Buy Used Pallets in Atlanta

How to Buy Used Pallets in Atlanta and Save Money

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to cut your shipping costs by 40-60%, find reliable pallet suppliers in Atlanta, and choose the right pallets for your business.

Why Buy Used Pallets?

Used pallets cost much less than new ones. You can save thousands of dollars per year while helping the environment. Here's what you get:

• Pay $5-12 per pallet instead of $15-25 for new ones
• Cut your shipping costs by up to 60%
• Reduce waste and help the environment
• Get pallets delivered quickly across Atlanta

Types of Used Pallets You Can Buy

Used pallets come in three main grades. Think of it like buying a used car - some look almost new, others have more wear.

Grade A Pallets ($10-12 each)

• Look almost new
• Strong and straight
• Perfect for valuable products
• Can be reused many times

Grade B Pallets ($6-9 each)

• Have minor scratches or replaced boards
• Still strong and safe
• Good for most shipping needs
• Best value for most businesses

Grade C Pallets ($5-7 each)

• Show wear and some damage
• OK for one-time shipping
• Cheapest option
• Good for bulk materials

Most pallets are 48" x 40" - the standard size that fits forklifts and trucks.

How to Find Good Suppliers in Atlanta

Atlanta has many pallet suppliers because it's a major shipping hub. Look for suppliers that offer:

• Free delivery in the metro area
• Inspection services to check pallet quality
• Buy-back programs where they take your old pallets
• Quick turnaround - same day or next day delivery

Good suppliers will let you see pallets before buying them. They should explain the grading system and answer your questions.

What You'll Pay

Here's what to expect for pricing in Atlanta:

• Small orders (under 100 pallets): $7-12 per pallet
• Medium orders (100-500 pallets): $6-10 per pallet
• Large orders (500+ pallets): $5-9 per pallet

Example: A warehouse ordering 300 Grade B pallets might pay $7 each, including delivery. That's $2,100 total instead of $4,500 for new pallets.

Many suppliers offer exchange programs. You return old pallets and get credit toward new ones. This can save you another 20-30%.

Getting Pallets Delivered

Most suppliers in Atlanta offer:

• Free delivery for orders over 50-100 pallets
• Same-day delivery for rush orders
• Drop-and-hook service - they leave pallets and pick up old ones
• Scheduled deliveries weekly or monthly

For smaller orders, you might pay $25-50 for delivery depending on distance.

Important Rules to Know

For international shipping: You need heat-treated pallets marked with ISPM 15 stamps. These prevent pest problems at customs.

For food products: Make sure pallets are clean and haven't carried chemicals or hazardous materials.

For safety: Check that pallets aren't damaged in ways that could hurt workers or damage products.

Tips for Small Businesses

If you're just starting out or have a small business:

Start small - order 25-50 pallets to test quality

Build relationships - find one good supplier and stick with them

Ask about minimums - some suppliers waive minimum orders for regular customers

Consider liquidation pallets - these contain returned merchandise you can resell

Real example: A small retailer started with 25 Grade B pallets for $175. After building trust with the supplier, they now get volume discounts and priority delivery.

Environmental Benefits

Using recycled pallets helps the environment in real ways:

• Saves trees - each reused pallet saves cutting down new wood
• Reduces landfill waste - keeps old pallets from being thrown away
• Cuts transportation - less trucking of new pallets from factories
• Lowers your carbon footprint by up to 30%

Many companies track these savings for their sustainability reports.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy without seeing: Always inspect pallets or ask for photos first.

Don't ignore delivery costs: Factor in transportation when comparing prices.

Don't overbuy: Start with what you need for 1-2 months, then adjust.

Don't skip the paperwork: Keep records for accounting and compliance.

Getting Started

Here's your action plan:

Calculate your needs - how many pallets do you use per month?

Set your budget - used pallets should cut costs by 40-60%

Call 3-4 suppliers - compare prices and services

Start with a small order - test quality before committing

Track your savings - measure the real cost difference

What to Ask Suppliers

When you call suppliers, ask these questions:

• What grades do you have in stock?
• What's your delivery minimum and cost?
• Do you offer buy-back programs?
• Can I see pallets before buying?
• What's your typical delivery time?
• Do you have heat-treated pallets for international shipping?

The Bottom Line

Buying used pallets in Atlanta can cut your shipping costs in half while helping the environment. The key is finding reliable suppliers who deliver quality pallets quickly.

Start small, build relationships, and track your savings. Most businesses find they can save thousands of dollars per year without compromising quality.

Atlanta's position as a shipping hub means you have many suppliers to choose from. Take advantage of that competition to get the best deals and service for your business.