Where to Get Free Pallets

Why Do I Need a Pallet for Freight Shipping?

Pallets are flat, portable platforms freight companies and businesses use to move large, heavy objects. They can be made from wood, plastic, paper, or metal, though wooden pallets are the most popular and cheapest choice. The standard pallet dimensions are 48 x 40’’ and can hold over 4,500 lbs, but other sizes are available.

Pallets are the standard for freight shipping. Most items, even ones in a crate or box, must be palletized. There are a few reasons why this is the case:

1.  Pallets consolidate a shipment into a stackable, organized shape that won’t shift during transport, especially if you shrink-wrap and then strap your items onto a pallet.
2.  Pallets optimize space inside a warehouse or trailer, so drivers don’t have to solve a complex puzzle whenever they load freight inside.
3.  Pallets can hold oversized or unusually shaped items, so long as they don’t hang over the edges.
4.  A forklift or pallet jack can quickly move pallets during loading or unloading.
5.  Pallets, especially wooden ones, are inexpensive to buy or rent and can be recycled and reused multiple times.

Where To Get Free Pallets From

Pallets are a handy tool for effective freight shipping. However, actually getting them can be tricky. You can purchase them (more don that later) but they can be expensive. So that begs the question: how do you get a hold of one for free? Here are a couple of places you can receive free pallets:

Stores

Larger companies have contracts with shipping or recycling companies to take or recycle their pallets after usage. You can try calling a larger company to see if they will let you have a pallet but don’t get your hopes up.

However, small businesses and stores are a different story. They don’t usually have the luxury of a loading dock or warehouse, so they leave their pallets outside for disposal. While these stores would be more than happy to let you take their unwanted pallets, it’s still crucial for you to call a small business or ask in-store for permission before taking one.

Here are some examples of small businesses and stores that you can go to for free pallets:

• Hardware and home improvement stores
• Small garden stores
• Furniture Stores
• Pet shops
• Restaurants and bars
• Liquor stores
• Sports equipment stores

Construction Sites

Smaller construction companies have supplies and building materials shipped to them via freight companies to their project locations or headquarters. However, after deliveries are completed, they don’t usually need the pallets anymore. Call local construction companies to see if they will let you take their pallets.

Online Marketplaces

Several websites have marketplaces where you can post and sell items online such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. However, some users will also post unwanted items that can be taken for free, like Freecycle. Search these websites, as you can find free pallets from shippers like you who no longer need their pallets.

Where to Purchase Pallets

Let’s say you look high and low for a free pallet and can’t find anything. What should you do to get a pallet? If all else fails, you can buy or rent one from several places.

• Shipping supply stores (like ULine) and packaging companies sell pallets in bulk and unusual-sized ones.
• Pallet recycling companies break down used pallets and turn them into new ones. You can see if you can purchase or receive pallets from these companies, though some cater more towards small businesses.
• Some hardware stores sell plastic or metal pallets for home decoration, but can be used for shipping if needed.