Where Can I Buy Pallets? A Practical Guide for Every Business (and DIY Enthusiast)
Where Can I Buy Pallets. If you’ve ever needed a sturdy platform for shipping, storage, or a weekend project, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Where can I buy pallets?” The answer isn’t as simple as “just go to a hardware store.” Pallets come in many shapes, sizes, conditions, and price points, and the best source for you depends on three things: Where Can I Buy Pallets.
What you’ll use them for – moving heavy boxes, building furniture, garden beds, etc.
How many you need – a single pallet for a DIY project or a thousand for a distribution center.
Your budget and sustainability goals – brand‑new, heat‑treated, recycled, or reclaimed.
Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step walk‑through of the most common places to buy pallets, a quick‑reference table to compare them, and a FAQ that solves the lingering questions you might still have. By the end of this post you’ll know exactly where to click, call, or drive to get the right pallets for your needs.
1. Traditional Pallet Suppliers (Wholesale & Retail)
Who They Are
These are the companies that specialize in manufacturing and distributing pallets. They often have large inventories of new, heat‑treated (HT) or kiln‑dry (KD) pallets that meet international shipping standards (e.g., ISPM 15 for export).
Industry trade shows: National Pallet & Container Expo (U.S.), European Pallet Conference (EU)
Local business listings: Yellow Pages, Google Maps (search “pallet supplier”)
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Consistent quality & size
Higher per‑unit cost
Ability to order exactly what you need
Minimum order quantities for custom jobs
Often include delivery service
May require a credit check for large orders
2. Recycled & Reclaimed Pallet Dealers
Who They Are
These businesses buy pallets that have been discarded, returned, or taken off the street and then sort, repair, and resell them. The pallet’s life is extended, making this the most eco‑friendly option.
What You Get
Condition
Typical Price (U.S.)
Typical Use Cases
Clean, undamaged
$5‑$9 each
DIY furniture, garden projects
Rough/Used
$3‑$6 each
Shipment packing, temporary storage
Mixed‑Wood (e.g., pine + hardwood)
$4‑$8 each
Craft projects, firewood
Where to Look
Source
How to Access
Local pallet brokers
Call the number on a “pallets for sale” sign in your industrial park
Online marketplaces
Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp
Recycling centers
Many accept bulk pallet purchases on site
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Cheapest option for large volumes
Quality can be inconsistent
Supports circular economy
May need extra cleaning or sanding
Immediate availability in many industrial areas
Not always compliant with export regulations (e.g., ISPM 15)
3. Big‑Box Home Improvement Stores
Who They Are
Retail chains like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, and RONA often stock pallets for DIYers. They typically source them from local distributors and keep a modest inventory on the floor.
What You Get
Store
Typical Price (U.S.)
Pallet Size
Availability
Home Depot
$7‑$10 each
48×40 in (standard)
In‑store (limited)
Lowe’s
$6‑$9 each
48×40 in, sometimes 48×48 in
In‑store or online (shipping adds $30‑$50)
Menards
$5‑$8 each
48×40 in
In‑store (often sold in bundles)
How to Purchase
In‑store: Look in the lumber/industrial section or ask an associate.
Online: Add to cart, select “store pickup” to avoid shipping fees.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Convenient, one‑stop‑shop
Limited quantity (usually <20)
No minimum order
Slightly higher price than bulk wholesale
Immediate pickup
May not be heat‑treated (bad for export)
4. Direct From Manufacturers (On‑Site Pallet Production)
Who They Are
If you source goods from a manufacturing plant, warehouse, or distribution center, you can often buy the pallets directly from the facility. Many manufacturers keep a surplus of pallets and are happy to offload them.
What You Get
Situation
Typical Price (U.S.)
Delivery
Factory surplus
$3‑$7 each
Usually you pick up; some will deliver for a fee
Partner agreement
Negotiated rate (often $1‑$3 per pallet)
May be included in your supply contract
How to Connect
Ask your supplier: “Do you have any unused pallets you’re willing to sell?”
Network in industry groups: LinkedIn groups for logistics, local manufacturing associations.
When you need pallets that won’t splinter, absorb moisture, or harbor pests, plastic or metal pallets are the answer. Companies like Orbis, CHEP, and RAK Pallet specialize in these high‑performance options.
Rental/lease programs – CHEP, PalletOne (you may lease instead of buying).
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Extremely durable, reusable
High upfront cost
Meets strict sanitation requirements
Heavier to transport
Often recyclable at end‑of‑life
Limited to standard dimensions
6. Online Pallet Marketplaces
Who They Are
Websites that aggregate sellers—both new and used—into a searchable catalog. Think PalletBiz, PalletOne Marketplace, Alibaba, and Amazon Business.
What You Get
Platform
Typical Price (U.S.)
Delivery Options
PalletBiz (U.S.)
