Metal pallets are a reliable, durable, and cost-effective solution for industries that require high standards of strength and resilience.
Despite the higher initial investment, their benefits in terms of longevity, safety, and adaptability make them a worthwhile consideration if you are looking to optimize your logistics and storage systems.
Learn more about metal pallets below.
What Metal Is Used for Metal Pallets?
Metal pallets are typically made from steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Steel is favored for its strength, durability, and ability to handle heavy loads; the steel used can be galvanized or coated to prevent rust and corrosion.
Aluminum, on the other hand, is popular due to its lighter weight and natural resistance to corrosion.
While it may not have the same load capacity as steel, it offers a significant advantage in industries that prioritize lightweight solutions and where frequent handling or transportation is required.
Each metal choice provides unique benefits, with the selection largely depending on the specific application, environmental conditions, and weight requirements of the user.
What Are the Dimensions of Metal Pallets?
Metal pallets come in a variety of dimensions, often standardized to fit industry norms and shipping regulations.
The most common dimensions align with the widely used sizes of wooden and plastic pallets, such as the 48” x 40” in North America and 1200mm x 800mm (approximately 47.2” x 31.5”) in Europe.
Beyond standard sizes, they can also be fabricated in unique dimensions to accommodate large or unusually shaped goods, heavy machinery, or customized racking systems.
These variations provide flexibility if you require tailored solutions to maximize efficiency and safety in your supply chain.
How Heavy Are Metal Pallets?
The weight of metal pallets depends on the type of metal used and the pallet’s dimensions and design.
Steel pallets are usually heavier than other types, ranging from 50 to 70 pounds for a standard 48” x 40” size. This weight allows them to handle substantial loads.
The added weight contributes to their stability during transportation and storage, especially when dealing with heavy or shifting cargo.
On the lighter side, aluminum pallets weigh significantly less, typically between 30 to 50 pounds, making them easier to handle.
Their lightweight nature is particularly advantageous in industries where frequent manual handling or shipping costs are key concerns, as they reduce both physical strain and fuel consumption.
Custom or reinforced metal pallets, built to support larger or more complex loads, can exceed these weight ranges, depending on the additional structural components or increased thickness used.
How Durable Are Metal Pallets?
Metal pallets are designed to endure harsh environments and demanding applications, including heavy-duty industrial uses, exposure to chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
Steel pallets, for instance, can withstand considerable weight loads without warping or breaking, which makes them ideal for transporting heavy goods or machinery.
They are also resistant to impacts and can handle rough handling or long-term use in automated storage and retrieval systems.
Additionally, stainless steel pallets offer a unique combination of strength and resistance to rust, chemicals, and bacterial growth, which is critical in certain industries.
Aluminum pallets, although lighter, are also highly durable, with a natural resistance to corrosion, making them particularly suitable for outdoor or maritime applications where moisture exposure is common.
All in all, metal pallets have the advantage of not splintering, cracking, or deteriorating due to environmental factors, which significantly extends their lifespan.
Their durability not only enhances safety but also results in long-term cost savings, as they require minimal maintenance and replacement compared to traditional pallet materials.
Are Metal Pallets Available in the United States?
Yes, metal pallets are available in the United States and are increasingly popular across various industries due to their durability, strength, and long lifespan.
Many manufacturers and suppliers throughout the country offer them in a range of standard and custom sizes to meet diverse business needs.
You can contact us if you need help finding a reliable metal pallet supplier.
How Much Do Metal Pallets Cost?
Generally, steel pallets are the most affordable among metal options, with prices ranging from $80 to $200 per pallet for standard sizes.
Aluminum pallets are more expensive due to their lightweight nature and corrosion resistance, typically costing between $150 and $400 per pallet, depending on size and structural requirements.
Stainless steel pallets, being the most resistant to rust and chemicals, often have the highest price tag, ranging from $300 to over $600 per pallet.
While they have a higher initial cost compared to wooden or plastic pallets, their durability often leads to substantial savings over time by reducing replacement and maintenance expenses.
Where to Get Metal Pallets for Free?
Unlike wooden pallets, which are more commonly discarded or available at low or no cost, metal pallets are rarely given away.
However, it is possible to find them in certain circumstances or from specific sources.
One option is to look for local manufacturing facilities, warehouses, or distribution centers that might have excess or slightly damaged metal pallets.
Occasionally, companies might discard or replace those that no longer meet their standards but could still be functional with minor repairs.
Scrap yards may also have discarded metal pallets available, although this is less common due to the inherent value of scrap metal.
Here is a list of the best places to find free pallets near you.
Conclusion
Metal pallets have become an increasingly popular choice in industries that require durability, safety, and long-term reliability in their storage and transportation systems.
Their inherent benefits lie in their ability to resist damage from impacts, exposure to moisture, and corrosion, which significantly extends their lifespan and minimizes the need for frequent replacements.
If you are looking for a metal pallet supplier or manufacturer, we can help you find a reliable one. Contact us or send an email to info@chesapeakepallets.com.
Chesapeake Pallets has been helping companies across the United States level up their logistics, one pallet at a time.
For inquiries, email info@chesapeakepallets.com or request a quote below!
