Written by: Timur Lesov

April 15, 2025

Updated on April 16, 2025

Yes, pick-up trucks can legally carry pallets in California. However, it’s important to follow weight limits, securing rules, and best practices. If you’re moving pallets for personal or business reasons, knowing California’s rules is key. It helps you transport safely and legally.

Pick-Up Truck Capacity for Pallet Transport

A pick-up truck’s ability to carry pallets mainly relies on its size and payload rating. Standard pick-up trucks can carry different amounts of pallets based on their capabilities:

Size and Weight Considerations

Heavy-duty trucks, such as the Ford F-250 and F-350, can carry more weight. This makes them better for handling multiple or heavier pallets.

Standard pallets measure 48” x 40” and weigh approximately 30-70 pounds when empty. However, once loaded with materials, a single pallet can weigh anywhere from 500 to 2,500 pounds. Some fully loaded pallets can weigh too much for standard pick-up trucks.

Bed Size and Pallet Fit

Most pick-up truck beds measure between 5.5 to 8 feet in length. This measurement is key for figuring out how many pallets fit in the bed:

• Short beds (approximately 5.5 feet) can typically accommodate one standard pallet
• Standard beds (about 6.5 feet) usually fit one pallet well. You might fit two pallets if you place them diagonally.
• Long beds (approximately 8 feet) may fit two standard pallets lying flat

California Legal Requirements

California has rules for cargo transport, especially for pallets in pick-up trucks:

Weight Restrictions

When transporting pallets in California, you must adhere to legal weight limits. Overloading your pick-up truck can result in fines and create unsafe driving conditions. For commercial vehicles, California enforces bridge laws with specific weight limitations:

• 80,000 pounds maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
• 34,000 pounds maximum on drive tires
• 34,000 pounds maximum on tandems
• 12,000 pounds maximum on steer tires

For pick-up trucks, the key limit is the manufacturer’s payload capacity. Always stay within this limit.

Load Securement Laws

California Vehicle Code (CVC 23114) says all cargo, like pallets, must be secured. This stops it from shifting or falling during transport. ”
Failure to properly secure your load, even if nothing falls out, can result in a ticket of nearly $200. This applies to all vehicles, including pick-up trucks carrying pallets.

Load Securing Requirements and Best Practices

Securing pallets in a pick-up truck requires proper equipment and techniques:

Federal and State Securing Standards

According to federal regulations that California enforces:

• Cargo should have at least one tie-down for each 10 feet of cargo length
• All cargo, regardless of size, should have at least two tie-downs
• For articles 5 feet or less in length and under 1,100 pounds, at least one tie-down is required
• For articles 5 feet or less but weighing more than 1,100 pounds, at least two tie-downs are required
• For articles between 5 and 10 feet in length, two tie-downs are needed regardless of weight

Effective Securing Methods

To secure pallets in a pick-up truck, the California Office of Traffic Safety suggests:

1. Cover your load with a tarp, fastened to the vehicle using rope and tie-downs
2. Use rope, netting, straps, or chains to secure the load
3. Place lighter items lower and heavier items on top to help keep them in place
4. Avoid overloading your vehicle
5. Remember that tightly packed loads can still come loose unless properly tied down
6. Double-check all securement before driving

When loading pallets, use ratchet straps or tie-downs. This keeps the pallets from shifting during transport.

Commercial Transport Considerations

If you use a pick-up truck to move pallets for business, you might need to follow extra rules:

Commercial Transportation Requirements

When carrying pallets commercially in California:

• You may need a DOT number or a special permit if your weight exceeds limits.
• For transporting hazardous materials, additional regulations apply
• Loads with a payload of 30,000+ pounds must be scaled at origin to comply with California bridge laws
• Commercial vehicles must not exceed a kingpin-to-rear-axle (KPRA) length of 40 feet

Loading Configuration for Weight Distribution

When loading multiple pallets or heavy pallets, proper weight distribution becomes crucial. Trucking professionals recommend various loading patterns depending on the weight:

• For heavy loads, a pattern of “single, double, single, then double the rest of the way” is often recommended
• This setup helps spread the weight evenly for heavy pallets, which weigh about 2,500 pounds each.
• Some drivers suggest putting single pallets at the front of the trailer. Then, place double pallets behind them. Finally, add another single pallet about two-thirds of the way back.

Pallet Disposal Services in California

To remove unwanted pallets without moving them, several services in California can help.

• LoadUp provides pallet removal services in many California cities. This includes San Francisco, Stockton, and Riverside.
• These services offer easy pickup options. They also focus on eco-friendly disposal by recycling.
• Prices are typically provided upfront with no hidden costs

Useful Table Summarizing

Timur Lesov

Eco-freak, nerd, and green technology fanatic. I’m in favor of making eco-friendly living simple as well. I graduated from Berkeley in 2017. Studied environmental science and all things sustainability related. I create content and share simple tips for greening your everyday life. I think even small changes can make a huge difference and we can build a cleaner and more sustainable future.