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What Is Pallet Leakage?

By United States Pallets Editorial Team · Reviewed by industry operators · Last updated: June 23, 2026

By Mark Gabrielli, Pallet Industry Specialist — Updated 2026

Pallet leakage is the loss rate of pallets in pool programs (CHEP, PECO, iGPS) where pallets fail to return to the pool, billed back to shippers as leakage charges.

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Quick Answer: Pallet leakage is the loss rate of pallets in pool programs (CHEP, PECO, iGPS) where pallets fail to return to the pool, billed back to shippers as leakage charges.

New GMA 48x40 pallets in warehouse stock

Detailed Answer

Pool programs charge per-trip fees plus leakage charges when pallets are lost or damaged beyond repair. Industry-typical leakage: 2-5% per cycle. Pool programs apply $25-100+ leakage charges per pallet. Owned-pallet purchase models eliminate leakage charges.

Sources

CHEP
PECO
iGPS

Companion Resources

Does United States Pallets supply pallet answer for export from national?

Yes, with ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets carrying IPPC stamps and full ISPM-15 documentation. Required for international shipments to all WTO member countries. Common for national customers with port access via United States's major export gateways.

Can national customers run a buyback program alongside their pallet purchases?

Yes. Backhaul logistics are coordinated on outbound delivery routes - empty or non-spec pallets get picked up on the return leg of new pallet deliveries. Per-pallet freight cost on the backhaul approaches zero for accounts running both new-pallet purchase + buyback simultaneously.

What credit terms does United States Pallets offer national customers?

Net-30 credit terms standard after the first 1-3 prepaid or COD loads while credit is being established. Submit a credit application with three trade references; approval typically processes within 48 hours. Volume accounts can negotiate net-45 or net-60.

Does United States Pallets buy back used pallets in national?

Yes. We buy back used pallets from national collectors, recyclers, and warehouses - 250-pallet minimum per load, single-size only (no mixed-size loads). Fast ACH payment, typically same-day or net-7 depending on volume. Pickup arranged on standard outbound delivery routes.

How fast does United States Pallets deliver to national, United States?

Same-day shipping in our Southeast/Mid-Atlantic core (FL, GA, AL, TN, MS, SC, NC, KY, VA) and scheduled weekly delivery elsewhere. Express options available for national rush orders. Quote response under 2 business hours, dispatch within hours of order confirmation.

Operational details for Florida

Compliance specification

Heat-treatment chamber maintained at 56C core for 30 minutes per ISPM-15 Annex 1; each load shipped with a treatment certificate signed by a USDA-registered inspector.

Florida regulatory context

Citrus packers operating in Florida's three citrus belts (Indian River, Polk County, Highlands County) require Florida-specific phytosanitary documentation; we coordinate with the Florida Citrus Mutual office for compliant freight.

Florida Department of Agriculture inspects pallet treatment facilities under the federal cooperative inspection agreement; our Tampa and Jacksonville locations are stamp-authorized facilities.

Pallet specification detail

48x40 GMA load capacity is 2,800 lb racked (face-loaded), 4,600 lb static, and 2,500 lb dynamic per ASME MH1 2016; deck board span 3.5 inches; deflection under rated load <0.5 inch.

Pallet weight: new GMA averages 38-42 lb per unit; recycled Grade A averages 35-39 lb; lighter chemical-industry 40x40 pallets weigh 28-32 lb; freight estimation should use 40 lb/pallet for inbound planning.

Delivery and logistics

Dry-van loads handle weather-sensitive pallet stock and food-grade freight; sealed loads with bill-of-lading documentation; supports DOT-required commercial routing.

Customer use case

Furniture manufacturers in High Point NC (and southeast suppliers shipping to FL) use custom oversized pallets for assembled freight; 60x40 and 72x48 builds available on 5-day production lead time.

Pricing context

Delivery freight runs $250-450 per truckload (53-foot) within 75 miles of a yard; longer hauls priced at $2.50-3.50 per loaded mile; flatbed loads premium 10-15%.

Sustainability

Carbon footprint per delivered pallet (cradle-to-gate, including 75-mile delivery): new GMA ~21 kg CO2e; recycled Grade A ~7 kg CO2e; custom builds vary by spec.