A standard pallet holds 48 to 84 cases of bottled water, depending on bottle size and case configuration.

A standard pallet typically contains between 48 and 84 cases of bottled water. The exact number varies based on the bottle size (such as 16.9 oz or 1 liter), case dimensions, and how the cases are stacked. Most pallets measure 48" x 40" and can hold up to 4,600 pounds when fully loaded. For common 16.9 oz bottles, a pallet usually holds 72 cases, with each case containing 24 bottles, totaling 1,728 bottles per pallet.

Standard Pallet Configurations for Bottled Water

• 48" x 40" base (standard GMA pallet)
• Stack height typically 6-7 cases high
• Weight capacity up to 4,600 pounds
• Shrink-wrapped for stability during transport

Comparison of Pallet Configurations by Bottle Size

Factors Affecting Pallet Capacity

• Bottle dimensions: Larger bottles reduce total count per pallet
• Case size: Standard 24-bottle cases optimize space usage
• Stack pattern: Most use 6x4 or 6x6 case arrangements
• Shrink wrap: Tightly wrapped pallets prevent shifting during transport

Industry Standards and Variations

Most bottled water manufacturers follow standard pallet configurations to maximize shipping efficiency. However, some specialty or premium water brands may use different case sizes or stack heights, resulting in fewer bottles per pallet. The 72-case configuration for 16.9 oz bottles has become the industry standard for most major water brands, balancing weight limits with case count efficiency.