat across chemical, agricultural, and manufacturing supply chains worldwide. Because they're plastic rather than raw wood, they're exempt from ISPM-15 phytosanitary treatment requirements, which removes a compliance step that wood export pallets require in most countries.
Pros & Cons
Not sure if export plastic pallets are the right choice for your needs? Consider these points:
Pros
- No ISPM-15 treatment or stamping required
- Matches ISO container dimensions, reducing wasted space
- Resistant to moisture and chemical exposure during long transit
- Consistent dimensions across international suppliers
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than a comparable wood export pallet
- Less common in used inventory than domestic-standard sizes
- Footprint may not match domestic racking once goods arrive
Common export sizes
Export plastic pallets follow ISO-recognized international footprints rather than the domestic 48×40 standard. Which size fits depends on the destination market and whether the load is bulk bags, drums, or cartons.
Load ratings vary by manufacturer, deck type, and base style. Source: ISO 6780 pallet dimension standard; manufacturer and industry references.
Frequently asked questions about export plastic pallets
Why do export plastic pallets need to be a different size than domestic pallets?
Export pallet sizes follow the ISO 6780 standard rather than the domestic 48×40 GMA standard, and they're chosen to minimize wasted floor space inside ISO shipping containers. A pallet sized for a 20' or 40' container fits more product per shipment than a domestic pallet dropped into the same container, which directly affects freight cost per unit shipped.
Do export plastic pallets need ISPM-15 treatment?
No. ISPM-15 only applies to solid wood packaging materials. Plastic pallets are completely exempt from ISPM-15 regulations, so there's no heat treatment, fumigation, stamping, or certificate required before shipping internationally. This is one of the main reasons exporters choose plastic over wood for export loads.
What's the difference between 1100×1100mm and 1200×1000mm export pallets?
The 1100×1100mm (43×43") size is common for shipments into and out of Asia and for chemical supply chains packing FIBC bulk bags, since the square footprint cubes out ocean containers efficiently. The 1200×1000mm size offers better universal compatibility, integrating well with both European and North American handling systems, which makes it a common choice when a shipment needs to move through multiple regions without repalletizing.
Can export plastic pallets be reused, or are they one-way?
Both exist. Lightweight nestable export pallets are often used as one-way pallets since they're rarely returned across international shipping lanes, which keeps upfront cost low relative to a reusable pooled pallet. Heavier rackable or stackable export pallets are built for repeat cycles when the supply chain includes a return leg.
Sources
Claims on this page are based on the ISO standard governing pallet dimensions, manufacturer and industry references on export pallet use, and Verde Trader's own transaction records.
Industry standards
- ISO 8611-1. International standard for flat pallet load testing methodology, used for the load rating figures cited on this page.
Export sizing and use case references
- TranPak - Standard Pallet Size by Country. Reference for ISO-recognized international pallet footprints and regional export sizing.
- iGPS Logistics - Pallet requirements for export. Reference for ISPM-15 plastic pallet exemption.
- ATEA - FIBC packaging guide. Reference for pallets-per-container loading figures for FIBC/bulk bag export.
Our sales data (what people actually buy)
- Verde Trader sold-order data. [PENDING - pg-mcp auth still failing]
