Used Wood Pallets
Our flagship product. Inspected, graded, and ready for work. Save money, save trees, and get the same performance as new.
Get a Quote on Used Pallets
Tell us the size, grade, and quantity you need. We will respond with pricing and availability within hours.
The Smarter Way to Ship
Used wood pallets are the backbone of American logistics. Over 70% of all pallets in circulation in the United States are used pallets. They are not second-hand compromises — they are battle-tested, inspected, and proven shipping platforms that deliver the same performance as new pallets at a fraction of the cost. When you choose used pallets from Raleigh EcoPallet, you are choosing quality, value, and environmental responsibility.
Grade C pallets cost up to 60% less than brand-new equivalents
Used pallets make up the majority of pallets in active US service
A well-maintained pallet can be reused 15 to 20 times
Each reused pallet avoids 31 kg of manufacturing emissions
Grade Breakdown: A vs. B vs. C
A detailed specification comparison of our three used pallet grades so you can choose confidently.
| Specification | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board Condition | All intact, no cracks | All intact, minor wear | May have repaired boards |
| Staining | Minimal to none | Light staining OK | Dark staining common |
| Nail Condition | Fully flush | Flush, minor heads | Re-nailed and flush |
| Surface Finish | Smooth, clean | Minor scuffs | Rough, weathered |
| Structural Integrity | Full capacity | Full capacity | Standard loads |
| Typical Use Cycles Completed | 1-2 | 3-6 | 7+ |
| Price Range (48x40) | $5 - $12 | $3 - $8 | $2 - $5 |
| Best Application | Retail / Export | Warehouse / Shipping | One-way / Internal |
| Racking Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes (standard) |
| Available in HT | Often | Sometimes | Rarely |
Used Pallet Grades Explained
Every used pallet we sell is inspected and assigned a grade. This system ensures you know exactly what you are getting and can choose the right balance of cost and quality for your needs.
Grade A — Like New
30-40% less than newThe highest quality used pallet available. Grade A pallets are in excellent cosmetic and structural condition. All boards are intact with no cracks, splits, or significant staining. Nails are fully flush. These pallets have typically been through only one or two shipping cycles and are visually indistinguishable from new pallets at a distance. Ideal for retail display, customer-facing applications, and any situation where appearance matters.
Grade B — Good Condition
40-50% less than newThe most popular grade for everyday warehouse and shipping operations. Grade B pallets show normal signs of use — minor scuffs, light staining, or small cosmetic imperfections — but are structurally sound and fully functional. All boards are intact and load capacity is not compromised. These pallets have been thoroughly inspected and any structural issues have been repaired. The best balance of price and performance.
Grade C — Economy
50-60% less than newThe most affordable option for budget-conscious operations. Grade C pallets show visible wear including dark staining, rougher surfaces, and repaired boards. Despite their cosmetic condition, every Grade C pallet has been inspected to ensure it meets minimum structural requirements and can safely support standard loads. Perfect for one-way shipping, internal use where appearance is not a concern, or any application where cost savings are the top priority.
Our 6-Point Inspection Process
Every used pallet passes through our rigorous inspection before it receives a grade and enters our sales inventory. Here is exactly what we check.
Structural Load Test
We verify that each pallet can support its rated load capacity without deflection. Pallets that fail the load test are diverted to repair or recycling — they never enter our sales inventory.
Board Integrity Check
Every deck board, bottom board, and lead board is inspected for cracks, splits, rot, and secure fastening. Boards with hairline cracks that could propagate under load are flagged for replacement.
Stringer & Block Assessment
Stringers are checked for splits, notch damage, and crushing. Block pallets are inspected for missing, loose, or cracked blocks. Any compromised structural components are repaired before grading.
Fastener Inspection
All nails, screws, and staples are checked. Protruding nails are hammered flush or replaced. Loose fasteners are re-driven. This step is critical for worker safety and product protection.
