Incredibly functional with a diverse range of benefits, wood pallets are the number one choice for many businesses in the US when it comes to shipping and storing goods. Through wood pallets, companies can move great quantities of products at a fast rate.
But when you buy pallets, it comes with a few ‘must-knows’ so you can get precisely what your business needs. Here are the things to consider before your purchase.
- New vs. used
Determine whether your business will benefit more from using new or used pallets. In general, heavy products are placed in new pallets because new ones can endure the weight of heavy merchandise better. New pallets are also used if the products are oddly-shaped or won’t fit in standard-size packaging.
New are also recommended if you expect to put a lot of wear and tear on your pallets. While they may cost more initially, new pallets can save you money in the long run since you won’t be repairing them as often.
If going the unused route is not feasible for you but you want something that’s nearly as structurally sound as a new pallet, you can opt for these ones instead:
- Grade A or 1 pallets – These may or may not have had repairs done on them. They look brand new and are in good condition. The best Grade A pallets will pass for new, although pallets that are in the lowest tier of this category may need repairs soon.
- Grade B or 2 pallets – These have had some repairs done. The premium B pallets will look good enough for store displays. The lower end Grade B ones won’t look as good but will still be suitable for use in the supply chain
- Pallet size
Size is the next thing to consider. There are standard dimensions in the pallet industry, which makes shipping across the US and the world easier. The measurements of these pallets and where they are most often used are listed here:
- 48” x 40” (GMA Pallet) – North America
- 45.9” x 45.9” – Australia
- 43.30” x 43.30” – Asia
- 42” x 42” – North America, Asia, and Europe
- 39.37” x 47.24” – Asia and Europe
- 31.5” x 47.24” – Europe
If your product will not fit in any of these, you can ask your nearest pallet company to make one specific to your requirements.
- Pallet Material
Hardwood or softwood? Softwood is cheaper and lighter. It’s easy to source here, because it’s everywhere. Hardwood is heavier and more expensive, but it is also more durable and ideal for transporting heavy goods.
Pallet Prices
Since pallets come in different sizes and use different materials, quoting an exact price is difficult. However, if we stick to the common GMA pallet, we can give you a range. New 48” x 40” pallets are usually priced between $11 to 12.50 each. Used pallets of the same size are around half the price. Treated ones (for international shipment) will cost you about a dollar more.
When you’re not sure what you need, trust the pallet experts.
Anderson Pallet And Crate has been in the industry for 39 years. We’re experts at figuring out the right packaging requirements for any type of goods you may have. Send us a message or give us a call at (303) 660-0084 to speak with our packaging professionals.
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