Buy Used Pallets in New York City

How to Buy Used Pallets in NYC: Save Money and Help the Environment

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to cut your shipping costs by 50-70% while supporting recycling efforts in New York City.

Why Buy Used Pallets?

Used pallets cost much less than new ones. A new pallet costs $12-15. A used one costs $2-8. For a business shipping 100 pallets monthly, that's $4,000-10,000 in yearly savings.

You also help the environment. Each reused pallet saves one tree from being cut down.

Types of Used Pallets You Can Buy

Used pallets come in three main grades:

Grade A - Like New ($6.50-$8.50 each)

• Look almost new
• Minor wear only
• Perfect for retail displays
• Good for customers who see your pallets

Grade B - Good Condition ($4.00-$6.00 each)

• Some repairs done
• Fully functional
• Best value for most businesses
• Perfect for warehouses and shipping

Grade C - Basic Function ($2.00-$4.00 each)

• Multiple repairs
• May look rough
• Still strong and usable
• Great for one-way shipping

Most businesses choose Grade B pallets. They work just as well as new ones but cost half the price.

Standard Sizes Available

The most common size is 48x40 inches. This fits most trucks and storage systems.

You can also find:

• 42x42 inches
• 48x48 inches
• Custom sizes (special order)

Stick with 48x40 unless you have specific needs. They're easier to resell later.

How Much You'll Pay

Prices depend on three things:

How many you buy

• 1-50 pallets: Full price
• 50-200 pallets: 10% discount
• 200+ pallets: 20-30% discount

What grade you choose

• Grade A costs most
• Grade C costs least
• Grade B gives best value

Time of year

• Holiday season: Higher prices
• Spring: Lower prices
• Summer: Normal prices

Getting Your Pallets Delivered

Most suppliers offer free pickup if you buy 50+ pallets. For smaller orders, you might pay $25-50 for delivery.

Delivery options:

• Same-day pickup (if ordered by noon)
• Scheduled delivery (choose your day)
• Drop-off trailer (they leave it, you load it)

In Manhattan, deliveries work best early morning or evening due to traffic.

Making Your Purchase

Step 1: Know what you need

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

Step 2: Get quotes

• Call 3-4 suppliers
• Ask about volume discounts
• Check delivery costs

Step 3: Inspect before buying

• Check for broken boards
• Look for loose nails
• Make sure they stack properly

Step 4: Arrange pickup/delivery

• Schedule during off-peak hours
• Have loading dock ready
• Count pallets when they arrive

Selling Your Empty Pallets

Don't throw away your empty pallets. Sell them back to suppliers.

You'll get $1-3 per pallet, depending on condition. Many suppliers will pick them up for free if you have 25+ pallets.

This creates a cycle: Buy used pallets → Use them → Sell them back → Buy more used pallets.

Environmental Benefits

Every pallet you reuse:

• Saves 2-3 board feet of lumber
• Prevents 30-35 pounds of wood from landfills
• Reduces demand for new trees

NYC processes over 2 million pallets yearly through recycling programs. When pallets can't be reused, they become mulch or biomass fuel.

Finding Reliable Suppliers

Look for suppliers who:

• Offer free quotes
• Pick up your empty pallets
• Have been in business 5+ years
• Can deliver same-day
• Grade pallets honestly

Red flags to avoid:

• No physical address
• Prices much lower than others
• Won't let you inspect pallets
• No pickup service
• Cash-only payments

Getting Started

For your first purchase:

Start small (25-50 pallets)

Choose Grade B quality

Stick with 48x40 size

Get delivery quotes from 3 suppliers

Inspect pallets when they arrive

Questions to ask suppliers:

• What's your minimum order?
• Do you offer volume discounts?
• Can I see the pallets before buying?
• Do you buy back empty pallets?
• How quickly can you deliver?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy Grade C for customer-facing uses. They look rough and hurt your professional image.

Don't order just before you need them. Good suppliers get busy. Order 1-2 weeks ahead.

Don't forget about pickup. Factor pickup costs into your budget if buying small quantities.

Don't mix pallet sizes. Stick with standard 48x40 unless you have special equipment.

Real Example: How One Business Saves

A Brooklyn warehouse ships 150 pallets monthly. They switched from new pallets ($15 each) to Grade B used pallets ($5 each).

Monthly savings: 150 × $10 = $1,500

Yearly savings: $1,500 × 12 = $18,000

They use that money for other business improvements while helping the environment.

Next Steps

Count how many pallets you use monthly

Calculate potential savings (current cost - used pallet cost)

Contact 3 local suppliers for quotes

Start with a small test order

Build relationships with reliable suppliers

The used pallet market in NYC is competitive and reliable. You'll save money, help the environment, and get the same functionality as expensive new pallets.

Start small, ask questions, and build relationships with good suppliers. Your business and the planet will benefit.