PALLETWICHITA

Custom Pallets

Engineered to your exact specifications — any size, any material, any treatment

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Your Product, Your Pallet

Not every product fits a standard pallet. We design and build custom pallets tailored to your specific dimensions, weight requirements, and shipping conditions. From initial consultation to final delivery, every custom pallet we produce is engineered for your exact application.

Custom Dimensions

Any length, width, and height. We build to your exact measurements, whether you need oversized pallets for industrial equipment or compact pallets for small goods. No size is too large or too small for our shop.

Material Options

Choose from hardwood, softwood, plywood, plastic, or composite materials. Each has unique advantages for different applications. We help you select the material that best balances performance, cost, and weight.

Load Engineering

We calculate board thickness, spacing, and stringer placement based on your specific load weight and distribution requirements. Every custom pallet is engineered to handle your load with a built-in safety margin.

Special Treatments

Heat treatment (ISPM-15), fumigation, moisture treatment, or anti-fungal coating. Meet any regulatory or environmental requirement with our range of treatment options and certified processes.

Branding & Marking

Add your company logo, handling instructions, or tracking codes directly on the pallet. Stencil, hot brand, or ink-stamp options available. Color coding and full-pallet painting also available.

Reusable Design

We can design your custom pallets for multiple trips, with reinforced construction and easy-repair features for maximum lifecycle. Reusable designs reduce your long-term pallet cost per use significantly.

Case Studies

Real-World Custom Pallet Examples

Here are examples of custom pallet solutions we have built for businesses across different industries. Each project presented unique challenges that standard pallets could not solve -- and our custom engineering delivered the answer.

Aircraft Engine Component Pallet

Aviation / Aerospace
Size
72" x 60" x 8"
Capacity
5,200 lbs static
Material
White oak stringers with plywood deck

Anti-vibration rubber mounts, steel corner reinforcements, ISPM-15 certified, custom foam cradle inserts to prevent component movement during air transport.

Grain Silo Component Shipping Pallet

Agriculture
Size
96" x 48" x 12"
Capacity
6,500 lbs static
Material
Southern yellow pine

Extended runner length for crane lifting, forklift pockets reinforced with steel plates, weather-treated for outdoor staging. Designed for oversized cylindrical components.

Medical Device Display Pallet

Healthcare / Trade Shows
Size
48" x 36" x 6"
Capacity
800 lbs static
Material
Poplar with sanded

Food-safe clear coat finish, company logo hot-branded on all four sides, integrated product mounting holes, lightweight design for trade show portability.

HVAC Unit Shipping Platform

Manufacturing
Size
60" x 60" x 10"
Capacity
4,000 lbs dynamic
Material
Red oak block pallet construction

Full four-way entry, double-deck top and bottom, custom bolt-down brackets for securing HVAC units, forklift guide rails on underside.

E-Commerce Fulfillment Mini Pallet

Retail / E-Commerce
Size
24" x 20" x 4"
Capacity
500 lbs static
Material
Spruce

Designed for small parcel automation systems, tight dimensional tolerance (1/8"), compatible with conveyor rollers, stackable when empty, disposable cost point.

Brewery Keg Pallet

Food & Beverage
Size
48" x 48" x 7"
Capacity
3,500 lbs dynamic
Material
Southern yellow pine with anti-fungal treatment

Raised edge rails to prevent keg rolloff, full deck with no gaps, drain channels for spill management, food-safe coating, stackable when loaded.

Solar Panel Transport Pallet

Renewable Energy
Size
84" x 42" x 6"
Capacity
2,000 lbs static
Material
Pine with plywood A-frame supports

Vertical A-frame design for edge-loading solar panels, foam padding on all contact surfaces, nylon strap attachment points, reusable across 50+ shipping cycles.

Automotive Parts Racking Pallet

Automotive
Size
45" x 45" x 7"
Capacity
2,800 lbs racking
Material
White oak

Engineered specifically for automated racking systems, precise dimensions within 1/8", RFID tag pocket built into corner block, beveled edges for clean conveyor travel.

Cleanroom Equipment Pallet

Pharmaceutical / Semiconductor
Size
48" x 40" x 6"
Capacity
2,500 lbs static
Material
Sealed plywood deck on hardwood frame

Fully sealed surfaces to prevent particle shedding, low-VOC sealant coating, no exposed fasteners, shrink-wrapped before delivery to maintain cleanliness.

Wind Turbine Blade Support Pallet

Renewable Energy
Size
120" x 36" x 18"
Capacity
8,000 lbs static
Material
Laminated hardwood beams with steel reinforcement

Custom V-cradle for cylindrical blade roots, adjustable width supports, heavy-gauge steel skid rails for dragging, rated for crane lifting from four points.