Contamination Screening
Pallets are screened for chemical contamination, pest damage, mold, and odors. Any pallet showing signs of chemical exposure or active pest activity is rejected from our sales inventory entirely.
Dimensional Verification
Overall dimensions are verified to ensure the pallet meets the stated size specifications. Warped or out-of-square pallets are flagged, repaired if possible, or downgraded appropriately.
Used Pallet Sizes We Carry
We stock the most common pallet sizes and can source specialty dimensions on request. All sizes are available in Grades A, B, and C.
GMA 48x40 Standard
The industry workhorse. The GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) standard pallet is the most widely used pallet size in North America. Compatible with virtually all racking systems, forklifts, and pallet jacks. Perfect for warehousing, retail distribution, and general shipping.
Euro Pallet (EPAL)
The European standard pallet, widely used in international trade and European supply chains. Ideal for businesses shipping to or receiving goods from Europe. Built to EUR/EPAL specifications for maximum compatibility with European logistics infrastructure.
48x48 Square Pallet
A versatile square pallet commonly used in the chemical, paint, and drum industries. The square footprint provides excellent stability for cylindrical containers and oversized loads that do not fit standard GMA dimensions.
42x42 Pallet
Popular in the telecommunications, paint, and chemical industries. This size is a standard for the Telecommunications Industry Association and is frequently used for shipping barrels, drums, and paint cans.
48x36 Pallet
A compact pallet widely used in the beverage industry for canned and bottled goods. Offers a slightly smaller footprint than the GMA standard, making it ideal for smaller shipments and tight warehouse spaces.
Custom Size Pallets
Need a non-standard size? We source and stock a wide variety of used pallets in uncommon dimensions. If we do not have your size in stock, we can build custom pallets to your exact specifications using reclaimed lumber wherever possible.
Who Uses Our Used Pallets
Businesses across dozens of industries in the Raleigh-Durham area and beyond rely on our used pallets daily.
Warehousing & 3PL
Third-party logistics providers and warehouses consume pallets at scale. Our Grade B and C pallets keep per-unit costs minimal for operations moving thousands of pallets per month.
Manufacturing
Manufacturers use pallets for raw material staging, work-in-progress, and finished goods. Grade B used pallets provide the reliability needed without the cost of new.
Retail & E-Commerce
Retailers and fulfillment centers need pallets that look presentable and work reliably in fast-paced pick-and-pack operations.
Agriculture
Farms and agricultural operations use pallets for produce, feed, and equipment. Grade C pallets handle the outdoor conditions and rough handling well.
Construction
Construction sites use pallets for material staging and storage. Appearance does not matter — function and price do. Grade C is the standard choice.
Automotive
Automotive parts suppliers require consistent dimensions for automated line-side delivery. Grade A and B pallets meet the tight tolerances required.
Food & Beverage
Food distribution requires clean, inspected pallets. Our Grade A used pallets pass food-safety visual inspections and come with optional pallet liners.
Government & Military
Government agencies and military installations use pallets for storage, shipping, and field operations. We supply all grades based on application requirements.
The Life of a Used Pallet
A wood pallet can have a remarkably long and productive life. Understanding the lifecycle helps you appreciate why used pallets represent such outstanding value.
1. Manufacturing
A new pallet is built from lumber (10-12 board feet). It enters service for its first shipping cycle.
2. First Use
The pallet carries goods from manufacturer to distributor or retailer. After unloading, it becomes surplus.
3. Collection
Companies like Raleigh EcoPallet collect surplus pallets from businesses, preventing landfill disposal.
4. Inspect & Grade
Each pallet is inspected, repaired if needed, and assigned a grade (A, B, or C) based on condition.
5. Resale & Reuse
The used pallet is sold to a new business at 40-60% less than new. The cycle repeats 15-20 times.
Where Used Pallets Shine
Used pallets are versatile enough for virtually any application. Here are the most common ways our customers put their used pallets to work.
