Showing 15 of 24 published Pallet listings near Chicago, IL.
Average pricing by condition based on 22 active listings
| Condition | Avg. Price | Available Qty | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A (Like New) | $8.77 | 7,100 | 5 |
| Grade B (Good) | $9.50 | 7,160 | 7 |
| Grade C (Fair) | $6.89 | 23,780 |
What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find quality used pallets in Chicago, how much you'll pay, and what to look for when buying. You'll save hundreds of dollars compared to new pallets while reducing waste.
Used pallets cost 50-70% less than new ones. A new pallet costs $12-15, while a good used pallet costs $4-9. If you need 100 pallets, that's $800-900 in savings.
You also help the environment. Each reused pallet saves wood and keeps waste out of landfills. Many businesses choose used pallets as part of their sustainability goals.
Here's what used pallets actually cost in Chicago:
Grade A pallets (best condition): $6-9 each
Grade B pallets (some wear): $4-7 each
Average price across Illinois: $4.55 each
The most common size is 48" x 40" (fits most forklifts and trucks). Smaller sizes like 40" x 40" cost about $4 each.
Example:
Showing 15 of 24 published Pallet listings near Chicago, IL.
| 10 |
Prices reflect current market averages for pallet in Chicago, IL, with 38,040 units available across all conditions. View full price index
Grade A (also called #1):
Looks almost new
Minor scuffs only
All boards intact
Can hold 4,500+ pounds
Grade B (also called #2):
Some damaged boards
Still safe and strong
May have repairs
Good for storage, not customer-facing areas
Lower grades:
Significant wear or damage
Cheaper but limited use
Good for one-time shipping
Large suppliers: These companies have been in business for decades. They offer consistent quality and delivery services. Most have facilities throughout the Chicago area.
Local recyclers: Smaller, family-owned businesses often provide more personal service. They've built relationships with customers over 20-30 years.
Online marketplaces: RePackify lists used pallets with current pricing. You can compare options and order directly.
48" x 40" pallets (most popular):
Fits standard truck space
Works with all forklifts
Holds up to 4,592 pounds
Costs $6-7 used
42" x 42" pallets:
Square shape for specific needs
Holds 4,445 pounds
Costs about $5 used
48" x 48" pallets:
Extra space for large items
Holds 4,673 pounds
Costs about $5 used
A standard 53-foot truck holds:
480-680 pallets (depending on size)
Usually around 616 pallets for 48" x 40" size
This matters for delivery costs. Many suppliers offer free delivery for full truck loads but charge extra for smaller orders.
Full truck delivery: Usually free if you order 400+ pallets. The truck comes to your location and unloads.
Partial loads: You pay extra, typically $100-300 depending on distance and quantity.
Pick up yourself: Drive to the supplier's location. Good for small orders or if you're nearby.
Drop trailer service: The supplier drops an empty trailer at your location. You load it over time, then they pick it up.
Before ordering:
Ask about the grade (A, B, or lower)
Confirm the exact size you need
Check if delivery is included
Ask about minimum order requirements
When pallets arrive:
Look for broken boards or loose nails
Check that corners aren't damaged
Make sure they're the right size
Count them to verify the quantity
Red flags:
Musty smell (could be mold)
Stains or chemical residue
Severely split wood
Missing or loose boards
Start small: Order 50-100 pallets first to test quality before buying more.
Plan ahead: Popular grades sell out quickly, especially during busy seasons.
Consider mixed orders: Some suppliers offer deals when you buy different sizes together.
Ask about recycling: Many suppliers will take back your broken pallets and give you credit.
Check your space: Make sure you have room to store the pallets and access for delivery trucks.
Ordering the wrong size: Measure your products and storage space first. A 48" x 40" pallet won't fit through a 47" door.
Focusing only on price: Very cheap pallets often break quickly, costing more in the long run.
Not planning for delivery: Some suppliers need 24-48 hours notice for delivery scheduling.
Forgetting about weight limits: Don't put 5,000 pounds on a pallet rated for 3,000 pounds.
International shipping: You need heat-treated pallets with ISPM-15 certification. These cost slightly more but are required by law for exports.
Food products: Ask for pallets that haven't carried chemicals or other contaminating materials.
Retail display: Choose Grade A pallets if customers will see them. Grade B works fine for warehouses.
Small manufacturer (100 pallets per month):
Grade B pallets: $500 per month
Pickup or local delivery: $50 extra
Total: $550 per month vs. $1,300 for new pallets
Large distributor (1,000 pallets per month):
Grade A pallets: $7,000 per month
Free truck delivery
Total: $7,000 per month vs. $13,000 for new pallets
Calculate your needs: How many pallets do you use per month?
Choose your grade: Grade A for visible use, Grade B for storage
Find suppliers: Check RePackify for current pricing and availability
Start with a small order: Test quality before committing to large quantities
Plan your storage: Make sure you have space for delivery
Used pallets in Chicago offer real savings without sacrificing quality. Grade A used pallets perform nearly as well as new ones at half the cost. Grade B pallets work perfectly for most storage and shipping needs.
The key is finding reliable suppliers who inspect and grade their pallets honestly. Start small, test the quality, and build relationships with suppliers who meet your standards.
Most businesses save $3,000-10,000 per year by switching to used pallets. The money you save can go toward growing your business instead of buying new wood.