New to buying used pallets? Here's everything you need to know about Grade A, B, and C pallets and which one is right for your business.
If you're buying used pallets for the first time, the grading system can be confusing. What's the difference between Grade A and Grade B? When does Grade C make sense? Let's break it down in plain English.
Grade A pallets are the cream of the crop. They look almost new — no broken boards, minimal staining, clean and straight. If your pallets will be visible to customers (retail displays, trade shows) or if you need them for automated systems that require tight tolerances, Grade A is the way to go. Expect to pay $6–$10 each for standard 48×40 pallets.
Grade B pallets are the sweet spot for most businesses. They're fully functional and structurally sound, but may show cosmetic wear — minor staining, repaired boards, or surface roughness. For warehousing, distribution, and standard shipping, Grade B delivers the best value. Typical pricing: $4–$7 each.
Grade C pallets are the budget option. They show visible wear, may have multiple repairs, and won't win any beauty contests. But they hold weight, they stack, and they ship. Perfect for one-way loads, internal transfers, or any application where appearance doesn't matter. Price: $2–$5 each.
Our recommendation? Start with Grade B. It covers 80% of use cases at the best price point. You can always upgrade to A or downgrade to C once you see what works for your specific needs.