Plastic vs Wood Pallets: Which Is Best For Your Freight?

A pallet is a sturdy, flat surface used to transport high-volumes of freight in boxes, bags, or crates. Pallets are typically made of wood, but plastic pallets are also used to transport bulk freight. We’ll walk you through the difference between plastic vs wood pallets and when to use either platform for your shipments.

Key Takeaways:

• Wood pallets are made of softwood or hardwood, while plastic pallets are made from durable polypropylene or polyethylene.
• Plastic and wood pallets come in standard sizes like 48 inches by 48 inches, 42 inches by 42 inches, and 40 inches by 48 inches.
• Standard wood pallets can hold up to 3,000 pounds, while plastic pallets can hold up to 3,500 pounds. Weight capacity varies between the pallet’s dynamic or static capacity.
• Pallets, wood or plastic, can be shipped via full truckload (FTL) or less-than-truckload (LTL).

This guide compares plastic vs. wood pallets for FTL and LTL freight and shows how to pick the best option based on product risk, handling cycles, trailer conditions, and total cost per trip.

Plastic vs Wood Pallets

A pallet is a platform used to unitize freight so that it can move safely by forklift and pallet jack. Pallets also make shipping via truckload (FTL or LTL), rail, or air much easier. Palletized freight can be light or heavy—the limit is the pallet’s rated capacity and the load’s stability.

Wood pallets are made of either:

• Softwood like pine
• Hardwood like oak

Plastic pallets are made of either:

• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene

Both plastic or wood pallets are made in U.S. standard dimensions:

• 48 inches x 48 inches
• 42 inches x 42 inches
• 40 inches x 48 inches

While wood pallets are more commonly used, plastic pallets offer hygienic qualities. Plastic is easier to clean and sanitize with soap. 

We’ve made a comparison table to further define the differences between plastic and wood pallets:

Pallets can support light or heavy freight when the pallet rating, load stability, and trailer securement match the shipment. Avoid palletizing items that cannot be stabilized unless you use crating, blocking/bracing, or custom bases. We’ve made a chart to compare the best freight to ship on plastic or wood pallets:

Heavy appliances like washing machines or equipment like lawnmowers are not appropriate to palletize because it impairs loading/unloading speed and can damage pallets.

Plastic pallets are a better option for shippers that require cold chain logistics for freight temperature control. Plastic is more resilient to moisture than wood which can weaken and break down over time from heavy freight and repeated moisture exposure.

Heat treatment for export compliance (ISPM 15) heats wood packaging to a minimum core temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) for at least 30 minutes to reduce pest risk. You can use this heat treatment practice to sterilize your wooden pallets and improve their cleanliness.

Steel and aluminum pallets exist, but most high-volume shippers avoid them unless they need extreme durability in a controlled loop. Metal pallets can add significant tear weight, which can increase freight cost and handling effort.

The weight of your pallet can also add to the weight and total price of your shipment. 

The Costs of Plastic vs Wood Pallets

You should also factor in costs when considering between wood and plastic pallets. Wood pallets are less expensive than plastic pallets, but both types of pallets are beneficial to shippers depending on their freight needs.

Wood pallets cost between $15 to $25 per pallet, new or recycled. Plastic pallets cost between $20 to $125 or more per pallet, new or recycled.

Decision Tip: Compare cost per trip, not purchase price. A higher-cost plastic pallet can be cheaper over time if it completes many trips and you recover it consistently.

Use plastic pallets when:

• Freight requires cold chain logistics
• Freight needs protection from bacteria
• Freight budget can support a higher upfront pallet cost
• You operate a closed-loop where pallets return reliably

Use wood pallets when:

• Freight is non-perishable and can withstand more handling
• Freight isn’t sensitive to bacteria exposure
• Freight budget needs reduced freight rate
• You benefit from repairability and quick replacement

In the next section, we’ll discuss pallet shipping requirements to follow.

Pallet Shipping Requirements

When shipping by pallet, follow these guidelines to make loading/unloading and transit safe from pick up to delivery.

Pallet Shipping Safety Checklist

Use this checklist before shipping your next palletized load:

1. Use packaging materials to secure palletized freight:
   1. Boxes, bags, or crates
   2. Shrink-wrap entire palletized freight to reduce shifting or toppling over in transit
   3. Strapping and banding
   4. Corner boards
2. Measure dimensions of freight:
   1. Height
   2. Weight
   3. Width
   4. Density (necessary for LTL shipments)
3. Confirm pallet capacity for both static and dynamic weight:
   1. For static (in warehouse): Plastic pallets hold up to 5,000 pounds; Wood pallets hold up to 6,000 pounds
   2. Dynamic (in transit): Plastic pallets hold up 4,000 pounds; Wood pallets hold up to 3,000 pounds
4. Avoid freight overhang on pallet for safety compliance and ease of loading/unloading

Shippers sending freight to big box stores like Costco must palletize freight according to the receiver’s specifications or risk freight rejection or even fines.

No matter where you’re shipping, USA Truckload helps you check each requirement off your list with our network of 22,000+ carriers trained and experienced in handling plastic and wood palletized freight.

We ensure each load is secured with blocking and bracing for both consolidated freight on LTLs or full trailers for FTL.

Ship Your Palletized Freight With USA Truckload Shipping

Shipping by pallet? We’re ready to help. Our freight experts are trained to handle plastic or wood pallets for high-quantities of freight moving interstate or cross-country. Call us at (866)-353-7178 or grab an instant quote in just minutes. You can also submit any questions you have about our services to our contact page.