$7‑$20 each (depends on condition)
Local pickup or freight
Alibaba (global)
$4‑$15 each (bulk)
Shipping via freight forwarder
Amazon Business
$8‑$22 each (new)
Prime shipping (extra cost)
How to Use
Enter your zip code to see nearby sellers.
Filter by condition (new, used, refurbished).
Check reviews for seller reliability.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Wide selection, from single pallets to 10,000‑piece lots
Variable quality, need to vet sellers
Easy price comparison
Shipping costs can be high for small orders
Often include buyer protection
Return policies may be limited
7. Local “Free” Sources (The Hidden Goldmine)
Who They Are
Businesses that receive pallets daily—grocery stores, big‑box retailers, breweries, construction sites—often discard them after unloading. Many are happy to give them away for free if you’re willing to transport them.
How to Find Them
Method
Example
Dumpster diving (legally)
Check municipal waste sites on “Freecycle” apps
Craigslist “Free” section
Search “free pallets”
Networking
Ask the loading dock manager at your local warehouse
What You Get
Condition
Typical Price
Effort Required
Clean, solid wood
$0 (just transport)
Loading, hauling
Mixed condition
$0
May need repair or sorting
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
No cost for the pallet itself
You pay for labor and transport
Sustainable, keeps wood out of landfills
No guarantees on dimensions or safety
Great for hobbyists and small‑scale projects
Not suitable for regulated shipping needs
Quick‑Reference Table: Which Source Fits Your Situation?
Need
Quantity
Budget
Quality Requirement
Recommended Source
One‑off DIY coffee table
1‑2
<$10
Clean, visually appealing
Reclaimed pallet dealer or free source
Weekly e‑commerce shipments (100‑200 pallets)
100‑200
$8‑$12 each
ISPM 15‑compliant, uniform size
New pallet supplier (bulk)
Large warehouse restock (1,000+ pallets)
1,000+
$8‑$10 each (volume)
Heat‑treated, sturdy
Wholesale pallet manufacturer or direct factory surplus
Direct-from‑manufacturer surplus or reclaimed dealer
How to Make the Purchase Smooth and Risk‑Free
Verify Size & Grade – Ask for dimensions in inches (standard U.S. pallet: 48 × 40 × 5.5 in). Confirm the grade (e.g., Grade A – new, Grade B – minor damage).
Check Treatment Requirements – If you plan to ship internationally, ask for HT (heat‑treated) or MB (methyl bromide) certification.
Ask About Delivery – Many suppliers will charge a flat fee based on distance and load size. For bulk orders, negotiate a free‑delivery threshold (e.g., “Free delivery on orders over 500 pallets”).
Inspect Before Accepting – Look for cracks, splinters, or loose boards. Even new pallets can have factory defects.
Consider a Return Policy – Especially when buying online, make sure the seller offers a clear return or replacement process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question
Answer
Do I need a special license to buy new pallets?
No. Pallet purchases are a standard commercial transaction. However, if you intend to export pallets, you must comply with ISPM 15 regulations (heat‑treated or fumigated).
Can I reuse a pallet that was previously used for chemicals?
Only if you know the exact substance and it’s safe. Pallets that have held hazardous chemicals should be disposed of according to local environmental regulations.
What’s the difference between “heat‑treated” and “kiln‑dry” pallets?
Heat‑treated (HT) pallets are heated to at least 56 °C for 30 minutes to kill pests – required for international shipping. Kiln‑dry (KD) pallets are dried in a kiln to reduce moisture; they’re less likely to warp but don’t meet ISPM 15 on their own.
Are plastic pallets recyclable?
Yes. Most HDPE plastic pallets can be recycled at the end of their life, often through the same suppliers who sold them.
How many pallets can a standard semi‑truck carry?
Typically 26‑28 standard 48 × 40 in pallets on a 53‑foot trailer (assuming a 4‑foot pallet height). This number changes with pallet height and load weight.
What’s the best way to store pallets to extend their life?
Keep them on a dry, flat surface, avoid direct ground contact (use a pallet jack or a pallet rack), and store them away from moisture to prevent rot.
Can I get pallets on credit?
Many wholesale suppliers offer net‑30 or net‑60 terms for qualified businesses. Expect a credit check and possibly a minimum order.
Is it cheaper to rent pallets instead of buying?
For short‑term or fluctuating needs, rental programs (e.g., CHEP) can be more cost‑effective. Calculate total cost of ownership: purchase price + maintenance + disposal vs. rental fees.
Do I need to treat reclaimed pallets before using them indoors?
It’s a good idea to sand, clean, and optionally seal reclaimed pallets, especially if you’ll be using them for furniture or interior projects. This removes splinters and any residual chemicals.
Where can I find pallets that are already painted or stained?
Specialty craft stores or online marketplaces (Etsy, Amazon Handmade) sometimes sell pre‑finished pallets. Expect higher prices ($15‑$30 each) but they save you time on finishing.
Bottom Line: Choose the Right Source for Your Pallet Project
You now have a roadmap to answer the simple yet crucial question: “Where can I buy pallets?”
