Shipping Crate | Used Pallets

Used Pallets | Shipping Crate

For importers and exporters who need to consider shipping internationally or any great distance, buying used pallets to move product from one area to another is not such an unreasonable thing. After all, depending on the profit margins on the product being shipped, having your shipper use used pallets instead of ordering a new order can have some financial benefits. Since a standard North American plastic pallet will run roughly $10 per pallet, shippers can expect to pay roughly $5 to $7.25 for used pallets. Evidently, this allows for greater margins once the shipped product is resold to the end-user or consumer.

Dimensions

In North America, the standard pallet size is 48 inches by 40 inches. This allows for many different uses. The most common use for this size of pallet is by grocers.
These pallets can carry loads of roughly 2,000 pounds when they are new and unused. Depending on the pallet material (e.g. wood, plastic, steel, etc.), load capacity may suffer based on the pallet’s overall condition.

Plastic used pallets generally hold up better than cheap, wood pallets. When asking for used pallets, make sure to ask for plastic.

If you need to resort to galvanized steel pallets, expect to pay more. Of course, the benefits needs to be weighed against the disadvantages of using used pallets made of steel; often, a new, specifically engineered plastic pallet can achieve the same result - low cost, high load capacity and durability - of a used steel pallet.

Where to Find Used Pallets

There are many different places where one can purchase used pallets. Normally larger shipping centers around the globe are the best places to locate used pallet resellers. In some cases, pallets can even be leased, although this is not always advised. Users need to ensure that they are comfortable with the party from whom they are purchasing used pallets so that there is no disappointment and financial loss.

For companies who are unable to interview used pallet resellers in person, obtaining reference from reputed shippers who operate in the same area is ideal.