Warehouse Storage
The primary use case for pallets worldwide. Used pallets are ideal for racking systems, floor stacking, and general warehouse organization. Grade B and C pallets are particularly popular for warehouse storage where appearance is secondary to function.
Shipping & Distribution
Used pallets move millions of dollars worth of goods across the country every day. From LTL freight to full truckloads, used pallets provide a reliable, standardized platform that works with all standard material handling equipment.
Retail Display
Grade A used pallets are frequently used for in-store product displays, especially in warehouse-style retail environments. They provide an authentic, rustic look that customers associate with value and eco-consciousness.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing facilities use pallets at every stage of production — staging raw materials, moving work-in-progress between stations, and staging finished goods for shipment. Used pallets keep these operational costs low.
Export & International
Used pallets that meet ISPM-15 heat treatment requirements can be used for international shipping. We carry heat-treated used pallets and can arrange treatment for untreated stock on request.
DIY & Creative Projects
Used pallets have become incredibly popular for DIY furniture, garden projects, and decorative installations. Our Grade C pallets are perfect for creative reuse — affordable, characterful, and full of rustic charm.
Care & Maintenance Tips
Proper handling and storage can dramatically extend the useful life of your used pallets. Follow these best practices to get the most out of every pallet.
Store Pallets Under Cover
Prolonged exposure to rain and direct sunlight accelerates wood degradation. Store pallets under a roof or tarp whenever possible. Even partial coverage significantly extends pallet life.
Stack Pallets Properly
Stack empty pallets no more than 15 high on a flat, level surface. Uneven stacking causes warping and board damage. Always stack pallets of the same size together.
Avoid Overloading
Every pallet has a rated load capacity. Exceeding it causes board breakage and stringer failure. Distribute weight evenly across the deck surface rather than concentrating loads in one area.
Handle With Care
Forklift damage is the number one cause of pallet failure. Train operators to center forks, avoid dragging pallets, and not drop loads from height. Gentle handling doubles pallet lifespan.
Inspect Regularly
Before loading a pallet, do a quick visual check for broken boards, protruding nails, and structural damage. Catching problems early prevents product damage and workplace injuries.
Rotate Your Inventory
Use a first-in, first-out approach with your pallet stock. This ensures older pallets get used before they deteriorate from sitting idle, and keeps your active inventory in optimal condition.
Ordering in Bulk? We Have You Covered.
Whether you need a one-time order of 500 pallets or a recurring monthly supply of 5,000, our bulk ordering program delivers the best per-unit pricing and guaranteed availability. We allocate inventory for our recurring customers and prioritize their orders during peak demand periods.
1 - 50 pallets
51 - 200 pallets
201 - 500 pallets
501 - 1,000 pallets
1,000+ pallets
Every Used Pallet Is a Green Choice
Reduced Deforestation
The average new pallet requires 10-12 board feet of lumber. The US manufactures roughly 500 million new pallets per year. By choosing used pallets, you directly reduce the demand for virgin timber. Our customers collectively save thousands of trees every year simply by choosing used over new.
Lower Carbon Emissions
Manufacturing a new pallet generates approximately 31 kilograms of CO2 through logging, transportation, milling, assembly, and treatment. Reusing an existing pallet generates essentially zero additional manufacturing emissions. Over the course of a year, a business using 1,000 used pallets instead of new can avoid over 30 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
Landfill Diversion
Pallets represent approximately 10% of all material in US landfills by volume. That is an enormous amount of reusable wood that does not need to be buried. Every pallet that enters our facility is either resold, repaired and resold, or broken down for recycling. Our zero-landfill policy ensures that no pallet we handle ever becomes waste.
Water and Energy Conservation
New pallet production is resource-intensive beyond just lumber. It requires water for processing, energy for milling and assembly, and chemicals for heat treatment. By extending the life of existing pallets through reuse, we conserve all of these resources and reduce the overall environmental footprint of the supply chain.
