In the world of international trade, logistics efficiency starts from the ground up, literally. Palletization, (the process of organizing and securing goods on pallets), is one of the fundamental pillars to ensure that a shipment arrives in optimal conditions, meeting deadlines, standards and expected costs.
Although it often goes unnoticed compared to other logistics processes, well-planned palletization can make the difference between a smooth operation and a problem at customs, damage in transit or unnecessary logistics cost.
In this article we explain what palletization is, what types of pallets exist, how it influences the international logistics chain and why choosing the right type of pallet (such as European or American) can have a direct impact on the success of your shipments.
What is palletization and what is its role in logistics?
Palletizing is the process by which products are grouped, organized and secured on a rigid platform, the pallet, to facilitate their transportation, handling, storage and distribution.
This practice is essential in modern logistics, as it allows the movement of large volumes of goods in a safe, standardized and efficient manner.
Using pallets allows:
📦 Group multiple load units into a single manipulable block.
🚛 Streamline loading and unloading in warehouses, vehicles and containers.
🏭 Optimize space both in storage and transport.
🧯 Reduce damage to goods during transit.
📉 Reduce logistics costs by facilitating the use of machinery (forklifts, pallet trucks, cranes, etc.).
Palletization is not simply a matter of operational convenience, but also a strategic necessity: poorly palletized cargo can lead to inefficiencies, additional costs, regulatory non-compliance (such as ISPM 15 for wooden pallets) and even rejections at the border.
In international operations, where different actors, regulations and modes of transport are involved, correct palletization ensures fluidity throughout the logistics chain and helps to maintain the integrity and traceability.
Most commonly used pallet types
In international logistics, the choice of pallet type is a strategic decision that directly influences transportation cost, warehousing efficiency and regulatory compliance.
There are several types of pallets, classified mainly by the material of manufacture, each with specific characteristics, uses and advantages.
Depending on the material
Wooden pallets: They are the most widely used pallets worldwide. They offer good resistance, are reusable and easy to repair.
✅ Advantages: low cost, high availability, good structural performance.
⚠️ Disadvantages: require phytosanitary treatment (ISPM 15) if exported outside the EU.
Plastic pallets: Increasingly common, especially in sectors with high hygienic requirements such as food or pharmaceuticals.
✅ Advantages: moisture resistant, easy to clean, durable.
⚠️ Disadvantages: higher initial cost, difficult to repair.
Pressed cardboard or molded fiber pallets: Designed for single-use shipments or to optimize weight. Very light weight.
✅ Advantages: environmentally friendly, economical, does not require ISPM 15.
⚠️ Disadvantages: low resistance to heavy loads or humidity.
Metal pallets: Used in specific industrial applications where very heavy loads or resistance to extreme environments are required.
✅ Advantages: maximum strength and durability.
⚠️ Disadvantages: very expensive and not very versatile.
According to structural design
2 entry pallets: Accessed by machinery from two sides. More economical, but less practical.
4 entry pallets: They can be handled from any side, which facilitates their logistic handling.
Reversible or non-reversible pallets: Some have usable surface on both sides, others only on one side.
Each type of pallet has its ideal application. Making the right choice depends on factors such as type of cargo, country of destination, sanitary requirements, intended reuse and cost-benefit ratio.
In the following section we will go into detail about one of the most important decisions: the choice between European pallet and American pallet.
European pallet vs American pallet: which one to use?
In international trade, one of the key aspects in palletizing is the choice of the standard pallet type, as it directly affects the compatibility with storage systems, means of transport and regulations of the destination country.
The two most widely used formats globally are the European pallet (EUR/EPAL) and the American pallet (GMA/ISO).
Standard sizes European Pallet (EUR or EPAL)
Dimensions: 1200 x 800 mm
Approximate weight: 25 kg
Load capacity: up to 1500 kg
Widely used in Europe and surrounding countries.
Standard Stocking American Pallet (GMA or ISO)
Dimensions: 1200 x 1000 mm
Approximate weight: 30 kg
Load capacity: similar, but may vary according to model
Common in the United States, Canada, Asia and Latin America.
Logistics comparison
📦 Space utilization: The European pallet allows better organization in European warehouses, where racks and shelves are adapted to its size. However, the American pallet can be more efficient in sea containers for certain destinations outside Europe.
🚛 Transport and storage compatibility: Choosing the right pallet for the target market can reduce handling costs and minimize problems of incompatibility with machinery or racking.
🛃 Regulations and treatments: Both formats may be manufactured in wood and must comply with ISPM 15 if used in exports outside the EU. The presence of the IPPC seal is mandatory.
🌍 Which one to choose?
If you export within Europe: the European pallet is the most efficient and standardized option.
