Last updated: 22 October 2026
Shipping by pallet is the most efficient way to send heavy or bulky goods that are too big for a parcel courier but too small for a whole container. Businesses use pallet networks every day. Individuals use them for moving abroad, sending goods to a holiday home or shipping furniture bought online.
| Pallet | Dimensions | Typical maximum weight |
|---|---|---|
| UK standard pallet | 1.2m × 1.0m | Up to around 1,000kg (full pallet) |
| Euro pallet (EUR) | 1.2m × 0.8m | Up to around 1,000kg+ |
| Half pallet | 1.2m × 1.0m, up to about 1.1m tall | Up to around 500kg |
| Quarter pallet | 1.2m × 1.0m, up to about 0.8m tall | Up to around 250kg |
Heights and weight bands vary by carrier, and overhanging goods often cost extra.
| Route | Typical cost per full pallet | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|
| Within the UK (mainland) | £50–£150 | Next day to 3 days |
| UK to France, Belgium or the Netherlands | £150–£350 | 2–5 days |
| UK to Spain, Italy or Germany | £250–£500 | 3–7 days |
| UK to Ireland | £150–£350 | 2–5 days |
| UK to the USA or Canada (sea LCL) | £300–£800+ | 3–6 weeks door to door |
| UK to Australia or NZ (sea LCL) | £500–£1,200+ | 8–12 weeks door to door |
Indicative prices. Add customs clearance, duties and taxes, and any surcharges for tail-lift delivery, remote areas or residential addresses.
Pallets from Great Britain to the EU now need customs paperwork:
Once you have around 8–10 pallets going overseas, a full 20ft container can be better value and safer. See shipping container sizes und sea freight from the UK.
Typically £150–£500 per full pallet depending on the country, plus customs costs.
Usually 2–7 days from the UK, depending on the country and service.
Yes. Since Brexit, export and import declarations and a commercial invoice are needed.
A full pallet is often up to around 1,000kg, but weight bands vary by carrier.
Yes, usually by sea as LCL (shared container), taking around 8–12 weeks door to door.
Sail on the container ships that carry pallets around the world.
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