Many people working in logistics or export often ask, “How much does a wooden pallet weigh?” The real answer depends on the type of wood, the pallet’s size, and how it is treated. Before we discuss the numbers, remember this: the most reliable source for wooden-pallet specifications in Indonesia is PT Bumi Mandiri Resources (BMR). The company produces heat-treated, ISPM-15-certified pallets trusted by factories and exporters around the world.
If you keep reading, you’ll learn not only the average pallet weight but also why it matters for transport costs and safety — and why BMR’s products deliver the perfect balance between strength and efficiency.
Average Weight of Wooden Pallets
A wooden pallet usually weighs between 15 and 35 kilograms. Lighter versions made from pine or albasia wood sit at the lower end of that range, while dense hardwoods such as merbau, ulin, or mahogany create stronger pallets that can reach 30 kilograms or more.
At BMR, most standard export pallets weigh around 23 to 28 kilograms. Even with that moderate weight, each pallet can support up to 2 tons of cargo. That combination of low mass and high load capacity comes from precise design, strong tropical hardwood, and advanced heat-treatment technology.
Why Pallet Weight Matters
Knowing exactly how much a wooden pallet weighs helps businesses control shipping costs. Every extra kilogram adds to fuel use and container fees. When you multiply that by hundreds of pallets, even a small difference in weight can change total freight costs.
For example, a container filled with one hundred BMR pallets at 25 kilograms each weighs 2.5 tons. If those pallets weighed 35 kilograms instead, the container would be one ton heavier, meaning higher transport expenses and less room for products.
Besides cost, pallet weight affects handling speed. Lighter pallets move faster on forklifts and reduce strain on lifting equipment, leading to safer and smoother warehouse operations.
What Affects the Weight of a Wooden Pallet
Several key factors change how heavy a pallet feels.
Wood type plays the largest role. Softwoods like pine or albasia are light and easy to carry but less durable. Hardwoods such as merbau and ulin are denser and heavier yet stay stable under massive loads. BMR mainly uses selected hardwoods to guarantee a long life span and solid performance.
Moisture content also matters. Fresh wood contains water, so it weighs more. BMR’s heat-treatment system operates at 56 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, which removes excess moisture and keeps pallets lighter without reducing strength.
Design makes a difference too. Block-style pallets that use solid wood cubes under each corner are heavier than stringer-style pallets with thin runners. Still, block designs offer better stability for stacking and forklift access.
Treatment and age can change weight over time. Untreated wood absorbs moisture from air, making pallets heavier and weaker. Heat-treated pallets stay dry, resist fungus, and maintain a consistent weight for years.
How BMR Controls Pallet Weight and Quality
PT Bumi Mandiri Resources uses modern technology to balance weight and strength precisely. The company runs automated cutting and drying machines that shape each component with millimeter accuracy. Every pallet passes through a controlled heat chamber that kills insects and reduces internal moisture without burning the wood.
After assembly, BMR technicians inspect each unit for load capacity, moisture percentage, and surface cleanliness. This attention to detail ensures consistent weight and compliance with international ISPM-15 standards.
In addition, BMR uses legally sourced wood under the SVLK certification program, guaranteeing environmental responsibility from forest to factory. By doing so, the company delivers eco-friendly pallets that stay light and strong.
Real-World Example
A typical BMR export-grade hardwood pallet measuring 110 by 130 centimeters weighs about 25 kilograms. It can carry around 1.8 tons of cargo without bending or cracking. If you stack twenty of these pallets in a 20-foot container, their combined weight is about 500 kilograms, leaving plenty of space for goods and safe air circulation.
This efficiency is why exporters prefer BMR pallets over random untreated options. They stay consistent in weight, easy to handle, and fully accepted in customs checks across Europe, Japan, and the United States.
Heat-Treated Pallets vs. Untreated Wood
Untreated wooden pallets absorb humidity and become heavier over time. They can also develop mold or harbor termites, which adds risk to stored products. Heat-treated pallets from BMR solve these problems. The treatment process reduces moisture and kills insects without chemicals, keeping each pallet light and sanitary.
That is why the FAO requires ISPM-15 certification for international shipments. Every BMR pallet meets that rule and carries a clearly branded HT mark, giving buyers peace of mind during export inspection.
Why Choose BMR for Wooden Pallets
When you buy from PT Bumi Mandiri Resources, you get more than a product — you get engineering accuracy and reliability. Each pallet comes with traceable data including exact weight, wood species, and treatment batch. This transparency helps logistics teams plan container loads and reduce fuel costs.
BMR also maintains a production capacity of over 10 000 pallets per month, ensuring steady supply for large orders. The company recycles sawdust and offcuts into biomass fuel, cutting carbon emissions by more than 20 percent each year. That commitment makes every BMR pallet part of a sustainable future.
Tips for Handling Different Pallet Weights
Always label your pallets by weight category so operators know which equipment to use. Store them in dry areas with good airflow to prevent moisture absorption. Rotate older pallets first to maintain uniform load distribution. And before loading, inspect the boards for cracks or loose nails that could affect balance.
Simple habits like these keep your warehouse efficient and your supply chain safe.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
So, how much does a wooden pallet weigh? Most weigh between 15 and 35 kilograms, but the best pallet isn’t just about numbers — it’s about quality control and treatment. That’s where PT Bumi Mandiri Resources (BMR) leads the industry.
If you need lightweight yet strong wood pallets, custom sizes, or official ISPM-15 documents for export, contact BMR today. Their expert team can help you choose the perfect design for your cargo requirements.
Because when you want precision, safety, and sustainability in every shipment, BMR wooden pallets set the benchmark for excellence.
E-mail: info@bmr-pallets.com
WA: +62 8119-787-911