If you are exporting to the USA, Asia or Latin America: the American pallet may offer better compatibility with local infrastructures.
In any case, the choice must take into account both the destination of the shipment and the conditions of the product, the type of transport and regulatory requirements.
Main palletizing systems
The way products are placed on a pallet directly influences load stability, space utilization and safety during transport. Choosing the right palletizing system reduces damage, improves handling efficiency and complies with international logistics standards.
Related content: How many pallets fit in a 20-foot and 40-foot container.
Types of palletizing by method
Manual palletizing
Performed by operators.
It requires experience and care, especially with fragile or irregularly shaped goods.
✔️ Greater control over small or customized loads.
❌ More time and risk of human error.
Automatic palletizing
It uses specific machinery (robotic palletizers) to load products systematically.
✔️ High speed, accuracy and consistency.
❌ It requires investment and is viable only with large volumes and homogeneous products.
Load placement techniques
In column (column stack)
The boxes are placed on top of each other, perfectly aligned.
✔️ Good vertical resistance.
❌ Less lateral stability; extra fixation recommended.
Cross (interleaved or brick pattern)
The layers are placed alternating direction to form a more solid structure.
✔️ Better overall stability.
❌ It can deform weak boxes if they are not well reinforced.
Mixed (column + cross)
It combines both techniques to optimize vertical resistance and lateral stability.
Other factors to consider
📦 Type of packaging (boxes, sacks, drums).
⚖️ Weight distribution.
📛 Product fragility.
📏 Total height allowed (by regulation or by type of transport).
📍 Need for fasteners (stretch film, corner pieces, strapping).
A poorly executed palletizing system not only puts the goods at risk, but can also affect handling time, transportation cost and the integrity of the logistics chain.
Keys to efficient palletizing
Efficient palletization not only improves logistics operations, but also reduces risks, optimizes space and minimizes costs. To achieve this, it is essential to follow a series of best practices that guarantee load stability and compliance with regulations at every link in the logistics chain.
Key factors for efficient palletizing
⚖️ Balanced weight distribution: The weight must be evenly distributed on the pallet to avoid tipping, deformation or breakage during transport.
📦 Compatibility between packaging and pallet: The dimensions of the boxes or packages must fit as closely as possible to the pallet surface to avoid protrusions, empty spaces or unbalanced loads.
⬆️ Adequate height and stability: The load must not exceed the maximum height permitted by the type of transport (container, trailer, etc.). In addition, stability must be ensured even in the event of sudden movements.
🧵 Secure securing of goods: It is essential to secure the cargo by means of stretch film, strapping, corner protectors or nets, depending on the type of product, to prevent shifting during transit.
🏷️ Labeling and visibility: Each unit load must be correctly identified to facilitate traceability and avoid errors at destination.
🚛 Ease of handling: It is advisable to use 4-way pallets to facilitate loading and unloading with forklifts or pallet trucks from either side.
📋 Regulatory compliance: In the case of wooden pallets destined for export, they must have the IPPC seal in accordance with ISPM 15, which guarantees that they have been treated to eliminate pests.
Palletizing and international standards
In international logistics operations, poor palletization not only compromises the integrity of the cargo, but can also result in non-compliance with key regulations that directly affect customs transit and acceptance of the goods in the destination country.
Phytosanitary Standard: ISPM 15
One of the most relevant requirements when using natural wood pallets is compliance with International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15). This standard, adopted by more than 180 countries, aims to prevent the spread of pests that can affect local ecosystems.
More information on this Standard is available at ISPM 15
Non-compliance risks
🚫 Holding of cargo in customs.
🔁 Re-export or destruction of the goods or packaging.
💸 Additional costs for downtime, incident management or reprocessing.
🛃 Stricter inspections on future shipments.
Other regulatory aspects associated with palletizing: In addition to ISPM 15, other regulatory and technical factors may affect international palletizing:
- Transport safety regulations (IMO, IATA, ADR).
- Weight or volume limitations by country or mode of transport.
- Labeling or traceability requirements for certain sectors (food, pharma, chemical).
It is therefore essential that palletization is planned not only from an operational perspective, but also from a legal and regulatory approach. Effective international logistics depends on both execution and compliance.
Across Logistics: your partner for efficient international logistics
At Across Logistics we understand that effective international logistics starts in the details, and palletization is one of the most critical. It’s not just about placing goods on a pallet, but about making informed decisions that affect the cost, safety, compliance and success of every shipment.
For this reason, we accompany our customers throughout the logistics process, offering solutions adapted to their needs, their sector and the destinations in which they operate.
Beyond transportation, we are a logistics partner that provides confidence, agility and strategic vision. Contact our specialists.
