Standard, Euro or Oversize: Choosing the Right Pallet for Melbourne Freight
Quick answer
Use a standard Australian pallet (1165 × 1165 mm) for most local warehouse and pallet-pool freight, a Euro pallet (1200 × 800 mm) for goods already palletised in Europe, and treat anything bigger as oversized. Drop-X publishes a rate for each, including GST and the first 50 km: Euro $88, standard $110 and oversized $155.
Know your delivery cost before you book
More delivery for your money.
Courier bookings: pay for the journey, not the zone · GST included · 20–50 km included by item type.
For published courier rates
- No fuel levies
- No tolls
- No hidden fees
- No surprises
| Item | Same dayStandard rate | Next dayBook ahead, save 10% | Freight accountUp to 30% off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small items(Max 5 items)Parcels, satchels & legal documents — under 50kg total | $35 | $35 | $24.50 |
| Euro pallet(Max 4)800mm W × 1200mm L × 1500mm H · max 250kg per pallet | $88 | $79.20 | $61.60 |
| Standard pallet(Max 2)1165mm W × 1165mm L × 1500mm H · max 500kg per pallet | $110 | $99 | $77 |
| Oversized palletUp to 2400mm L × 1650mm W × 1500mm H · max 1000kg per pallet | $155 | $139.50 | $108.50 |
| Regional Victoria Freight | from$1.95/km | from$1.76/km | from$1.37/km |
Add-ons: Priority delivery +$55 · After-hours delivery +$110 · Weekend delivery +$110
Next day: metro small items stay at $35; regional next-day jobs are 10% off the item rate and distance charge.
Freight account: shown at the maximum 30% discount for top volume tiers; actual rates are tailored to your volume.
These are courier item, pallet and distance rates, not a full 10-pallet truck booking. Truck transport is quoted separately: explore the truck service or request a quote. Courier add-ons and discounts do not apply automatically to trucks. Compare fleet options; dispatch confirms vehicle fit.
The wrong pallet footprint can waste space or fail to suit the receiving rack. Here’s a no-jargon guide to what to measure and confirm before booking.
Standard Australian pallet (1165 × 1165mm)
This square footprint is common in Australian warehousing and pallet pools. Confirm the pallet type, load dimensions and rated capacity with the sender or pallet provider before requesting transport; the right vehicle and handling plan depend on the complete consignment.
- Best for: domestic distribution, retail DC deliveries, CHEP/Loscam pool exchanges.
- Watch out for: European-built racking or access designed for a different footprint.
Euro pallet / EPAL (1200 × 800mm)
The European standard has a narrower rectangular footprint and an EPAL specification. It is common on imported goods and automotive parts. Check the pallet markings, condition, load dimensions and rated capacity before booking.
- Best for: imported freight already palletised in Europe, narrow-aisle warehouses, anywhere weight matters.
- Watch out for: Australian racking or loading equipment designed for a square pallet footprint.
Oversize / out-of-gauge
Freight outside the standard pallet footprint, or with unusual height, length, weight or handling needs, should be treated as oversize or out-of-gauge until dispatch assesses it. Hypothetical examples: industrial machinery, glass crates, long timber, building panels or gym equipment may require a different vehicle, permits or site equipment.
- Best for: one-off industrial moves, trade fit-outs, plant relocations.
- Watch out for: permits, escort requirements and access limits that depend on the exact dimensions, route and site.
Five rules that reduce avoidable problems
- Measure, don’t guess. Record length, width and height, including the pallet itself. An incorrect measurement can affect the quote or handling plan.
- Secure the load. Follow the pallet, packaging and carrier requirements so the load is less likely to shift or be damaged in transit.
- Label the top. Forklift drivers don’t want to walk around your pallet to find the consignment note.
- Separate incompatible freight. Glass under heavy items can increase damage risk. Ask dispatch how fragile and heavy freight should be packaged or separated.
- Tell us about access. Site has no forklift? Tight residential street? Tail-lift required? Provide those details up front so dispatch can assess the vehicle and handling requirements. A change in the details may change the quote or available service.
Not sure what you’ve got?
Drop-X assesses palletised commercial freight across metro Melbourne and regional Victoria. See the next-day regional service, same-day metro service, freight guide and coverage map for service information. Current rates are on the pricing page; any handling or account terms are confirmed for the booking.
Send a photo and dimensions to info@drop-x.com.au or call 1300 973 038. Dispatch can assess the vehicle, access and handling requirements from the information supplied.
Common questions
What size is a standard Australian pallet?
A standard Australian pallet is 1165 × 1165 mm, the footprint set out in Australian Standard AS 4068. Drop-X carries standard pallets up to 500 kg each, with up to 2 per courier booking.
What is the difference between a Euro pallet and an Australian pallet?
A Euro (EPAL) pallet is 1200 × 800 mm, narrower than the square 1165 × 1165 mm Australian pallet. Drop-X carries Euro pallets up to 250 kg each, with up to 4 per courier booking.
When is a pallet treated as oversized?
When the load is bigger than a standard pallet footprint or unusually tall, long or heavy. The Drop-X oversized pallet rate covers loads up to 2400 × 1650 × 1500 mm and 1000 kg; larger freight is assessed by dispatch and may need a separately quoted truck.
How much does it cost to send a pallet in Melbourne?
Drop-X's published rates include GST and the first 50 km: Euro pallet $88, standard pallet $110 and oversized pallet $155. Extra road distance is $1.95 per km, rising to $2.50 per km beyond 100 km.
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