Plastic Pallets
Washable, export-ready, and built to last. The durable alternative for specialized applications. Available in both new and used options.
Get Plastic Pallet Pricing
Tell us about your application and we will recommend the right plastic pallet solution.
Why Choose Plastic Pallets?
Plastic pallets excel in environments where wood pallets fall short. They resist moisture, chemicals, and biological contaminants. They never splinter, never harbor pests, and never require heat treatment for international shipping. For certain applications, plastic pallets are simply the best tool for the job.
Washable & Hygienic
Unlike wood, plastic pallets can be pressure washed, steam cleaned, or chemically sanitized without degrading. This makes them essential for food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and cleanroom operations where hygiene standards are non-negotiable.
Export Without Hassle
Plastic pallets are completely exempt from ISPM-15 international phytosanitary regulations. No heat treatment stamps, no fumigation certificates, no risk of customs delays. Ship to any country in the world without paperwork headaches.
Incredibly Durable
A quality plastic pallet can last 10 years or more in heavy-duty service — far outlasting wood. They resist rot, insects, moisture, and most chemicals. The upfront cost is higher, but the total cost of ownership over the pallet lifespan is often lower than wood.
Consistent Dimensions
Plastic pallets are molded to exact specifications with zero variance. This makes them ideal for automated warehouse systems that require precise, consistent pallet dimensions. No warping, no swelling, no shrinking with humidity changes.
Lightweight Options
Nestable plastic pallets can weigh as little as 10-15 pounds — less than half the weight of a standard wood pallet. This reduces shipping costs, makes manual handling easier, and lowers the risk of workplace injuries.
Splinter & Nail Free
Plastic pallets eliminate the risk of splinters, protruding nails, and broken boards that can cause injuries and product damage. This makes them safer for workers and gentler on products, especially in retail and food service environments.
Plastic Pallet Material Specifications
Plastic pallets are manufactured from different polymers, each with unique properties suited to specific applications.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
The most widely used plastic for pallet manufacturing. HDPE offers excellent impact resistance, chemical resistance, and durability at a reasonable cost. It performs well across a wide temperature range (-40F to 180F) and is fully recyclable. HDPE pallets are the standard choice for most industrial applications.
- Impact resistant
- Chemical resistant
- Temperature range: -40F to 180F
- Fully recyclable
- FDA compliant grades available
- UV stabilized options
PP (Polypropylene)
Polypropylene pallets are lighter than HDPE and offer excellent chemical resistance. They have a higher melting point than HDPE, making them suitable for applications involving elevated temperatures. PP is commonly used for nestable and export pallets where low weight is a priority.
- Lighter than HDPE
- Higher melting point
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Good fatigue resistance
- Autoclavable options
- Cost-effective for one-way use
Weight Capacity by Pallet Type
| Pallet Type | Static Load | Dynamic Load | Racking Load | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nestable (Light Duty) | 2,200 lbs | 1,100 lbs | N/A | 10-15 lbs |
| Nestable (Medium Duty) | 5,500 lbs | 2,200 lbs | N/A | 15-22 lbs |
| Stackable (Standard) | 11,000 lbs | 2,800 lbs | 1,100 lbs | 30-40 lbs |
| Stackable (Heavy Duty) | 22,000 lbs | 5,500 lbs | 2,200 lbs | 40-55 lbs |
| Rackable (Steel Reinforced) | 30,000 lbs | 5,500 lbs | 2,800 lbs | 50-65 lbs |
| Hygienic (Closed Deck) | 11,000 lbs | 2,800 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 35-50 lbs |
Load capacities are approximate and vary by manufacturer and specific model. Contact us for exact specifications.
Types of Plastic Pallets
We carry a wide range of plastic pallet designs to match your specific application requirements. Each type is optimized for different use cases.
Nestable Plastic Pallets
Designed with tapered legs that allow empty pallets to nest inside each other, dramatically reducing storage space. Ideal for businesses with limited warehouse space or those that need to return empty pallets efficiently. Save up to 70% storage space compared to non-nestable designs.
Stackable Plastic Pallets
Built with a flat bottom deck and reinforced structure that allows loaded pallets to be stacked safely on top of each other. These are the workhorse of plastic pallet designs, offering the highest load capacities and compatibility with standard racking systems.
Rackable Plastic Pallets
Engineered specifically for use in pallet racking systems. These heavy-duty pallets are reinforced with steel bars or thick structural ribs to prevent sagging when supported only at the edges. Essential for any operation using selective, drive-in, or push-back racking.
Export Plastic Pallets
Lightweight, affordable plastic pallets designed specifically for one-way international shipping. Because plastic pallets are exempt from ISPM-15 wood treatment requirements, they sail through customs without any fumigation or heat treatment documentation. The easiest way to ship internationally.
Hygienic Plastic Pallets
Smooth, non-porous surfaces that resist bacteria growth and can be easily washed, sanitized, or steam cleaned. Designed for food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, cleanroom environments, and any application where hygiene is critical. Many options are FDA compliant.
Display Plastic Pallets
Attractive, clean-looking pallets designed for retail floor displays. Available in various colors and with optional branding. These pallets look professional on the sales floor and eliminate the splinter and nail risks associated with wood pallets in customer-facing environments.
Cleaning & Sanitization Guide
One of the biggest advantages of plastic pallets is their washability. Here are the recommended cleaning methods for different applications.
Pressure Washing
30-60 seconds per palletThe most common cleaning method. Use a standard pressure washer at 1,000 to 2,000 PSI with warm water. Effective for removing dirt, dust, and general grime. Suitable for warehouse and distribution environments.
Steam Cleaning
60-90 seconds per palletFor higher levels of sanitization. Steam at 180F or higher kills most bacteria and pathogens without chemicals. Recommended for food processing and pharmaceutical environments between production runs.
