How Much Do Pallets Cost?
Breaking Down the Factors That Influence Price
When businesses start researching their pallet options, one of the most common questions is: How much do pallets cost?
The answer isn’t always straightforward because pricing depends on several variables—from material and size to customization and market fluctuations. In this blog, we’ll walk through what impacts pallet pricing, what types of pallets are available, and how to choose the most cost-effective solution for your supply chain.
Common Pallet Types and Their Cost Ranges
There are many different types of pallets on the market. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay:
Wood Pallets: The most common option. Standard wood pallets usually cost between $10 to $25 for standard sizes. Custom or heat-treated wood pallets may cost more.
Plastic Pallets: These typically range from $25 to $80 depending on strength, design, and reuse expectations.
Metal Pallets: Known for their durability, these can cost anywhere from $50 to over $150 each.
5 Factors That Influence Pallet Pricing
As we noted, when clients ask us “How much do pallets cost?”, the answer isn’t always straightforward. To bring color to this, we are breaking down the most important considerations to help you better understand what goes into pallet pricing—and what to plan for when budgeting your logistics needs.
1. Material Type
As we noted above, different materials come with different price points. Wood is typically the most economical upfront, while plastic and metal options offer longer lifespans and reusability at higher costs.
2. Size and Design Specifications
Standard sizes like the 48x40-inch GMA pallet are less expensive due to mass production. Custom dimensions, specialized designs, or additional components like perimeter boards will add to the cost.
3. Treatment and Compliance Requirements
Heat treatment for export compliance (ISPM-15), kiln drying, or mold-resistant coatings can increase costs but are essential for many industries, especially food and pharmaceuticals.
4. Order Volume and Frequency
Buying in bulk typically reduces the cost per pallet. Regular orders or long-term contracts can also help secure better rates from suppliers.
5. Market Conditions and Raw Material Costs
Pallet pricing fluctuates based on lumber and resin prices, availability, and demand—especially during peak seasons or global supply chain disruptions.
Custom vs. Standard Pallets: What to Expect for Costs
When deciding between custom and standard pallets, cost is only part of the equation—performance, efficiency, and sustainability also play critical roles.
Standard wood pallets (like the common 48x40-inch GMA pallet) are widely available and cost-effective due to mass production. They’re ideal for general use and compatible with many supply chain systems. However, they may not be optimized for your specific products, weight distribution, or handling equipment—leading to inefficiencies or even product damage over time.
Custom pallets, on the other hand, are designed specifically for your logistics needs. At Olympic Forest Products, our custom pallet solutions start with a detailed audit of your current usage, identifying issues such as breakage, inefficiency, or sustainability concerns. We then apply industry-standard design software and sustainable materials to craft tailored solutions that optimize performance, reduce waste, and often lead to long-term cost savings despite higher upfront investment.
Our six-step audit process includes:
Reviewing your current pallet usage
Identifying issues such as inefficiency or damage
Conducting design consultations based on operational needs
Performing cost-benefit analyses to weigh ROI
Evaluating environmental impact
Outlining a development plan for your ideal pallet solution
While custom pallets generally cost more than standard ones, the value lies in durability, better load protection, improved handling, and alignment with sustainability goals. For businesses with unique shipping requirements or growth goals, custom pallets are an investment in long-term logistics efficiency.
4 Cost-Saving Tips for Buyers New to Purchasing Pallets
If you’re new to purchasing pallets (or want to refine your pallet purchasing process), navigating costs can be overwhelming. But with the right approach, there are several ways to keep your spending in check without compromising on quality or reliability. Here are four practical tips to help you make smarter, more cost-effective pallet decisions.
Work with a Pallet Consultant: Experts can help you optimize pallet design and sourcing, potentially saving on costs.
Consider Recycled or Remanufactured Pallets: These offer a lower-cost, sustainable alternative without sacrificing quality.
Evaluate Your Load Needs: Don't overpay for strength or features you don’t actually need.
Establish a Pallet Recovery Program: Recovering and reusing pallets extends their lifecycle and improves ROI.
Why Work with Olympic Forest Products?
At Olympic Forest Products, we help companies navigate pallet sourcing with precision and cost-efficiency. Our nationwide partner network and decades of experience mean we can find the right solution—whether it’s a standard wood pallet, a specialty build, or a recycled option that supports your sustainability goals.
Contact us today to explore your pallet options and get a customized quote that aligns with your budget and operational needs.
