How Much Do Pallets Cost in 2025? A Complete Guide to Pallet Pricing

Mike Schmitz
Jun 18
2 min read

Updated: Jun 27

If you've ever searched "how much do pallets cost?", you're not alone. Whether you're shipping products across the country or just across town, understanding pallet pricing can help you make better business decisions and avoid unexpected costs.

But the answer isn't always simple. The price of a pallet can vary widely based on size, materials, treatment, and order volume.

In this guide, we break down the key factors that influence pallet costs and help you decide whether new or recycled pallets are right for your operation.

What’s the Average Price of a Pallet?

The cost of a standard 48” x 40” GMA pallet typically ranges between $12 and $25.However, prices can fluctuate based on:

Lumber market conditions
Pallet specifications (custom vs. standard)
Heat treatment or kiln-drying
Volume and delivery location

What Affects Pallet Pricing?

Lumber & Raw Material Costs

Lumber Type: Prices for Southern Yellow Pine, hardwood, and SPF fluctuate with housing and construction markets.

Treatment Options: ISPM-15 heat-treated or kiln-dried pallets cost more but are required for export and certain regulated industries.

Wood Grade: Higher-grade lumber delivers better strength and durability, at a premium.

Manufacturing Overhead

Skilled vs. Entry-Level Labor: Automated nailing machines and saw line

optimization can reduce per-unit labor costs. However, pallet nailing machine operator wages still represent 20–30% of total pallet cost in many regions.

Facility Scale: Larger operations benefit from economies of scale. Smaller runs and custom designs increase per-unit costs

Order Volume & Commitment

Bulk Orders: Full truckload quantities (typically 500+ units) often come with volume discounts.

Contract Pricing: Long-term agreements can lock in better pricing and protect against raw material volatility.

New vs. Recycled Pallets: What's the Better

Factor	New Pallets	Recycled Pallets
Cost	Higher upfront cost	Lower upfront cost
Lifespan	Longer, more durable	Shorter, variable condition
Consistency	Built to spec (±¼")	Inconsistent size, may cause issues
Sanitation	Clean, ISPM-15 compliant	Risk of mold, pests, or contaminants
Maintenance	Low maintenance	Frequent repairs needed
Best For	Food, export, pharma, heavy loads	One-way or local shipments