GMA Pallet Grades: What are the Grades?

February 20, 2024

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a bunch of GMA wooden pallets are stacked on top of each other

What are GMA Pallets?

If you close your eyes and think of a standard pallet like the kind you'd find in virtually any warehouse, you're probably thinking of a GMA pallet whether you realize it or not. These are the most common types of pallets found in the United States, and they're commonly used by suppliers, distributors, retailers, grocery manufacturers, and more.

What are the Specifications of GMA Pallets?

Standard GMA pallets have a footprint of 48" by 40" in size. You may also see them referred to as GMA 48" by 40" pallets for that reason. They have a minimum load-bearing capacity of 2,500 pounds.

This standard sizing of pallets came about post-WWII when the supply chain was transformed. In North America, the widely used 48"x40" pallet, standardized by organizations like the Consumer Brands Association (CBA) and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), is a versatile choice employed across various industries, from groceries to construction.

They also have two notches on each side, allowing for forklift entry from all four sides. The deck boards are 5/8" thick and the top board configuration features a 5.5" wide board on each end, with a 3.5" wide board in the center.

What are the Grades of GMA Pallets?

There are a few different grades of GMA pallets for you to choose from depending on your needs. They each bring with them their own advantages, so it's important to understand the intricacies of each one, so you can make the most informed decision possible for your business.

AAA GMA Pallet

AAA pallets are made from only the highest quality recycled materials. They may have minor discoloration present, but they have no other major issues to speak of. Chip-back breakage of the lead board is acceptable up to 1" by 8" in size. AAA pallets do not have any staples or metal plates used for stringer repair. Anything beyond that is unacceptable.

AA & A GMA Pallet

Think of A and AA pallets as pallets that have seen a bit more extensive use than their AAA counterparts. These are definitely showing signs of wear and tear, but they still function as expected overall. Chip-back breakage of the lead board is also now acceptable up to 1" by 20" in size. A pallets may contain metal plate or staple repairs on the stringers. Note that the major advantage here is that these pallets often perform just as well as AAA pallets, but they are also far less expensive and thus more cost-effective as well.

a man is working on a GMA wooden pallet with a tool

#2 GMA Pallet

This is something of a "catch-all" term for any pallet that does not fall into the category of either A/AA/AAA or lower. You're likely looking at pallets that have seen a lot of repairs, and they may not be in the best structural shape. In terms of their appearance, they also probably look like they've been used as heavily as they have been. You'll want to be careful if selecting these for any type of important or otherwise long-term use. #2 or commonly called B pallets contain “plugs” which are used to mend any cracked stringers on the pallet. The “plugs” are what differentiates #2/B pallets from A/AA/AAA pallets.

If you'd like to find out more information about GMA pallet grades, or if you have any additional questions that you'd like to go over with someone in a bit more detail, please don't hesitate to contact the Advance Pallet team today .