A red-painted block pallet owned by PECO Pallet and rented to shippers in their US pool program.
Detailed Definition
The red paint is how a PECO pallet is recognized at a glance in a mixed stack. The pallets are wood block pallets carrying PECO's markings, and they belong to PECO for their whole service life, even while they sit at a retailer, distributor or recycler. Anyone who ends up holding PECO pallets outside a rental relationship should arrange their return through PECO rather than reusing, selling or scrapping them. A red pallet without the pool owner's markings may simply be a painted pallet, so check the stenciling as well as the color.
Identifying a genuine PECO pallet
Look at three things together: the red paint, the block construction with four-way entry, and PECO's name or ownership marking stenciled or branded on the pallet. Color alone is not proof. Some companies paint their own pallets for internal tracking, and old pool pallets can fade or be partly repainted. If the markings are missing or unclear, set the pallet aside and check with the pool operator before treating it as a white-wood pallet.
What receivers and recyclers should do with red pallets
- Sort pool pallets out of the general empty stack as soon as loads are unloaded.
- Store them in a dedicated, dry area where they will not be reused by mistake.
- Keep a simple count of pallets received and collected.
- Use the pool operator's process to request pickup when enough have built up.
- Do not repaint, remove markings from, repair or grind pool pallets.
Why color coding matters in rental pools
Pools depend on getting pallets back. Distinct colors, such as PECO red and CHEP blue, let warehouse staff and recyclers separate pallets by owner quickly, which keeps pallets moving back into the right network and reduces disputes about ownership.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a supplier ships to me on red PECO pallets?
The supplier is renting those pallets from PECO, and they remain PECO's property after delivery. Unload the product, keep the empty pallets separate and in good condition, and arrange collection through PECO's process. Unless your company has its own agreement with PECO, do not reuse them for your outbound shipments. If you receive pool pallets often, setting up a regular pickup avoids piles of empties taking up space.
Are all red pallets PECO pallets?
No. Red is PECO's pool color, but any company can paint pallets red, and some use colors to mark internal or customer-specific pallets. A genuine pool pallet also carries the owner's name or ownership markings. Check for those markings before deciding what to do with a red pallet. If the markings are worn or missing and you are unsure, contact the pool operator rather than reusing or selling it.