The Fastest Way to Save Money When Buying Wood Pallets

If you are, I bet you’ll agree with me when I say pallet costs add up FAST. While each pallet you’re buying probably costs around $15-35, when you’re getting them by the hundreds or thousands each month the costs really make a dent in your bottom line. But there’s a simple, reliable way to quickly lower your pallet costs … (*drumroll, please*) …use pallets made of recycled wood. I know, I know…not exactly earth-shaking advice. But hear me out. Sure, there’s a lot that’s attractive about buying pallets made of new wood:

Fresh lumber that’s clean from contaminants like mold, food spills, and chemicals
Confidence that the pallets will be strong and durable enough to support your products, since they’ve been built specifically for your business.

But all of that comes at a premium cost. One of the biggest factors that can affect the price of a wood pallet is the price of the lumber it’s made from. Here in Orlando, a lot of businesses just need pallets that can hold their shipments without breaking – they don’t need them to look pretty and cost a fortune. In situations like this, recycled, combination, and remanufactured pallets fit the bill perfectly. Let’s explore your options:

Recycled Pallets

While they can go by many other names (repaired pallets, reconditioned pallets, refurbished pallets), recycled pallets are basically pallets that can be used again and again with minor repairs until they can’t be used anymore. They may not look nice but are still structurally sound. While recycled wood pallets can come in the same sizes and construction type as new pallets, the majority of them are 48x40 pallets - otherwise known as “standard pallets” or “ GMA pallets ”. (Note: “GMA” is short for “Grocery Manufacturers Association”, the national trade association for the consumer packaged goods industry in the US. They rebranded as the “ Consumer Brands Association ” in January 2020.) Most importantly, since recycled pallets are the cheapest type of wooden pallet, using them can lower your costs big time – in some cases by up to 70%.

Combination Pallets

As the name suggests, combination pallets (“also called combo pallets”) are built from a mix of new and reclaimed wood. While they can be made from any combination of new and recycled material, they’re often constructed using new stringers and used deck boards. Combo pallets provide many of the same advantages of recycled pallets, including lower cost and solid performance, as well as more consistent dimensions like new pallets. They’re a great option for a business that’s looking to save some money but isn’t sure about the dependability of recycled pallets.

Remanufactured Pallets

“Reman pallets” are basically custom pallets made entirely of wood from other pallets. While they can be built in a variety of custom sizes and can be heat treated, they’re usually limited to sizes the same or smaller than the pallet the recycled wood came from. They cost less than combo pallets since they don’t use any new material. When you buy reman or combo pallets, you can save up to 40% over new pallets.

Ready to make a switch?

Using pallets made of recycled wood is one of the fastest ways to reduce your pallet costs. Why pay tons of money for new pallets when using pallets made of recycled wood can do the job just as well as a fraction of the price? You have options. To find out more about switching to pallets made from recycled wood, contact us over at The Pallet Pro today. Looking forward to hearing from you!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

A man is pushing a pallet with boxes on it in a warehouse.

Why One Pallet Supplier Isn’t Enough: How to Diversify Your Pallet Vendors

By The Pallet Pro Team • February 15, 2025

Ever wondered if you're too dependent on a single pallet supplier? If you're like most warehouse managers I talk to, you probably have. And let's be honest - in today's unpredictable market, that's a legitimate concern. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about diversifying your pallet supply chain and why it matters for your business.

A blue sign that says changes with arrows pointing in different directions

Stay Ahead of Pallet Price Changes: Simple Strategies for Big Savings

By The Pallet Pro Team • February 15, 2025

Learn how to stay ahead of pallet price changes in Orlando. Discover how to save big on pallet costs without scrambling during price hikes. Plan smarter today!

A large stack of wooden pallets sitting on top of a semi truck.

Don’t Get Ripped Off by Uline’s Outrageous Pallet Prices

By The Pallet Pro Team • September 17, 2024

I had a call with a client the other day who asked for a quote on 48x40 A-grade recycled pallets. Standard request. I gave him the price, and he was BEYOND thrilled.

A warehouse filled with lots of wooden pallets stacked on top of each other.

Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Choosing the Right Pallets for Your Business

By The Pallet Pro Team • September 17, 2024

Just because a pallet works for one business doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for yours. Thinking all pallets are the same is like saying all shoes are the same. Sure, they all do the basic job, but you wouldn't wear flip-flops to run a marathon, would you? I’m here to tell you that if you don’t know the details of how you’re using your pallets, you might be throwing money down the drain - or worse, screwing up your operations.