Margins in Motion
March is a key month for pallet business owners. Contract renewals and pricing discussions define margins for the rest of the year. In the Western United States, regional pricing patterns and cost pressures are concrete and measurable. Under- standing them is essential for setting sustainable rates.
Lumber is the largest cost driver for wood pallets, typically making up 60 to 70 percent of total production costs. Recent reports show that U.S. lumber prices are about 13 percent higher than a year ago. Most wood pallets now sell between $10 and $50, depending on grade, size, and location.
Regional differences are significant, as shown in the 2026 used pallet pricing report:
32 WESTERN PALLET