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

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.

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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.

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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

While recycled pallets offer upfront savings, new pallets may offer greater long-term value depending on your needs.

When to Buy Recycled Pallets

• For local, one-way, or non-critical shipments

• When budget is tight and short-term cost matters

• You have in-house teams to inspect and repair pallets

When to Buy New Pallets

• You ship high-value, export, or regulated goods

• You need consistent dimensions for automated handling

• You want predictable performance and total cost of ownership

Learn more about new and used pallets in our recent blog: The Difference Between New and Used Pallets.

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Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're looking for heat-treated export pallets or cost-effective recycled options, we can help.

Request a Quote today to get pricing tailored to your needs.