Save Money on Plastic Pallets: Your Delaware Buying Guide
You'll learn exactly where to find quality used plastic pallets in Delaware, what to pay, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Why Buy Used Plastic Pallets?
You get three big wins:
- Save 30-50% vs new pallets - More money in your pocket
- Get tough, long-lasting pallets - They resist water, chemicals, and won't splinter like wood
- Help the environment - Reuse existing plastic instead of making new
Think of it like buying a reliable used car instead of a new one. You get what you need at a much better price.
Where to Buy in Delaware
RePackify (Best for Online Shopping) This nationwide marketplace serves all of Delaware including Dover, Bear, Wilmington, and New Castle. Here's what you get:
- Find local sellers with 48×40 pallets and custom sizes
- Get competitive quotes instantly online
- Choose truck delivery or smaller shipments
- Sell your old pallets back through their buy-back program
Local Plastic Recyclers Delaware has several recyclers who buy and sell used plastic pallets:
- Free pickup for large orders
- Best prices for truckload quantities (that's about 26 pallets for 48×40 size)
- They often refurbish damaged pallets
What Types Can You Buy?
Start with these basic types:
Standard Pallets (48×40 inches)
- Most common size
- Fits standard truck spaces
- Easy to find and cheapest
Nestable Pallets
- Stack inside each other when empty
- Save storage space
- Great if you return empty pallets often
Heavy-Duty Pallets
- Hold up to 2,600 pounds
- Work in warehouse racking systems
- Cost more but last longer
Food-Grade Pallets
- Smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces
- Meet health department rules
- Essential for food and medicine
How Much Should You Pay?
Expect these prices in Delaware:
- $5-15 per pallet for standard 48×40 size
- Lower prices for bulk orders (25+ pallets)
- Higher prices for specialty pallets (food-grade, heavy-duty)
For example: If you buy 50 standard pallets, you might pay $8 each. Buy just 5 pallets, and you might pay $12 each.
Check Pallet Quality
Look for these grades:
Grade A (Like New)
- No cracks or broken parts
- Use for multiple trips
- Pay full price
Grade B (Good Condition)
- Minor damage that's been fixed
- Still strong and safe
- Pay 20-30% less
Grade C (Rough but Usable)
- Visible wear but still functional
- Use for one-way shipping
- Pay 40-50% less
How to Buy Smart
Figure out what you need first
- How many pallets?
- What size? (48×40 is most common)
- How much weight will they carry?
- Do you need food-grade?
Get quotes from multiple sellers
- Try RePackify for online options
- Call local recyclers for bulk orders
- Always ask about delivery costs
Ask these key questions:
- What grade are the pallets?
- How much for delivery?
- Can I inspect before buying?
- Do you take back damaged pallets?
Inspect your delivery
- Check for cracks in plastic
- Make sure pallets sit flat
- Count everything
- Take photos of any damage
Real Example
A Delaware warehouse needed 100 pallets. Here's what they found:
- New plastic pallets: $25 each = $2,500
- Used Grade A pallets: $12 each = $1,200
- Used Grade B pallets: $8 each = $800
They chose Grade B pallets and saved $1,700. The pallets worked perfectly for their shipping needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't buy without seeing them first - Photos can hide damage
Don't forget delivery costs - A $200 delivery fee changes your math
Don't mix pallet sizes - Stick to standard sizes unless you have a specific need
Don't skip the inspection - Check pallets when they arrive
Getting Started
Start simple:
Count how many pallets you need
Measure your typical loads
Get quotes from RePackify and one local recycler
Buy a small test order first
Scale up once you're happy
Used plastic pallets give you professional material handling at budget prices. With Delaware's good supply of recyclers and online options like RePackify, you can find exactly what you need without paying premium prices.