Plastic pallet load capacity, explained
The short answer: a pallet has three weight ratings — static (resting on the floor), dynamic (being moved), and racking (edge-supported on beam racking). Racking is the lowest and the one you must never exceed.
| Rating | What it means |
|---|---|
| Static load | The maximum weight a pallet can hold while resting on a flat, solid floor — usually the highest of the three figures. Relevant for floor stacking at rest. |
| Dynamic load | The maximum weight the pallet can carry while being moved by a forklift or pallet jack. Always lower than static; this is your day-to-day handling limit. |
| Racking load | The maximum weight when the pallet is supported only at its edges on beam racking, with the centre unsupported. The lowest and most safety-critical figure — never exceed it. |
Frequently asked
What is the difference between static, dynamic and racking load?
Static load is the weight a pallet holds resting on the floor; dynamic load is what it can carry while being moved by a forklift or jack; racking load is what it can hold on beam racking supported only at the edges. Racking is the lowest and most safety-critical — it must never be exceeded.
Which load rating should I design around?
Design around the way you'll actually use the pallet. If loads sit on beam racking, the racking rating is your hard limit. If they're only ever forklifted and floor-stacked, the dynamic rating governs handling and the static rating governs stack height.
Do I need a reinforced or rackable pallet?
If you store on unsupported beam racking, yes — choose a rackable pallet (often with steel reinforcement) and confirm its racking rating against your load. For ground-level and block stacking, a standard stackable pallet is usually enough.
Are load ratings confirmed per model?
Yes — exact static, dynamic and racking figures are model-specific and confirmed on the quote and spec sheet. MOQ is by the container; specs and CBM are public, with wholesale pricing for approved trade buyers.