Buy Used Pallets in Shippensburg

Save Money and Help the Environment: Your Guide to Buying Used Pallets in Shippensburg, PA

If you run a wholesale business in Shippensburg, PA, buying used pallets can cut your shipping costs by 40-60% while helping the environment. This guide shows you exactly how to find quality used pallets at the best prices in your area.

Why Smart Wholesale Businesses Choose Used Pallets

Used pallets give you three big wins:

• Save money: Pay $6.85 per pallet instead of $11.25 for new ones
• Get them faster: Most suppliers have used pallets in stock right now
• Help the planet: Keep wooden pallets out of landfills

Your customers won't see the difference, but your bottom line will.

What You'll Pay in Shippensburg

Here's what wholesale buyers actually pay for used pallets in the Shippensburg area:

Grade A (Like New)

• Price: $7.00 to $8.50 per pallet
• What you get: Minimal wear, no repairs needed
• Best for: Products going to retail customers

Grade B (Good Condition)

• Price: $4.00 to $6.25 per pallet
• What you get: Some wear but structurally sound
• Best for: Warehouse storage and most shipping

Grade C (Basic)

• Price: $1.00 to $3.00 per pallet
• What you get: Visible damage but still functional
• Best for: Light loads or internal use only

For example, if you buy 500 Grade B pallets at $5.15 each instead of new pallets at $11.25, you save $3,050 on that single order.

Standard Sizes You Can Find

Most wholesale businesses need these common sizes:

• 48x40 inches: The most popular size, fits standard trucks and warehouses
• 42x42 inches: Good for square products
• 48x48 inches: Better for heavy items that need more support
• Custom sizes: Available but cost more and take longer to get

The 48x40 size works for about 80% of wholesale shipping needs.

How to Inspect Used Pallets Before You Buy

Check these five things every time:

Deck boards: Look for cracks or missing pieces on top

Support beams: Make sure the bottom supports aren't broken

Fork holes: Check that forklift openings aren't damaged

Moisture: Avoid pallets that feel wet or smell moldy

Chemicals: Don't buy pallets with stains or strong odors

A good used pallet should support 2,500 pounds safely. If it wobbles when you push on it, don't buy it.

Where to Find Suppliers Near Shippensburg

You have several options within driving distance:

Local recycling centers: Often have the best prices but limited selection

Regional pallet companies: Better selection and delivery options, slightly higher prices

Online marketplaces: Like Repackify, where you can compare prices from multiple sellers

Direct from businesses: Some companies sell their old pallets directly

Start by calling three different suppliers to compare prices and availability.

Getting the Best Deals on Volume Orders

Most suppliers give discounts for larger orders:

• 25-99 pallets: Usually no discount
• 100-399 pallets: Save 5-10% per pallet
• 400+ pallets (full truck): Save 15-25% per pallet

For example, buying 400 Grade B pallets might cost $4.25 each instead of $5.15 for smaller orders. That's $360 in savings.

Delivery Options That Work for Wholesale

Plan your delivery based on your order size:

Small orders (under 100 pallets): Pick up yourself to save money

Medium orders (100-400 pallets): Less-than-truckload delivery, usually $100-200

Large orders (400+ pallets): Full truck delivery, often free or very cheap

Most suppliers can deliver within 2-3 days if you're flexible on timing.

Heat-Treated Pallets for International Shipping

If you export products, you need heat-treated pallets marked with ISPM 15 stamps. These cost about $1-2 more per pallet but are required by international shipping laws.

Not all used pallets are heat-treated, so ask specifically when ordering.

Industries That Use the Most Pallets

Understanding demand helps you time your purchases:

High season (need more pallets):

• Food processing: Spring through fall
• Retail: Before holidays
• Manufacturing: When production increases

Low season (better prices):

• Construction: Winter months
• Agriculture: Off-season periods

Buy during low seasons when you can store pallets to get better prices.

Environmental Benefits Your Customers Care About

Using recycled pallets helps in ways your customers notice:

• Saves trees (each pallet reuses about 15 pounds of wood)
• Reduces landfill waste
• Supports local recycling jobs
• Lowers your company's carbon footprint

Many wholesale customers now prefer working with environmentally responsible suppliers.

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't buy pallets that have:

• Blue or red paint: These are rental pallets you have to return
• Strong chemical smells: Could contaminate your products
• Pest damage: Look for insect holes or wood powder
• Excessive dirt or stains: Hard to clean and looks unprofessional
• Missing identification marks: You need to know where they came from

When in doubt, don't buy. A bad pallet can damage your products or reputation.

Building Relationships with Suppliers

Good suppliers become partners in your business:

What to look for:

• Answer phones quickly
• Keep promises about delivery dates
• Grade pallets consistently
• Solve problems without arguments

How to be a good customer:

• Pay bills on time
• Give accurate counts on your orders
• Plan ahead when possible
• Provide feedback on quality

Strong relationships often lead to better prices and priority service.

Planning Your Pallet Needs

Smart wholesale buyers plan ahead:

Monthly planning: Know your regular shipping volume

Seasonal planning: Stock up before busy periods

Growth planning: Have suppliers ready when you expand

Backup planning: Keep contact info for 2-3 suppliers

For example, if you ship 200 pallets per month, keep 50-100 extra in stock for unexpected orders.

Storage Tips for Used Pallets

Store pallets properly to keep them in good condition:

• Keep them dry: Moisture causes rot and warping
• Stack carefully: Don't exceed 10 pallets high
• Leave space: Air circulation prevents mold
• Check regularly: Remove damaged ones quickly

Good storage extends pallet life by 6-12 months.

Common Mistakes Wholesale Buyers Make

Avoid these costly errors:

Buying too many at once: Pallets take up lots of space

Not checking quality: Bad pallets cost more in the long run

Ignoring delivery costs: Can double your total price

Not comparing suppliers: Prices vary significantly

Forgetting special requirements: Like heat treatment for exports

Take time to plan your purchases carefully.

Future Trends in the Pallet Market

Three trends affect wholesale buyers:

Rising prices: Wood costs keep going up, making used pallets more attractive

Technology tracking: Some pallets now have chips to track location

Sustainability focus: More customers want eco-friendly suppliers

These trends make used pallets an even smarter choice for wholesale businesses.

Getting Started Today

Here's your action plan:

Calculate your monthly pallet needs: Count what you use now

Call three local suppliers: Get prices and delivery terms

Order a small test batch: See the quality before buying large quantities

Set up storage space: You'll need room for inventory

Build supplier relationships: Good partners help your business grow

Start small and grow your used pallet program as you learn what works best for your business.

Making the Switch from New to Used

Most wholesale businesses save 40-60% by switching to used pallets. The key is starting gradually and learning as you go.

Your shipping costs will drop immediately, your environmental impact improves, and your customers often prefer working with sustainable suppliers. With proper planning and good suppliers, used pallets can significantly improve your wholesale business profits while supporting environmental responsibility.