CHEP and PECO are the two dominant US blue/red pallet pool operators. Differences in coverage, retailer acceptance, fees.
CHEP Overview
CHEP (Brambles) operates the worlds largest pallet pool with 350M+ pallets. CHEP blue pallets dominate US grocery distribution and are accepted by Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Albertsons, Target.
PECO Overview
PECO (red pallets) is North Americas second-largest pool operator with 25M+ pallets. PECO is accepted by Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco, Kroger, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize.
Construction
Both CHEP and PECO use block pallets (9-block) with full 4-way entry. CHEP softwood block; PECO mixed hardwood/softwood block. Both rated for 2,800+ lbs dynamic.
Cost Model
Pool model: pay per trip, no purchase. Typical $3-7 per pallet trip. CHEP charges issue/transfer fees, recovery deposits, plus leakage charges for un-returned pallets ($25-100+).
Choosing Between Them
Choose by your retailer mix: if shipping to Walmart/Costco, both work. If shipping to retailer with exclusive pool deal, match pool. For mixed retailer programs, CHEP slightly broader US footprint.
Companion Resources
How does United States Pallets compare to United States-based local pallet suppliers?
Local United States suppliers offer geographic proximity. United States Pallets offers nationwide sourcing depth, multi-grade inventory always in stock, sub-2-business-hour quote response, audit-ready documentation, and standing-order automation that local yards typically don't match.
Does United States Pallets supply pallet comparison 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.
What's the minimum order quantity for pallet comparison?
50 pallets per order minimum on buy-side. Sell-side (buyback) minimum is 250 pallets per single-size load. Volume tiers kick in automatically as cumulative monthly volume increases - 500+/week accounts qualify for standing-order programs with reserved delivery slots.
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.
What documentation accompanies pallet comparison loads?
BOL, packing list, grade certifications standard. Heat-treated loads add IPPC stamps and ISPM-15 documentation. Pharma-grade loads add batch records. Food-grade loads add FSMA Sanitary Transportation Rule certifications. All documentation ships electronically before delivery.
Quote Request
Sub-2-hour response.