Chemical Sanitization
Per chemical instructionsImmersion or spray application of food-safe sanitizers (quaternary ammonium, peracetic acid, or chlorine-based). Required for FDA and USDA-regulated environments. Plastic surfaces resist all common sanitizers without degrading.
Automated Wash Systems
200+ pallets per hourFor high-volume operations, automated pallet washers can clean hundreds of pallets per hour. These systems combine hot water, detergent, and high pressure for consistent, thorough cleaning at production speed.
New & Used Plastic Pallets Available
Just like wood pallets, we offer both new and used plastic pallets. Used plastic pallets provide exceptional value because plastic is so durable that a used pallet often has many years of service life remaining.
Used Plastic Pallets
Used plastic pallets are an outstanding value. Because plastic is so durable and resistant to degradation, a used plastic pallet that has been through several years of service often looks and performs nearly identically to a new one. You get the same washability, the same export exemptions, and the same durability at a significantly lower price point.
- Significant cost savings vs new
- Same performance and hygiene standards
- Environmentally responsible choice
- Wide variety of types available
- Inspected and graded before sale
New Plastic Pallets
When your application requires guaranteed pristine condition — such as cleanroom environments, pharmaceutical production, or specific color requirements — new plastic pallets are the way to go. We source new plastic pallets from leading manufacturers and can provide any style, size, or color you need.
- Guaranteed pristine condition
- Full manufacturer warranty
- Custom colors available
- All types and sizes in stock
- Bulk pricing for large orders
Industries That Rely on Plastic Pallets
Food & Beverage
FDA compliant plastic pallets are the standard in food processing and distribution. They resist moisture, do not harbor bacteria, and can be sanitized between loads.
Pharmaceutical
Cleanroom-rated plastic pallets meet strict GMP requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturing, distribution, and storage. Full traceability and documentation available.
Chemical & Hazmat
Plastic pallets resist most chemicals and do not absorb hazardous materials. They are essential for chemical manufacturing, distribution, and storage operations.
International Shipping
Exempt from ISPM-15 regulations, plastic pallets simplify international logistics. No treatment documentation, no customs delays, no pest concerns.
Retail & Display
Clean, attractive plastic pallets are perfect for retail floor displays. No splinters, no nails, no risk of product damage. Available in brand colors.
Automotive
Automotive supply chains use plastic pallets for their precision dimensions and durability. They perform consistently in automated assembly line environments.
Electronics
Anti-static plastic pallets protect sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharge during manufacturing, shipping, and storage.
Cold Storage
Plastic pallets perform exceptionally in freezer and cold storage environments where wood pallets would crack, warp, or absorb moisture and grow mold.
Environmental Considerations: Plastic vs. Wood
In Favor of Plastic
- Lifespan 3 to 5 times longer than wood reduces total units manufactured
- Fully recyclable at end of life — material becomes new products
- No trees harvested for production
- No chemical treatments needed (no methyl bromide or heat treatment)
- Reduced waste generation due to longer service life
In Favor of Wood
- Made from renewable, sustainably harvested resources
- Biodegradable at end of life — returns to the earth naturally
- Lower energy input for manufacturing compared to plastic
- Easily repaired and refurbished, extending useful life
- Used wood pallets represent the ultimate circular economy product
Our take: Both materials have environmental merits. For most general-purpose applications, used wood pallets are the most sustainable choice due to their renewable nature and circular reuse model. For specialized applications requiring washability or very long service life, plastic pallets can be the more sustainable option when their full lifespan is utilized.
Plastic vs. Wood: When to Choose Which
Plastic pallets are not always the right choice — and neither are wood pallets. The best pallet depends on your specific application. Here is a honest comparison to help you decide. And remember, used wood pallets remain our top recommendation for general-purpose applications due to their unbeatable value and environmental benefits.
Available Colors & Customization
Plastic pallets are available in multiple colors for inventory management, department identification, and brand consistency.
Black
Standard
Blue
Standard
Gray
Standard
Red
Custom (500+)
Green
Custom (500+)
Yellow
Custom (500+)
Plastic Pallet FAQs
A quality plastic pallet typically lasts 10 years or more in regular service, compared to 3 to 5 years for a wood pallet (with repairs). In controlled environments like warehouses and clean rooms, plastic pallets can last even longer. The higher upfront cost is often offset by the dramatically longer lifespan, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership over time.
Yes. ISPM-15 regulations apply exclusively to wood packaging material. Plastic pallets are completely exempt from all phytosanitary treatment requirements because they cannot harbor the wood-boring insects and plant diseases that ISPM-15 is designed to prevent. This means zero treatment documentation, zero customs delays, and zero risk of rejection at international ports.
Most plastic pallets cannot be easily repaired once damaged, unlike wood pallets where broken boards can be replaced. This is one of the key trade-offs of plastic. However, because plastic pallets are so durable, damage rates are significantly lower than wood. When a plastic pallet does reach end of life, the material can be recycled into new products, so nothing goes to waste.
Standard plastic pallets are available in black, blue, gray, and natural (translucent). Custom colors including red, green, yellow, white, and brand-specific colors are available for orders of 500+ units. Color coding is popular for inventory management, department identification, and brand consistency. Some colors carry a small premium over standard options.
Used plastic pallets are an excellent value. Because plastic is so durable and resistant to degradation, a used plastic pallet that has been through several years of service often looks and performs nearly identically to a new one. You get the same washability, export exemptions, and durability at 30 to 50 percent less than new. We inspect and grade all used plastic pallets before sale.
Need Help Choosing Between Plastic and Wood?
Our pallet experts can help you evaluate your specific application and recommend the most cost-effective solution. For most applications, used wood pallets are the way to go. But when plastic is the right answer, we have the inventory to match.