If you work in manufacturing, you’ve probably come across the term GMA pallet more than once.
It’s one of the most common types of pallets used in the supply chain today, yet few people outside of packaging or logistics fully understand its importance.
Originally designed to standardize grocery shipments across the United States, the GMA pallet has become the go-to choice for manufacturers in nearly every industry. Its simple design, dependable strength, and standardized size have helped streamline storage, transport, and handling operations for decades.
In this quick guide, we’ll explore the history behind the GMA pallet, what makes it unique, and how manufacturers today continue to rely on it for efficient and reliable packaging performance.
How We Got the GMA Pallet
In 1908, as various industries unionized across the United States, several grocers formed the American Specialty Manufacturers of America (ASMA).
Food processing conditions were questionable in the early 20th century. Part of the reason the ASMA was founded was to hammer out the sanitary and logistics details to advance the industry.
In the 1940s, after the ASMA helped to establish the Food and Drug Administration, the Association changed its name to the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA). Soon after, the new organization started developing the GMA pallet as a way to standardize the transportation of groceries further. Little did they know, the GMA pallet would quickly become one of the most popular forms of transportation packaging on the planet.
Although the GMA pallet started strictly in grocery stores, it soon became outrageously popular in many different industries.
Quickly, the GMA pallet saw rapid adoption in the United States.
Standardized Specs
The first iterations of the GMA pallet may have had more specifications, but the most essential spec was by far pallet dimensions.
Being 48 inches long by 40 inches wide, these dimensions proved revolutionary in shaping the manufacturing industry today. The 48×40 pallet dimensions were large enough to move moderate-sized manufacturing equipment yet narrow enough to be easily maneuvered in small spaces and vehicles.
Soon after its introduction, a GMA pallet simply became known for its dimensions. From then on, the original GMA pallet specifications gave way to more versatile options.
These days, GMA pallets are made from a variety of wood species and receive a wide array of different wood treatments – let’s break those down:
Commonly Used Materials
In the manufacturing industry, many different materials are used to construct a GMA pallet:
Hardwood: Known for strength and durability, hardwood pallets can handle heavier loads and are often used in high-demand industrial settings.
Softwood: Lighter and more affordable than hardwood, softwood pallets are ideal for single-use or lighter shipments while still offering solid performance.
Recycled Wood: Made from reclaimed boards and components, recycled pallets are a sustainable and cost-effective choice for manufacturers focused on reducing waste.
Plywood: Provides a smooth, uniform surface that works well for smaller items or products that require a clean base during transport.
Composite or Engineered Wood: Built from compressed wood fibers and resin, this material offers consistent strength and helps minimize warping or splitting.
Plastic: Durable and reusable with easy cleaning, plastic pallets are ideal for industries that require strict hygiene standards, such as food processing or pharmaceuticals.
Metal: Used in specialized or heavy-duty applications, metal pallets provide maximum strength and longevity in demanding environments.
Alternatively, many industry-specific manufacturers will opt to build a GMA pallet out of plastics and other synthetic materials.
Although this may be because of industry regulations, wood-built GMA pallets are more durable. Check out our direct comparison.
Treatment Options
Like many other wood products, the GMA pallet can be safeguarded with a myriad of wood treatments:
Heat Treatment (HT): The most common method for export compliance. Pallets are heated to a core temperature of 56°C for 30 minutes to kill pests and pathogens and meet ISPM-15 standards.
Kiln Drying (KD): Wood is dried in a kiln to reduce moisture content, which helps prevent warping, mold growth, and excess weight. This option is ideal for high-humidity environments or indoor storage.
Chemical Fumigation (MB): This process uses methyl bromide gas to eliminate pests. It is effective but is being phased out because of environmental concerns.
Pressure Treatment: Wood is infused with preservatives under pressure to resist rot, insects, and moisture. It is often used for pallets in outdoor or long-term applications.
Pallet Coatings or Sealants: Protective finishes can resist moisture, staining, or contamination, which is especially useful in food and beverage or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Weight Capacity and Performance
Understanding pallet performance starts with knowing the difference between static, dynamic, and racking load capacities. Each rating helps manufacturers determine how a GMA pallet will perform in different stages of use.
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Static Load Capacity: The maximum weight a pallet can support while sitting still on a solid surface, such as when it is stacked or stored.
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Dynamic Load Capacity: The amount of weight a pallet can safely carry while being moved by a forklift or pallet jack. This is one of the most important measurements for active production lines.
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Racking Load Capacity: The maximum weight a pallet can hold when supported only along the edges in a racking system, common in warehouses and storage facilities.
A standard GMA pallet can typically handle around 2,500 to 2,800 pounds of dynamic load, making it a dependable option for most manufacturing and distribution environments.
At Conner Industries, we evaluate your weight requirements to build GMA pallets that meet or exceed your operational demands, ensuring that every load is safe, efficient, and reliable.
Customization
While the GMA pallet follows a standardized footprint, it’s far from a one-size-fits-all solution. Manufacturers in industries like beverage, steel, and glass often need pallets that can withstand unique product weights, moisture levels, or environmental conditions.
At Conner Industries, our engineers custom-build GMA pallets to fit your operation’s exact needs.
Whether you require reinforced stringers for heavier loads, kiln-dried lumber for humidity control, or specific treatments for export compliance, we design every pallet with your production and logistics goals in mind.
Conner Industries creates GMA pallets tailored to your products, facility, and supply chain.
Choose a GMA Pallet
When it comes to standard sizes and reliable performance, the GMA pallet is the workhorse of modern manufacturing.
Whether you’re shipping regionally or nationwide, consistency matters.
Consistency is where Conner Industries delivers. Our durable pallets are built to meet your exact load and handling requirements, ensuring your operations run smoothly from plant to delivery.
Ready to optimize your packaging supply chain?
Partner with Conner Industries for custom-engineered solutions that will advance your business.