Retail Promotion Display Pallet

Retail / Marketing
Size
40" x 40" x 5"
Capacity
1,200 lbs static
Material
Select pine

Quarter-pallet size for end-cap displays, printed brand graphics on all visible surfaces, integrated product dividers, easy-assembly design that ships flat.

How Custom Orders Work

From initial concept to final delivery, our 8-step custom pallet process ensures you receive a product that is engineered, tested, and built to your exact requirements.

01

Consultation

We start with a detailed discussion of your requirements -- product dimensions, weight, shipping method, handling equipment, storage conditions, regulatory needs, and budget targets.

02

Site Assessment

For complex projects, we visit your facility to observe your actual handling processes, measure your products, and understand the real-world conditions your pallet must survive.

03

Engineering Design

Our design team creates a detailed pallet specification including dimensions, material selection, fastener patterns, load distribution calculations, and stacking configurations.

04

Material Sourcing

We source the specified lumber species, treatments, and specialty components. For unique requirements, we work with our supplier network to find the right materials at competitive prices.

05

Prototype Build

A small batch of prototypes (typically 3-5 units) is built for your review and testing. Prototypes let you verify fit, function, and compatibility before committing to full production.

06

Testing & Validation

Prototypes are load tested, fit tested with your actual products, and evaluated for forklift handling, stacking stability, and racking compatibility. Design adjustments are made as needed.

07

Production Run

Once the design is approved, we begin full production using calibrated jigs and fixtures to ensure every pallet matches the approved prototype. Quality checks run continuously through production.

08

Delivery & Support

Your custom pallets are delivered to your facility on your schedule. We follow up to confirm satisfaction and keep your specifications on file for easy reordering of future batches.

Material Guide

Choosing the Right Material for Your Custom Pallet

The material you choose impacts every aspect of your custom pallet -- from load capacity and weight to cost, durability, and regulatory compliance. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make the best decision.

PropertyHardwoodSoftwoodPlywoodPlasticComposite
Load CapacityHighestModerate-HighModerateHighVaries
WeightHeaviestModerateLightLight-ModerateLightest
CostHigherModerateModerateHighestVaries
Moisture ResistanceModerateLowLow (unless treated)ExcellentGood-Excellent
Pest ResistanceNeeds treatmentNeeds treatmentNeeds treatmentImmuneImmune
ISPM-15 ComplianceHeat treatmentHeat treatmentUnder 6mm exemptExemptExempt
Reuse Cycles15-20+8-125-850-100+10-30
RecyclabilityRepair & reuseRepair & reuseLimitedMelt & reformVaries
CustomizabilityHighHighModerateRequires moldsModerate
Best ApplicationHeavy-duty, rackingGeneral purposeSmooth deck needsClean environmentsExport, air freight
Engineering

Engineering Considerations for Custom Pallets

A well-engineered custom pallet accounts for much more than just the weight of the product. Here are the critical engineering factors our design team evaluates for every custom project.

Load Distribution Analysis

  • Uniform vs. concentrated load -- affects board spacing and thickness requirements
  • Point load locations -- determines where reinforcement is needed
  • Center of gravity height -- impacts stacking stability and tip-over risk
  • Load overhang -- products extending beyond pallet edges require wing designs
  • Dynamic load amplification during transport -- vibration, braking, and cornering add 20-40% to effective load

Stacking Considerations

  • Maximum stack height in warehouse (typically 3-5 pallets high)
  • Bottom pallet must support cumulative weight of all stacks above
  • Product-to-pallet contact surface area determines compression stress
  • Interlocking vs. column stacking patterns affect required pallet stiffness
  • Floor load limits in your warehouse may restrict total stack weight

Racking Requirements

  • Beam spacing determines unsupported span and required pallet stiffness
  • Pallet must resist bending (deflection) under full load across the span
  • Bottom deck boards must align with rack beam positions for stability
  • Dimensional accuracy is critical -- tight tolerances prevent racking failures
  • Block pallets generally outperform stringer pallets in racking applications

Handling Equipment Compatibility

  • Fork pocket dimensions must match your forklift and pallet jack forks
  • Entry type (2-way vs. 4-way) must match your warehouse traffic patterns
  • Pallet weight when loaded must be within your forklift rated capacity
  • Conveyor compatibility requires consistent dimensions and bottom deck profile
  • Automated systems need tight tolerances (typically within 1/8" to 1/4")

Environmental Exposure

  • Indoor-only pallets can use untreated wood for maximum cost savings
  • Outdoor exposure requires moisture treatment, sealed ends, or plastic materials
  • Freezer and cold storage applications require kiln-dried wood to prevent ice expansion damage
  • High-humidity environments need anti-fungal treatment to prevent mold
  • Chemical exposure environments may require plastic or sealed-wood construction

Transportation Mode

  • Truck -- standard pallets work for most road transport applications
  • Rail -- higher vibration requires reinforced joints and fastener patterns
  • Ocean container -- moisture resistance and ISPM-15 compliance are essential
  • Air freight -- weight is critical; lightweight composites or thin-gauge designs preferred
  • Intermodal -- must survive multiple handling transfers; durability is paramount
Specialty Solutions

Specialty Pallet Types We Build

Beyond standard custom dimensions, we build specialty pallets designed for specific industries and applications that require unique engineering solutions.

