How to Wrap Variable Height Pallets?

Key Points in this article

• There is no standard pallet height in Australia, only pallet footprint (width x depth) 1165 mm x 1165mm
• Generally finished pallet load heights can vary from 1000 mm to 1600 mm
• Some industries and products may stack higher, provided transport and safety regulations are met
• Ensure any pallet wrapping machine or stretch wrapping machine you purchase is fitted with a photo eye sensor to automatically detect wrap height
• Optional dark photo eye sensors can be added to machines for those who wrap dark products or use black stretch film

How to Wrap Variable Height Pallets?

Many Australian businesses search for:

• What is the standard pallet height in Australia?
• What are the pallet stacking height regulations in Australia?
• How should we manage wrapping variable height pallets?

The short answer is this: 

There is a standard pallet footprint (width x depth) in Australia, but there is no single standard pallet height. Load height varies depending on the product, transport method and safety requirements. That variation is exactly why choosing the right pallet wrapping system matters. 

At FROMM Packaging Australia, our wrapping machines are designed specifically to manage pallet height variation safely and efficiently. 

Explore the full pallet wrapper range: Stretch wrapping machines

What is the Standard Pallet Height in Australia?

Direct Answer

There is no fixed standard pallet height in Australia. 
While the standard Australian pallet footprint (width x depth) is 1165 mm  x 1165 mm, pallet load height varies depending on the product, industry and transport requirements.

More Detail

• The pallet base itself is typically around 150 mm high
• Finished pallet load heights commonly range from 1000 mm to 1600 mm
• Some industries stack higher, provided transport and safety regulations are met

Since goods can differ greatly in shape, density and packaging, pallet height is not standardised across Australia. 

What are the Pallet Stacking Height Regulations in Australia?

Direct Answer

There is no universal pallet stacking height regulation in Australia. Instead pallet height is governed by transport limits, container dimensions, workplace safety rules and load restraint requirements.

Key influencing factors:

1. Heavy vehicle dimension limits
2. Shipping container internal height
3. Workplace health and safety compliance
4. Warehouse racking specifications
5. Load restraint and stability standards

For example;

• Internal height of standard shipping containers limit pallet height. The pallet must be able to be loaded and removed from the container, even when loaded onto a forklift and driven out or in.
• Road transport regulations restrict overall height. Contact your freight supplier for their individual limits
• Unsafe stacking may breach WHS obligations

In practice, pallet stacking height in Australia is controlled by operational context, not a single national height law.

What does 'Wrapping Variable Height Pallets' mean?

Direct definition

Wrapping variable height pallets involves using stretch wrapping equipment and film systems that adjust to different pallet heights, ensuring secure containment regardless of load size.

This is achieved through:

• Automatic height detection sensors
• Adjustable and programmable wrap programs

How FROMM Machines Manage Variable Height Pallets

FROMM Packaging Australia pallet wrapping systems are designed for and proven across many Australian industries. 

Key capabilities include;

Automatic Pallet Height Detection

 Sensors measure the true load height before or during wrapping, adjusting the wrap cycle accordingly.

Pre-Stretch Film Carriages

Most FROMM wrapping machines are equipped with pre-stretch film carriages, which stretch the film before it is applied to the load (within the film carriage). This improves load containment while reducing overall film consumption.

Some entry-level machines use a mechanical brake stretch system, where the film stretches between the carriage and the pallet. While these machines can still wrap variable height pallets, selecting a compatible stretch film is important to minimise film breaks and ensure consistent performance.

Adjustable Wrapping Programs: Base and Top Reinforcement

Critical for tall, light or unevenly stacked loads where additional stability is required. Utilise the adjustable wrapping programs on your machine to create the perfect pattern for optimal load security for your products.

See available solutions: FROMM Wrapping Machines

The Reality: There will never be one standard pallet height

While Australia has a recognised pallet footprint, pallet height will always vary because:

• Products are not uniform
• Industries operate differently
• Export and domestic freight differ
• Storage systems impose unique constraints

For this reason, modern wrapping systems are designed to adapt to load variation, with solutions available to  accommodate almost any product width, height or weight.

Key Takeaway

If you are searching for:

• Standard pallet height Australia
• Pallet stacking height regulations Australia
• Wrapping variable height pallets

The most accurate answer is:

Pallet height is variable. Safe load containment depends on using the right stretch wrapping products for your individual application. 

FROMM provides pallet wrapping machines engineered for mixed heights, irregular loads and demanding Australian transport conditions.

Speak with a Wrapping Specialist

If you are unsure which pallet wrapper is right for your business, contact FROMM Packaging Australia via our Contact Us on 1800 940 356.

Our team will assess your load type, space, volume and logistics flow to recommend the most suitable wrapping solution.