As we wrap up 2024, the used pallet market continues to reflect a shift from the volatile price surges seen in 2021 and 2022. While prices for new pallets have seen some increase, it's clear that the market is stabilizing after the height of the pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions. However, a key trend to note is the growing indication that prices for Grade A and Grade B pallets are likely to rise again in the coming months, making it essential for businesses to stay ahead of the curve.
Pricing Factors
The uptick in new pallet prices observed in 2024 follows a period of market correction after the extreme highs in 2021-2022. During that time, supply chain issues and heightened demand led to a surge in pallet prices, and the industry saw an influx of capital investments and new players. This led to an oversupply of pallets, resulting in the lower pricing we saw in 2023 and early 2024.
However, as the market starts to normalize, we're seeing a shift in the balance of supply and demand. While new pallet prices have slightly risen, there's a growing indication that the prices for Grade A and Grade B pallets, in particular, may start to rise again across the country. This could be due to several factors, including stronger demand as businesses ramp up production and a tightening of supply due to more efficient inventory management practices at pallet yards. This means that buyers may face increased costs for these higher-quality pallets in the coming months.
2024 Monthly Pricing Trends
Here are the average used pallet prices by month for 2024:
| Month | New | Grade A | Grade B | Pallet Cores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | $8.10 | $5.50 | $3.60 | $1.10 |
| February | $8.15 | $5.48 | $3.58 | $1.09 |
| March | $8.20 | $5.45 | $3.56 | $1.08 |
| April | $8.25 | $5.43 | $3.54 | $1.07 |
| May | $8.30 | $5.40 | $3.52 | $1.06 |
| June | $8.35 | $5.38 | $3.50 | $1.05 |
| July | $8.40 | $5.35 | $3.48 | $1.04 |
| August | $8.45 | $5.33 | $3.46 | $1.03 |
| September | $8.50 | $5.30 | $3.44 | $1.02 |
| October | $8.55 | $5.28 | $3.42 | $1.01 |
| November | $8.60 | $5.25 | $3.40 | $1.00 |
| December | $8.65 | $5.23 | $3.38 | $0.99 |
National Average
- New Pallet Price: Approximately $8.40
- Grade A Pallet Price: Approximately $5.34
- Grade B Pallet Price: Approximately $3.47
- Pallet Cores Price: Approximately $1.03
Price By State
Here are the average prices by state for December 2024:
| State | New | Grade A | Grade B | Pallet Cores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $8.00 | $5.20 | $3.70 | $1.15 |
| Alaska | $9.50 | $7.50 | $5.00 | $1.80 |
| Arizona | $8.00 | $5.30 | $3.80 | $1.05 |
| Arkansas | $7.85 | $5.10 | $3.60 | $1.00 |
| California | $9.20 | $7.10 | $5.30 | $1.90 |
| Colorado | $8.15 | $6.50 | $4.20 | $1.60 |
| Connecticut | $8.50 | $6.50 | $4.10 | $1.50 |
| Delaware | $8.30 | $7.00 | $4.00 | $1.20 |
| Florida | $8.40 | $6.30 | $4.70 | $1.10 |
| Georgia | $8.60 | $6.50 | $4.10 | $1.30 |
| Hawaii | $9.80 | $7.80 | $5.50 | $1.90 |
| Idaho | $8.10 | $5.50 | $3.80 | $1.30 |
| Illinois | $8.05 | $5.10 | $3.50 | $1.00 |
| Indiana | $8.00 | $5.30 | $3.80 | $1.05 |
| Iowa | $8.10 | $5.50 | $3.90 | $1.00 |
| Kansas | $8.40 | $6.00 | $3.80 | $1.10 |
| Kentucky | $8.30 | $6.40 | $4.10 | $1.20 |
| Louisiana | $8.10 | $5.40 | $3.80 | $1.05 |
| Maine | $8.60 | $7.00 | $5.20 | $1.50 |
