Where to Buy and Find Pallets

They seem simple enough—a rigid platform, used as a base for storing or shipping goods. But, there are hundreds of different pallet sizes used around the world. There is no one standard-sized pallet that fits all applications. And, there is no one standard material that is suitable for all applications either. That is why it can be complicated to buy pallets. The solution lies in the pallet’s intended use. Do you need to find pallets for sale to ship or store a product? What is the weight of the product? How durable does the pallet need to be? How will the pallet function in your organization? Or, perhaps you are simply looking for pallets to use for crafts or an upcycling project.

To help break it down, we’ve identified the most commonly searched terms on the internet related to pallet procurement and provided answers to each inquiry.

Where to buy wood pallets:

According to the NWPCA, there are more than 1.8 billion pallets in service in the United States each day. Ninety-three percent of these pallets are made from wood. Wooden pallets are used in a variety of applications from shipping and storage to displays and decoration. So, where can you find wooden pallets for sale? Start with a knowledgeable pallet supplier who will go on site and assess your operation to determine the right size and most cost-effective material for your pallet shipping needs.  Rose Pallet can supply standard and non-standard sized new wooden pallets using a mix of hardwoods, softwoods, and kiln-dried heat treated (KDHT) lumber. Species such as the Southern Pine are commonly used to make softwood pallets. Oak, Elm, Maple, Ash, and Hickory–to name a few species–are used to make hardwood pallets.

Where to buy plastic pallets:

Plastic pallets are highly reusable, but more expensive than their wooden counterpart. Because of this, just two percent of the nation’s pallets in circulation each year are made from plastic. However, plastic pallets are ideal for organizations that operate in a closed-loop warehouse or for companies that have dual purposes for pallets, such as use in a store display.  Pharmaceutical, automotive, and beverage industries often prefer plastic pallets for their durability and moisture resistance. Rose Pallet offers both used and new plastic pallets in custom and standard sizes. Varieties include rackable, stackable, nestable, FDA approved, and fire retardant.

Where to buy used pallets:

Remanufactured, combo, or reconditioned pallets are all considered used pallets because they are constructed entirely or partially with used pallet material. Industries that need odd-sized or custom pallets, such as manufacturing or food & beverage, rely on the remanufactured variety to help cut costs. Other ideal situations include one-way transit, companies that procure small quantities of pallets, or for material handling systems that require pallets with unique board spacing. Remanufactured pallets are constructed from various components of used pallet material. They can be customized to any specifications or size required. Combo pallets are ideal for one-way shipping.  They are also suitable for international shipping because they can be heat treated to comply with the ISPM 15 Standard, required for export shipments. They usually contain new stringers and used deck boards. The most common build for combo pallets is new stringers (up to 144 inches) and used deck boards (up to 42 inches) or used stringers (up to 48 inches) and new deck boards (up to 120 inches). Reconditioned pallets have been used and repaired and used again many times. They are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing new wooden or plastic pallets. Rose Pallet maintains an inventory of typical industry sizes of several varieties of used pallets, but we also have the ability to create custom used pallets. To determine which pallet type, size, and material is right for you, contact the pallet pros at Rose Pallet.

Is it possible to get pallets for free?

Yes, it is possible to find free pallets for DIY crafts or other upcycling projects (converting a pallet that has reached the end of its lifecycle into a new item, often with more value than its original purpose, is known as “pallet upcycling”).  But, typically, big-box or national chain stores already have a plan in place to recycle or reuse pallets (many of these retailers utilize Rose Pallet’s customized recycling program). So, it’s best to start with locally owned (or smaller) businesses and simply ask them if you can take their used pallet material. Good candidates are garden and hardware stores, machine/equipment rental stores, furniture stores, pet shops, and specialty food/beverage stores. Wait for a slower period of business so the owners have time to talk (you don’t want to divert their attention away from paying customers). When you ask, be sure to explain why you are looking for their used or scrap pallets. When people are drawn in to your plans, they are more likely to want to help. And, when you do find willing suppliers, inquire about hauling away material on an ongoing basis, as it becomes available.