Pallet Position
A pallet position is one storage location in racking sized to hold a pallet, and it is a common unit for pricing warehouse storage.
Why it matters for ecommerce brands
Pallet positions are how many 3PLs bill storage, so your monthly storage cost depends on how many positions you fill, not how many units you hold. A half-empty pallet usually costs the same as a full one. For example, at $25 per position a month, 40 partial pallets that could be consolidated into 25 cost $375 a month more than necessary, or $4,500 a year. Consolidate partial pallets, ask whether oversize or tall pallets are billed differently, and plan peak inbound volume so you do not pay for overflow space.
Common questions
- How do 3PLs charge for pallet storage?
- Many charge a monthly fee per pallet position used, though some bill per bin, per shelf, or per cubic foot. Ask how partial pallets and peak-season overflow are billed.
- What is a standard pallet size in the US?
- The most common is 48 by 40 inches, often called a GMA pallet. 3PL pallet positions usually assume this footprint plus a maximum load height, so ask for the height limit before you build pallets.
- How many cartons fit in a pallet position?
- It depends on carton size, weight limits, and the position's height limit. Divide the usable pallet volume by carton volume as a rough guide, then allow for stacking patterns and no overhang.