| Maryland | $8.00 | $5.50 | $3.90 | $1.10 |
| Massachusetts | $8.10 | $6.50 | $4.10 | $1.40 |
| Michigan | $8.40 | $6.30 | $4.10 | $1.00 |
| Minnesota | $8.00 | $5.30 | $3.90 | $0.95 |
| Mississippi | $7.95 | $5.20 | $3.70 | $1.10 |
| Missouri | $8.10 | $5.40 | $3.80 | $1.00 |
| Montana | $8.20 | $5.50 | $3.80 | $1.20 |
| Nebraska | $8.00 | $5.30 | $3.60 | $1.00 |
| Nevada | $8.00 | $5.20 | $3.70 | $1.05 |
| New Hampshire | $8.10 | $5.50 | $3.80 | $1.10 |
| New Jersey | $8.05 | $5.30 | $3.90 | $1.20 |
| New Mexico | $7.85 | $5.10 | $3.60 | $0.95 |
| New York | $8.10 | $5.60 | $4.10 | $1.40 |
| North Carolina | $8.00 | $5.20 | $3.80 | $1.05 |
| North Dakota | $9.00 | $6.00 | $4.00 | $1.10 |
| Ohio | $8.05 | $5.30 | $3.80 | $1.00 |
| Oklahoma | $8.10 | $5.20 | $3.70 | $1.00 |
| Oregon | $8.20 | $5.50 | $4.00 | $1.10 |
| Pennsylvania | $8.00 | $5.30 | $3.80 | $1.05 |
| Rhode Island | $8.10 | $5.40 | $3.90 | $1.20 |
| South Carolina | $7.90 | $5.10 | $3.60 | $1.05 |
| South Dakota | $7.85 | $5.10 | $3.50 | $1.00 |
| Tennessee | $8.00 | $5.30 | $3.80 | $1.05 |
| Texas | $8.10 | $5.30 | $3.70 | $1.00 |
| Utah | $8.00 | $5.20 | $3.70 | $1.05 |
| Vermont | $8.50 | $6.00 | $4.10 | $1.20 |
| Virginia | $8.00 | $5.30 | $3.80 | $1.05 |
| Washington | $8.40 | $5.70 | $4.00 | $1.20 |
| West Virginia | $8.00 | $5.20 | $3.80 | $1.05 |
| Wisconsin | $8.10 | $5.30 | $3.80 | $1.05 |
| Wyoming | $8.00 | $5.10 | $3.60 | $1.00 |
Pallet Price Index Analysis
According to the Repackify Pallet Price Index, the data visualization supports market stabilization followed by recent upward pressure.
The index particularly highlights how current prices have normalized compared to the extreme volatility seen during 2021-2022, while also showing the beginning of what appears to be a new upward trend in late 2024. This aligns with the industry forecasts predicting modest price increases going into 2025.
Source: Repackify Pallet Price Index, Historical Data 2000-2024
Projections for 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, the market shows clear signs of transitioning from the stabilization phase of 2024 into a period of modest but consistent growth. Based on current trends and expert analysis from industry leaders like Marcus Blood of 48forty Solutions, several key developments are anticipated.
Price Projections
Building on December 2024's baseline prices, we expect the following trends:
Q1-Q2 2025 Projected Ranges:
- New Pallets: Modest increase from $8.65 to $10-12 range
- Grade A: Uptick from $5.23 to $5.35-6.50 range
- Grade B: Growth from $3.38 to $3.45-4.60 range
- Pallet Cores: Stabilizing around $1.00-2.00
Regional Factors
Markets to watch based on current pricing patterns:
- Western states maintaining premium pricing
- East coast prices to stabilize and raise a bit
Conclusion
The 2024 used pallet market demonstrates maturity and stability, providing businesses with a reliable foundation for logistics planning. While regional variations persist, overall market predictability helps companies better manage their pallet programs and costs.
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This analysis is based on market data collected from major pallet recyclers, distributors, and end-users across the United States. While we strive for accuracy, market conditions can change rapidly, and individual circumstances may vary.