Trees Saved Annually
Waste Diverted
Material Recovery Rate
Pallets to Landfill
Why Used Pallets Are the Budget-Friendly Choice
The economics of used pallets are compelling for businesses of any size. Here is a breakdown of how choosing used pallets impacts your bottom line.
Direct Cost Savings
A new GMA 48x40 pallet typically costs between $10 and $25 depending on material quality and market conditions. A Grade A used pallet of the same size costs $5 to $12. Grade B runs $3 to $8. Grade C can be as low as $2 to $5. Multiply those savings across hundreds or thousands of pallets per month and the impact on your bottom line is significant.
Bulk Volume Discounts
We offer volume pricing that further reduces per-unit costs for large orders. Whether you need 100 pallets or 10,000, we can work with you to find the best price point. Full truckload orders receive the most competitive pricing.
No Waste Disposal Costs
When you buy used pallets from us, you are also eliminating waste disposal costs. Instead of paying to have surplus pallets hauled away, you can sell them back to us. We buy used pallets in any condition, turning what would be a disposal expense into revenue.
Reduced Supply Chain Costs
Because used pallets are locally sourced and recycled, they do not carry the transportation costs of new pallets shipped from distant lumber mills. Our local sourcing model keeps delivery costs low and turnaround times fast.
"We have been purchasing Grade B used pallets from Raleigh EcoPallet for our warehouse operations for over a year now. The quality is consistently excellent — we have processed over 3,000 pallets through our facility with a failure rate of less than 1%. The cost savings compared to buying new have allowed us to reinvest in other areas of our business. Highly recommended."
Warehouse Manager
E-Commerce Fulfillment Center, Durham NC
Complete Your Pallet System
Pair your used pallets with accessories and complementary products for a complete shipping solution.
Used Pallet FAQs
A well-maintained used pallet can go through 15 to 20 reuse cycles before it needs significant repair or recycling. A Grade A pallet from our inventory typically has 10 or more cycles remaining. Grade B pallets average 5 to 10 additional cycles, and Grade C pallets can usually handle 3 to 5 more cycles before needing repair. Proper handling, dry storage, and avoiding overloading all extend pallet life significantly.
Used pallets can be safe for food products depending on the specific application and regulatory requirements. For direct food contact, regulatory bodies generally require new or plastic pallets. However, for palletized food in sealed packaging, Grade A used pallets are widely used throughout the food distribution industry. We can supply heat-treated used pallets with valid ISPM-15 stamps, and we recommend pallet liners as an additional hygiene barrier.
There is no minimum order. We sell used pallets in any quantity, from a single pallet for a DIY project to full truckloads of 400+ pallets for large-scale operations. However, our best pricing kicks in at 51+ pallets, with progressively better rates at higher volumes. Free delivery within the Raleigh metro area begins at 50 pallets.
Absolutely. We encourage prospective customers to visit our facility and inspect our inventory in person. We can also provide sample pallets for evaluation before you commit to a large order. Our grading system is designed to set clear expectations, but we understand that seeing the product firsthand builds confidence.
Yes. We maintain a supply of used pallets that carry valid ISPM-15 heat treatment stamps, suitable for international shipping. Availability varies based on our incoming inventory, so we recommend ordering heat-treated used pallets in advance when possible. If we do not have HT-stamped used pallets in stock, we can arrange heat treatment for untreated pallets or supply new HT pallets instead.
Every used pallet we sell passes our multi-point inspection before leaving our facility. In the rare event that a pallet arrives damaged from transit or does not match the grade you ordered, contact us immediately. We will replace the affected pallets at no charge. Customer satisfaction is our priority, and our inspection standards are designed to prevent quality issues before they happen.
Ready to Order Used Pallets?
Whether you need 50 pallets or 5,000, we have the inventory and the expertise to get you exactly what you need. Fast quotes, fast delivery, fair prices.