Pallets are key to today’s supply chains. They help move, store, and handle goods efficiently. Despite their ubiquity, not all pallets hold the same resale value. The price of pallets in the secondary market is affected by their material, size, condition, and industry standards. This analysis looks at the pallet sizes suppliers prefer around the world. It also explores market trends and shares tips to boost resale revenue.
Industry-Standard Pallets: Top Earners
U.S. Standard 48? × 40? Pallet
The 48?×40? pallet is noted by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA). It represents nearly 29% of U.S. pallet production. This size is the most common in grocery, retail, and manufacturing across North America. Its compatibility with automated racking systems and material handling tools allows for quick turnover and low repair costs.
Reported by Repackify.com Marketplace – resale value is usually within these ranges:
- Grade A (premium condition): $4–$10 per pallet
- Grade B (moderate wear): $3–$5 per pallet
- Mixed-condition lots: $2–$4 per pallet
Cold-chain logistics and food processing are in high demand. They help move inventory quickly. This allows distributors to sell more without high holding costs.
Automotive 48? × 45? Pallet
The 48?×45? pallet is made for automotive parts containers. It makes up more than 10% of specialized pallet production in North America. Wood pallets cost $8–$16 each. They are designed for heavy loads. In contrast, plastic automotive-grade pallets range from $2–$4. These are better for single-use shipments.
Joining existing racking systems is simple. After a basic inspection confirms safety, yards usually lower processing fees.
Euro Pallet (1200 × 800 mm ~ 47.2? × 31.5?)
The Euro pallet, standardized by ISO 6780 and EPAL rules, makes up 80% of EU supply chains. It also helps trade between countries run smoothly. The Euro pallet resale market is strong because of EPAL branding and ISPM 15 heat-treatment certification. These ensure there are no phytosanitary issues.
- Grade B: from £6 (~$7.50)
- Grade A: exceeding £10 (~$12.50) depending on certification and wear
EU export compliance ensures minimal additional processing, boosting net resale returns.
Secondary Standard Sizes: Moderate Value
Square Pallets (45? × 45? and 48? × 48?)
Installed primarily in heavy-industries, square pallets offer enhanced load-bearing stability:
- 45?×45? Grade A hardwood: $8–$14 each, favored for drum and barrel shipments
- 48?×48?: $10–$18 each, commonly used for chemical drums and gaylord boxes
While not as common as 48×40 pallets, these pallets are still used in manufacturing and chemical sectors. This keeps resale activity steady.
Beverage Industry 36? × 36? (Euro-Style)
About 5% of beverage distribution in Europe uses 36?×36? pallets. These pallets work well in narrow lanes found in microbreweries and distribution centers. Grade A reconditioned pallets cost $8 to $12 each. This is because they meet strict cleanliness and size standards.
Material Breakdown and Market Shares
| Material Type | 2024 Market Share | Key Attributes | Resale Price Range |
| Wood | 55–70% globally | Durability, low cost, easy repair | $4–$16 (standard sizes) |
| Plastic | ~10% globally | Hygiene, longevity (10+ years), RFID | $2–$12 depending on grade |
| Metal | ~5% globally | High load capacity, niche uses | $5–$20 per pallet |
| Corrugated | ~3% globally | Lightweight, recyclable | $3–$6 per pallet |
Wood pallets lead the market because they are cheap and easy to repair. They hold about 55% of the market share by value. Plastic pallets are popular in hygiene-sensitive sectors. They make up about 10% of the market. Though they have higher upfront costs, their multi-year lifespans make them worth it.
Drivers Behind Premium Resale Values
High Demand & Rapid Turnover
Standard sizes facilitate quick sales and repeat orders, reducing holding costs.
Lower Processing Costs
Minimal repairs for standardized pallets lower labor and material outlays.
Uniform Quality Standards
Clear grade classifications (A, B, C) streamline inspections and reduce disputes over condition.
Regulatory Compliance
Using ISPM 15 or similar phytosanitary stamps on standard sizes can help you avoid extra heat-treatment fees. This, in turn, increases your net resale margins.
Lower-Value & Odd-Size Pallets
Custom or Irregular Dimensions
Pallets that are not in the 40×40 to 48×48 range, like 42?×42? or those for domestic use only, usually sell for $0–$1 each. This is because they have low reuse potential and higher handling costs.
Damaged or Scrap Pallets
Heavily worn pallets drop to scrap value. Wood parts can recycle for $0.50 to $2 per pallet. Metal stringers or steel pallets can earn $150 to $400 per ton in scrap steel markets. This is about $2 to $5 per pallet, based on grade and local rates.
Best Practices to Maximize Pallet Returns
Focus on Popular Sizes
Prioritize collecting and selling 48×40, 48×45, and 1200×800 mm pallets. Volume discounts at national yards (?480 pallets) can boost per-unit returns by $2–$3.
Maintain Pallet Condition
Repair small defects, remove debris, and check structural strength often. This keeps Grade A status and helps avoid downgrades.
Leverage Bulk Shipments
Full truckloads of standard pallets often sell for $6–$8 each, exceeding rates for smaller lots.
Partner with Nationwide Suppliers
Work with suppliers that have several buy-back locations. This can lower logistics costs and help you make the most of price differences in busy markets.
Emerging Trends
E-commerce Growth: Online shopping is boosting the demand for pallets. Lightweight plastic pallets are in high demand for fast-moving goods.
Circular Economy Initiatives: Regulatory and corporate sustainability goals encourage the use of reusable and pooled pallets. This shift is seen in the pallet pooling market, expected to grow to $14.5 billion by 2034, with a 6.1% CAGR.
Technology Integration: RFID tags and IoT sensors on strong plastic pallets boost traceability. This helps extend their life and makes them more appealing for resale.
Sellers can boost their pallet resale revenue by focusing on popular sizes. They should enforce quality grades and improve logistics. This approach helps create lasting benefits in the supply chain.
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