5.1.1 Pallet storage
On the large scale, there are standard sizes of packaging. Within the warehouse the largest unit of material is generally the pallet, which is a wood or plastic base that is 48 inches by 40 inches (1.22 meters by 1.02 meters)—but, as with all standards, there are several: most standard pallets are 48 inches along one dimension (1.22 meters) but the other may be 32 inches (0.81 meters) for pallets that go directly from manufacturer onto retail display, such as in a Home Depot; 42 inches (1.07 meters), or 48 inches (1.22 meters), such as those for transport of 55-gallon steel drums.