Buy GMA Pallets For Food

As part of their efforts to make distribution operations smoother, the Grocery Manufacturers Association recommended a standard pallet footprint of 48″x40″. Pallets of these dimensions are now commonly referred to as GMA pallets and are widely used in North America and beyond.

They are the most popular pallet size in the US, with a footprint of 48″ x 40″. The GMA pallet standards, dimensions, and specifications will be covered in full in this book, along with information on the wood pallets that grocery producers, distributors, and retailers utilize. Despite the fact that the GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) is now known as the Consumer Brands Association, suppliers, distributors, and grocery shops are all familiar with the standards and directives the GMA established for the use of pallets in the food sector. The GMA’s suggested pallets spread so rapidly that many people now consider them to be the norm when carrying groceries in the US.

GMA pallets are also known as:

• Standard 48” x 40” pallets
• GMA 48” x 40” pallets
• GMA block pallets

What are the sizes and specifications of GMA pallets?

GMA pallets are among the most common wood pallets used in the US. They are designed according to the guidelines established by the GMA and they meet the following criteria:

• A footprint of 48” x 40”
• The minimum load-bearing capacity of 2,500lbs
• 4-way forklift entry with 2 notches on the side
• Both top and bottom deck boards must be at least 0.5” thick
• 1x 5.5” x 40” board on each end of the top of the pallet with five 3.5” x 40” boards in the middle
• 1x 5.5” x 40” board on each end of the bottom of the pallet with 3 3.5” x 40” boards between the notches
• Pallet height: GMA pallets are usually 6.5” tall.
• pallets are heat-treated for international shipping.

GMA pallet grades

GMA pallet grades relate to the condition of the pallet. Grades are determined as follows:

• Premium grade: premium pallets are in excellent condition with very little sign of use and no repairs.
• Grade A or #1: grade A or #1 pallets are in good condition. They have usually only been used a few times and have been restored where necessary. Examples of repairs may include replacing broken stringers or replacing damaged deck boards.
• Grade B or #2: grade B or #2 pallets have usually had stringers repaired or replaced, most commonly by placing an additional stringer next to the damaged one. This is known as a companion, double or block stringer. In most cases, a grade B pallet will have a maximum of two restored stringers.
• Grade C or #3: grade C or #3 pallets are generally in poor condition and are not accepted by most companies. These pallets will have been used and repaired several times and they may have inconsistent deck boards and multiple companion stringers.