Buy Used Pallets in Lakeland

How to Buy Quality Used Pallets in Lakeland, FL (And Save Money)

What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find good used pallets in Lakeland, how much they cost, and what to look for so you don't waste money on junk.

Why Buy Used Pallets?

Used pallets cost 30-50% less than new ones. A good used pallet works just as well for most jobs. Plus, you're helping the environment by reusing wood instead of cutting down more trees.

Where to Find Used Pallets in Lakeland

Local Suppliers

Two main companies in Lakeland sell used pallets:

Local Supplier #1 (New Tampa Highway area)

• Sells both new and used pallets
• Can build custom sizes if you need something special
• Delivers within city limits

Local Supplier #2 (Near downtown)

• Focuses on fixing up old pallets
• Will pick up your broken pallets for recycling
• Good prices because they specialize in reused wood

Regional Options

Tampa Area Supplier

• Delivers to Lakeland
• Has heat-treated pallets (needed for shipping overseas)
• Larger selection than local shops

Types of Used Pallets and What They Cost

Grade A: Like new, just used once or twice

• Best for important shipments
• Cost: About 70% of new pallet price

Grade B: Some wear but still strong

• Good for most regular shipping
• Cost: About 50% of new pallet price

Grade C: Visible wear, cheaper option

• Fine for one-time use or light loads
• Cost: About 30% of new pallet price

Standard size: 48×40 inches fits most trucks and warehouses.

What to Check Before You Buy

Look at the Wood

• Good: Boards are solid, no big cracks
• Bad: Boards are split, nails sticking out, wood feels soft or rotten

Check the Structure

• Good: Pallet doesn't wobble, corners are square
• Bad: Pallet rocks when you set it down, boards are loose

Ask About Treatment

If you ship internationally, you need heat-treated pallets. They have an "HT" stamp on the wood.

How to Get the Best Deal

Order More, Pay Less

• 1-10 pallets: Full price
• 11-50 pallets: 10% discount
• 50+ pallets: 15-20% discount

Ask About These Services

• Delivery: Most suppliers deliver for free within Lakeland
• Pickup: They'll take your broken pallets when they deliver new ones
• Exchange program: Trade in broken pallets for credit toward new ones

Step-by-Step Buying Process

Call and describe what you need

• How many pallets?
• What size?
• What grade quality?
• When do you need them?

Get a written quote

• Price per pallet
• Delivery cost
• Any extra fees

Schedule delivery

• Pick a time when someone can check the pallets
• Make sure your loading dock can handle the truck

Inspect when they arrive

• Count them
• Check a few for quality
• Don't accept pallets that don't match what you ordered

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying too cheap: Grade C pallets fall apart quickly. You'll spend more replacing them.

Not checking treatment: Your international shipment gets rejected at the port.

Ordering wrong size: Pallets don't fit your shelves or truck.

No delivery plan: Truck can't unload because your dock is busy.

When to Choose New vs Used

Choose used when:

• You ship domestically
• You need pallets for storage, not shipping
• You want to save money
• You use lots of pallets

Choose new when:

• You ship expensive products
• You ship internationally and need perfect condition
• You need exact specifications
• Image matters to your customers

Bottom Line

Lakeland has good options for used pallets. Start with local suppliers for regular needs. Use the Tampa supplier for special requirements like heat treatment. Always inspect before accepting delivery.

Grade B pallets give you the best balance of quality and price for most businesses. Order in bulk when possible to get better pricing.

Pro tip: Build relationships with 2-3 suppliers. This gives you backup options when one is out of stock, and suppliers compete for your business with better prices.