Display Pallets

Sanded, sealed, and finished pallets designed to be seen by customers. Used in retail stores, trade shows, and showrooms. Available with brand printing, color finishes, and integrated product displays.

  • Sanded smooth all surfaces
  • Clear coat or painted finish
  • Brand logo integration
  • Quarter, half, or full pallet sizes

Export Pallets

ISPM-15 certified pallets built for international shipping compliance. Available in all sizes and materials. Heat treated and stamped for customs clearance in 180+ countries.

  • ISPM-15 heat treated
  • IPPC stamp applied
  • Lightweight options for air freight
  • Container-optimized dimensions

Heavy-Duty Pallets

Engineered for loads exceeding 4,000 lbs. Uses hardwood construction, reinforced stringers, additional deck boards, and heavy-gauge fasteners. Designed for machinery, equipment, and industrial products.

  • Load ratings to 10,000+ lbs
  • Hardwood or steel-reinforced
  • Extra stringer and board count
  • Tested to exceed rated capacity

Cleanroom Pallets

Sealed, particle-free pallets for pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and food processing cleanrooms. Surfaces are fully sealed to prevent wood particle shedding. Delivered shrink-wrapped.

  • Fully sealed surfaces
  • Low-VOC coatings
  • No exposed fasteners
  • Cleanroom-packaged delivery

Nestable Pallets

Designed to nest inside each other when empty, reducing storage footprint by up to 60%. Popular for businesses with limited empty pallet storage space or high return-shipping costs.

  • 60% storage savings when empty
  • Lightweight design
  • Tapered leg construction
  • Ideal for return logistics

Racking-Optimized Pallets

Engineered specifically for pallet racking systems with precise dimensions, maximum bending resistance, and bottom deck boards positioned to align with standard rack beam widths.

  • Precise dimensional tolerance
  • Reinforced center span
  • Bottom boards aligned to beams
  • Compatible with AS/RS systems

Spill-Containment Pallets

Built with integrated containment lips, drain channels, or sealed deck surfaces to capture and contain liquid spills. Required for hazardous material storage and chemical warehouse applications.

  • Raised edge containment
  • Sealed or lined deck surface
  • EPA/OSHA compliant designs
  • Optional drain fittings

Stackable Crate Pallets

Pallets with integrated sides or collar attachment points that convert into stackable crates. Combines the pallet and container into a single reusable unit for efficient closed-loop logistics.

  • Integrated side walls or collar mounts
  • Stackable when loaded
  • Collapsible for return shipment
  • Reduces packaging waste
Risk Reduction

Prototype and Testing Process

We never go straight from design to full production on custom orders. Our prototyping process lets you test, verify, and refine the design before committing to a full production run. This eliminates costly mistakes and ensures the final product works perfectly in your real-world environment.

Prototyping is included in the cost of every custom order over 100 units. For smaller orders, prototyping is available at a nominal cost that is credited back to your production order. We believe testing before production is an investment that always pays for itself.

Phase 1: Design Review

Before any wood is cut, we review the complete design specification with you. This includes dimensional drawings, material specifications, load calculations, and a detailed cost estimate. Changes at this stage cost nothing.

Phase 2: Prototype Construction

We build 3-5 prototype pallets using the exact materials and construction methods specified in the design. Prototypes are built with the same care and quality as production units -- no shortcuts.

Phase 3: In-House Testing

Prototypes undergo static load testing, dynamic fork handling, and racking span testing (if applicable). We measure deflection, check for joint failures, and verify dimensional accuracy across all units.

Phase 4: Customer Testing

We deliver prototypes to your facility for real-world testing. You load them with your actual products, run them through your handling processes, and verify compatibility with your equipment and systems.

Phase 5: Design Refinement

Based on testing feedback, we make any necessary adjustments to the design. Common refinements include board spacing changes, stringer repositioning, fastener upgrades, or material substitutions.

Phase 6: Production Approval

Once you are fully satisfied with the refined prototype, you sign off on the final design. We lock the specification, build production jigs and fixtures, and begin your full order.

Ready to Build Your Custom Pallet?

Every custom project starts with a free consultation. Tell us about your product, your challenges, and your goals -- and we will design the perfect pallet solution. No obligation, no minimum order for quotes.

Start Your Custom Order