Dernière mise à jour : 22 octobre 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.
Standard pallet sizes
| 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.

Pallet shipping costs (2026 guide)
| Itinéraire | 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 à 5 jours |
| UK to Spain, Italy or Germany | £250–£500 | 3–7 days |
| UK to Ireland | £150–£350 | 2 à 5 jours |
| 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.
Customs after Brexit
Pallets from Great Britain to the EU now need customs paperwork:
- Export declaration in the UK and an import declaration in the EU country
- Commercial invoice with values, HS codes and country of origin
- EORI number for businesses
- Import VAT and possibly duty at destination
- For personal belongings when moving abroad, transfer of residence relief may apply

How to prepare a pallet
- Use a sound pallet, with no broken boards
- Stack heavy items at the bottom and keep the load within the pallet footprint
- Wrap tightly with stretch film and strap the load to the pallet
- Label clearly with addresses and phone numbers on at least two sides
- Photograph the pallet before collection
Pallet or container?
Once you have around 8–10 pallets going overseas, a full 20ft container can be better value and safer. See shipping container sizes et sea freight from the UK.
Foire aux questions
How much does it cost to ship a pallet to Europe from the UK?
Typically £150–£500 per full pallet depending on the country, plus customs costs.
How long does pallet delivery to Europe take?
Usually 2–7 days from the UK, depending on the country and service.
Do I need customs paperwork to ship a pallet to the EU?
Yes. Since Brexit, export and import declarations and a commercial invoice are needed.
How heavy can a pallet be?
A full pallet is often up to around 1,000kg, but weight bands vary by carrier.
Can I ship a pallet to Australia?
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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