As of June 2026, United States Pallets pays $6 to $9 per Grade A 48x40, $3 to $6 per Grade B, and $1 to $3 for Grade C/core, with by-spec quotes for non-standard sizes. National averages run about $7 (Grade A) and $4.75 (Grade B). Minimum 250 pallets per load, single size only, fast ACH payment, nationwide pickup on our routes.
What We Pay by Grade (2026)
Grade is the biggest driver of what a used pallet is worth. The table below is our per-pallet buy-back range for the standard 48x40 footprint, as of June 2026. These are current market ranges and move with the lumber market.
Table 1 — 48x40 buy-back by grade · national · as of June 2026
| Grade | Condition | USP pays (per pallet) | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A (#1) | Sound, reusable, clean, no major repair | $6.00 – $9.00 | ~$7.00 |
| Grade B (#2) | Repaired / companion stringer, usable wear | $3.00 – $6.00 | ~$4.75 |
| Grade C / Core | Damaged; for repair or dismantle | $1.00 – $3.00 | ~$2.00 |
| ISPM-15 heat-treated, reusable | Stamped, export-grade, sound | Grade A + premium | varies |
Sources: UsedPalletRecycling.com state price data 2026; Repackify buy/sell market data 2026; 48forty recycled-pallet benchmarks. National averages: Grade A ~$7, Grade B ~$4.75.
What We Pay by Pallet Type
The 48x40 GMA pallet is the most liquid and sets the reference price. Other sizes pay relative to how easily they resell.
Table 2 — Buy-back by type · Grade A · as of June 2026
| Pallet type | Footprint | USP pays (Grade A) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMA 48x40 | 48″ × 40″ | $6.00 – $9.00 | Most in demand; sets the market |
| 48x48 | 48″ × 48″ | $5.00 – $8.00 | Drum / chemical handling |
| 42x42 | 42″ × 42″ | $4.00 – $7.00 | Telecom, paint, beverage |
| Block pallet (4-way) | varies | $5.00 – $9.00 | Premium for true 4-way entry |
| Odd / custom size | non-standard | $1.00 – $4.00 | Quoted by spec; harder to resell |
Source: USP buy-back desk, June 2026. Standard 48x40 GMA is the reference; other sizes priced on resale liquidity.
Regional Rate Differences
Pallet buy-back prices are regional - they track local supply and demand. The Northeast and coastal California run hot; the rural South and Midwest run cheaper.
Table 3 — Regional Grade A 48x40 adjustment · as of June 2026
| Region | vs national avg | Typical Grade A range |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, NJ, Boston) | +20% to +25% | $8.00 – $10.00 |
| Coastal California | +20% to +25% | $8.00 – $10.00 |
| Southeast | at or slightly above avg | $6.50 – $9.00 |
| Texas / Gulf | near avg | $6.00 – $8.50 |
| Rural Midwest / South (AR, MS) | below avg | $4.50 – $7.00 |
Source: UsedPalletRecycling.com per-state 2026 data. Northeast and coastal California pay 20-25% above the national average; rural states pay below.
How Selling to USP Works
- Minimum: 250 pallets per load, single size only.
- Best rate: full single-size truckloads (~500 to 560 stacked 48x40 in a 53-ft van).
- Pickup: nationwide, lowest cost when it rides a backhaul on an outbound delivery.
- Payment: ACH, same-day to net-7. No listing fees or commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does United States Pallets buy used pallets?
Yes, nationwide, from warehouses, distributors, recyclers, and manufacturers. As of June 2026 we pay $6-$9 per Grade A 48x40, $3-$6 per Grade B, $1-$3 for Grade C/core, and by-spec for non-standard sizes. Minimum 250 pallets, single size. ACH payment, pickup on our routes.
How much do you pay for used 48x40 pallets in 2026?
$6-$9 each for Grade A and $3-$6 for Grade B, against national averages near $7 (A) and $4.75 (B). Northeast and coastal California pay 20-25% above average; rural Midwest and South below. Exact rate depends on grade, size uniformity, volume, and pickup location.
What types of pallets do you buy?
48x40 GMA (most in demand), 48x48, 42x42, block pallets, and select custom sizes by spec. Reusable ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets earn a premium. We prioritize single-size, sorted loads; mixed or contaminated loads are quoted separately or declined.
What is the minimum quantity?
250 pallets per load, single size only. A 250-pallet load is picked up as a partial on a backhaul. Full single-size truckloads (~500-560 stacked 48x40 in a 53-ft van) earn the best per-pallet rate.
How fast do you pay?
ACH, typically same-day to net-7 by volume and account history. We confirm a rate before pickup, grade the load on arrival, and pay against the confirmed count. No listing fees or commissions.
Do you pick up nationwide?
Yes, all 50 states. Lowest freight when pickup rides the return leg of an outbound delivery. Submit location, size, grade mix, and quantity and we route accordingly.
Related
- Sell Pallets / Buyback Program
- 48x40 GMA Pallet Specs
- Buy New & Recycled Pallets
- USP Pallet Pricing Reference
Get a Buy-Back Rate
Sub-2-hour quote response. Tell us what you have.
