Buy Used Pallets in Kansas City

Save Money on Shipping: Your Guide to Buying Used Pallets in Kansas City, KS

Why this matters to your business: Used pallets can cut your shipping costs by 50-75% compared to new ones. Kansas City offers some of the best prices in the Midwest, with quality used pallets starting at $4.00 each.

What You'll Save

Used pallets in Kansas City cost much less than new ones:

• Grade A used pallets: $5.25 to $10.00 each
• Grade B used pallets: $3.50 to $6.50 each
• Bulk orders (480+ pallets): $5.75 each
• Average price: $4.00 per pallet

Compare this to new pallets that cost $15-25 each. Your business saves real money on every shipment.

Standard Pallet Sizes and Prices

The most common pallet is 48x40 inches (called GMA standard). Here's what different sizes cost:

• 48x40 pallets: $3.50 to $10.00 (most common)
• 48x48 pallets: $10.00 each
• 48x42 pallets: $10.00 each
• 42x42 pallets: $7.00 each
• 36x36 pallets: $6.00 each

Pallet Quality Grades Explained

Grade A (also called #1 pallets):

• No broken boards or damaged parts
• Ready to use immediately
• Four-way forklift entry
• Can hold up to 4,600 pounds
• Best for shipping to customers

Grade B (also called #2 pallets):

• Some wear and minor damage
• Still strong and functional
• Good for internal warehouse use
• Much cheaper than Grade A
• Perfect for one-way shipping

Why Used Pallets Make Business Sense

Cost savings: You spend 50-75% less than buying new pallets. A business shipping 100 pallets monthly saves $1,000-1,500 per month.

Quick availability: Used pallets are in stock now. No waiting for manufacturing or shipping delays.

Environmental benefits: Your company reduces waste and shows customers you care about sustainability.

Same functionality: Used pallets carry the same weight and work with all standard equipment.

Heat Treatment for Export

Many used pallets are heat-treated and marked for international shipping. Look for the "HT" stamp if you export products. These pallets meet ISPM 15 standards required by most countries.

Heat treatment kills bugs and diseases in the wood. The process heats pallets to 132.8°F for 30 minutes minimum.

How to Order for Your Business

Small orders: Start with 10-50 pallets to test quality and fit.

Regular supply: Set up weekly or monthly deliveries for consistent inventory.

Bulk purchases: Order full truckloads (480-520 pallets) for best prices.

Custom sizes: Ask about non-standard sizes if your products need them.

What to Look For

Check the stamp: HT stamp means heat-treated and export-ready.

Inspect corners: Look for solid corners and tight joints.

Test weight: Make sure the pallet can handle your product weight.

Count broken boards: A few small cracks are normal, but avoid pallets with missing boards.

Delivery Options

Most suppliers offer:

• Local delivery within 50 miles of Kansas City
• Scheduled deliveries to match your production
• Drop trailer service for large orders
• Same-day pickup for urgent needs

Getting the Best Price

Order in bulk: Prices drop significantly for truckload quantities.

Be flexible on timing: Non-rush orders often get better pricing.

Accept mixed grades: Combining A and B grade pallets can lower average cost.

Plan ahead: Regular customers get priority pricing and availability.

Types of Wood Pallets Available

Hardwood pallets: Made from oak, maple, or similar. More expensive but very durable.

Softwood pallets: Made from pine or similar. Less expensive and lighter weight.

Mixed wood pallets: Combination of wood types. Good balance of cost and strength.

Plastic Pallet Alternative

Some businesses prefer plastic pallets because they:

• Last longer than wood
• Clean easily for food products
• Weigh the same every time
• Don't splinter or shed wood pieces
• Can be recycled when worn out

Plastic pallets cost more upfront but may save money long-term for some businesses.

Common Business Uses

Shipping finished products: Use Grade A pallets for customer deliveries.

Warehouse storage: Grade B pallets work well for internal inventory.

One-way shipping: Cheaper pallets for shipments that won't return.

Export shipping: Heat-treated pallets for international customers.

Manufacturing: Work-in-process inventory and material handling.

Market Trends Helping Your Business

Growing supply: More companies recycle pallets, keeping prices stable.

Better quality: Improved sorting and repair processes mean better used pallets.

Faster service: Digital ordering and tracking speed up deliveries.

More sizes: Increasing variety of custom and specialty sizes available.

How to Start

Calculate your needs: Count how many pallets you use monthly

Choose your grade: Grade A for customer shipping, Grade B for internal use

Find a supplier: Look for companies offering delivery to your area

Order a test batch: Start small to check quality and service

Set up regular supply: Arrange ongoing deliveries once you're satisfied

Red Flags to Avoid

Blue CHEP pallets: These are rental pallets that must be returned to CHEP.

Chemical stains: Avoid pallets with chemical odors or stains.

Excessive damage: Skip pallets with multiple broken boards or loose joints.

No stamps: Be careful with unmarked pallets if you export products.

Bottom Line for Your Business

Used pallets in Kansas City offer excellent value for wholesale businesses. You'll save thousands per year while getting quality pallets that work just as well as new ones. The key is finding reliable suppliers and understanding what grade works best for your needs.

Start with a small order to test quality and service. Once you find a good supplier, you can set up regular deliveries and bulk pricing that will significantly reduce your shipping costs.