Buy Used Pallets in Iowa

Save 40-60% on Pallets: Your Complete Guide to Buying Used Pallets in Iowa

Why read this? You'll learn how to cut your pallet costs in half while supporting local recycling. This guide shows you exactly where to buy, what to pay, and how to get the best deals in Iowa.

Why Choose Used Pallets?

Used pallets offer three main benefits:

• Save money: Pay $3-7 instead of $15-20 for new pallets
• Help the environment: Keep wood out of landfills
• Get reliable quality: Grade A used pallets work like new ones

Most businesses save 40-60% on their pallet costs by buying used.

What You Need to Know First

Standard sizes: Most pallets are 48×40 inches (called GMA pallets). These work with almost any truck or warehouse.

Two main grades:

• Grade A: Like new, perfect for shipping products to customers
• Grade B: Some wear but still strong, great for warehouse storage

Where to Buy in Iowa

Iowa has pallet suppliers across the state. Here are the main types:

Statewide suppliers: Cover multiple cities, good for large orders Local recyclers: Best for small quantities and pickup Online marketplaces: Good for comparing prices

Most suppliers offer:

• Free delivery on large orders (usually 500+ pallets)
• Pickup services for small orders
• Drop-trailer service (they leave a trailer, you fill it)

What You'll Pay

Here's what most Iowa businesses pay:

Grade A pallets: $6-12 each

• Average across Iowa: $7.25

Grade B pallets: $3-7 each

• Cedar Rapids average: $4.21
• Bulk orders: $3.00

Example: A warehouse needing 1,000 pallets saves $8,000-15,000 buying used instead of new.

How to Order

Figure out what you need

• How many pallets?
• What size? (48×40 is most common)
• Grade A or B?

Get quotes

• Call 2-3 suppliers
• Ask about delivery costs
• Check if they offer buyback programs

Choose delivery method

• Small orders: Pick up yourself
• Large orders: Free delivery
• Regular needs: Drop-trailer service

Common Services Available

• Free pickup: Many suppliers remove old or broken pallets for free
• Buyback programs: Sell your used pallets back when done
• Custom sizes: Special orders for non-standard needs
• Payment terms: 30-60 day payment plans available

Getting the Best Deal

• Order in bulk: Truckload orders get the best prices
• Choose Grade B: Save more money if appearance doesn't matter
• Use buyback programs: Get money back for pallets you're done with
• Compare local prices: Prices vary between cities

Example: A Des Moines manufacturer orders 500 Grade B pallets monthly. They pay $3 each instead of $18 for new ones. Annual savings: $45,000.

What to Watch For

Quality issues:

• Check for broken boards
• Look for loose nails
• Avoid pallets with chemical stains

Hidden costs:

• Delivery fees for small orders
• Fuel surcharges
• Minimum order requirements

Major Iowa Markets

• Des Moines area: Best selection and prices
• Cedar Rapids: Good for eastern Iowa businesses
• Davenport: Serves Mississippi River corridor
• Iowa City: Several local recyclers

Each area has multiple suppliers, so you can compare prices easily.

The key to success: Start with one supplier for a small test order. Once you find quality and service you like, build a relationship for better pricing on larger orders.