Metal Pallets
When the load is extreme, the environment is harsh, or failure isn't an option — metal pallets deliver. Steel, aluminum, and stainless steel options. 800+ in stock, custom fabrication available.
Request a Quote
Metal Pallet Types
Three metals, three strengths. Each type of metal pallet serves a distinct set of applications, environments, and load requirements. All are available used from Stockton Pallet Co. at 45-75% less than new.
Steel Pallets
Most PopularThe heaviest and strongest pallet option available. Carbon steel pallets are built for extreme loads, harsh industrial environments, and applications where wood or plastic simply cannot keep up. Typical lifespan: 15-20+ years with 500+ use cycles. Steel pallets are magnetic, making them compatible with automated retrieval systems that use magnetic grippers.
- Highest load capacity (up to 5,000 lbs dynamic)
- Fire-resistant and non-combustible
- Resistant to chemicals, oils, and solvents
- No insect, mold, or rot concerns
- Weldable for custom configurations
- Magnetic for automated retrieval systems
- Powder-coat or galvanized finishes available
- ISPM-15 exempt — no heat treatment needed
Aluminum Pallets
Lightest MetalAll the advantages of metal at roughly half the weight of steel. Aluminum pallets are ideal for air freight, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, and any application where metal strength is needed without the weight penalty. Aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant — it forms a protective oxide layer that prevents rust without coating.
- 50% lighter than steel equivalents
- Naturally corrosion-resistant (no coating needed)
- Ideal for air freight (weight savings = cost savings)
- Cleanroom and pharmaceutical compatible
- No sparking — safe in explosive/flammable environments
- Fully recyclable with high scrap value ($0.50+/lb)
- Non-magnetic — compatible with sensitive equipment
- Excellent thermal conductivity for cold chain
Stainless Steel Pallets
Most DurableThe ultimate pallet for corrosive environments, food processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Stainless steel pallets resist rust, acids, and extreme temperature cycles while meeting the strictest hygiene standards. Available in 304 (general purpose) and 316 (marine/chemical grade) alloys.
- Superior corrosion resistance (304/316 grade)
- FDA and USDA compliant for direct food contact
- Withstands extreme temperature cycles (-60 to 1,800 F)
- Autoclave and steam-sterilizable (250+ F)
- Chemical and acid resistant (316 for harsh chemicals)
- Longest lifespan of any pallet material (20+ years)
- Sanitary welds — no crevices for bacteria growth
- Electropolish finish available for pharma/biotech
Full Material Specifications
Complete technical specifications for all three metal pallet types. Use this data to determine which material best fits your load requirements, environment, and budget.
| Specification | Carbon Steel | Aluminum (6061-T6) | Stainless 304 | Stainless 316 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (ksi) | 58 - 80 | 42 - 45 | 73 - 85 | 75 - 80 |
| Yield Strength (ksi) | 36 - 50 | 35 - 40 | 30 - 35 | 30 - 35 |
| Density (lb/in3) | 0.284 | 0.098 | 0.289 | 0.289 |
| Melting Point | 2,500 F | 1,100 F | 2,550 F | 2,500 F |
| Dynamic Load (48x40) | 4,000-5,000 lbs | 2,500-4,000 lbs | 4,000-5,000 lbs | 4,000-5,000 lbs |
| Static Load (48x40) | 10,000-15,000 lbs | 6,000-10,000 lbs | 10,000-15,000 lbs | 10,000-15,000 lbs |
| Racking Load (48x40) | 3,000-5,000 lbs | 2,000-3,500 lbs | 3,000-5,000 lbs | 3,000-5,000 lbs |
| Operating Temp | -60 to 1,500 F | -60 to 400 F | -60 to 1,600 F | -60 to 1,800 F |
| Pallet Weight (48x40) | 45-75 lbs | 22-40 lbs | 50-85 lbs | 50-85 lbs |
| Corrosion Resistance | Low (needs coating) | High (natural oxide) | Very High | Excellent (marine) |
| Magnetic | Yes | No | Slightly | No |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good (TIG/MIG) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Spark Resistant | No | Yes | Partially | Partially |
| Scrap Value (approx.) | $0.05-0.10/lb | $0.50-0.80/lb | $0.40-0.60/lb | $0.60-0.90/lb |
| Fire Resistance | Non-combustible | Non-combustible | Non-combustible | Non-combustible |
| Relative Cost (used) | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
Custom Fabrication Options
When off-the-shelf metal pallets do not fit your application, we offer custom fabrication services through our network of California metal fabrication partners. From modified standard designs to fully custom-engineered solutions, we deliver.
Modified Standard Pallets
Start with a standard metal pallet and modify it — add fork pockets, change deck spacing, weld on stackable corners, add drip lips, or modify entry points. Fastest turnaround: 1-2 weeks.
Custom Dimensions
Non-standard sizes from 24x24 up to 96x96. Engineered to your exact load requirements. CAD drawings provided for approval before fabrication. Turnaround: 2-4 weeks.
Specialty Features
Containment lips, integrated casters, drainage holes, stacking posts, RFID mounting plates, forklift pockets (2-way or 4-way), and anti-slip surfaces. We build to your spec.
Surface Treatments
Powder coating (any RAL color), hot-dip galvanizing, zinc plating, electropolish (stainless), and anti-corrosion primer. Match your facility color scheme or meet regulatory requirements.
Engineering Services
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) load testing, material certification (mill certs), weld inspection (CWI), and load testing to ASTM standards. Full documentation package available.
Custom Fabrication Process
Consultation
Day 1Tell us your application, loads, environment, and special requirements. We will recommend the right material and design.
Design & Engineering
Days 2-5Our fabrication partners create CAD drawings and perform load analysis. You review and approve before production.
Fabrication
Days 6-15Your pallets are cut, welded, and finished to specification. Quality inspections at each stage.
Surface Treatment
Days 16-18Powder coating, galvanizing, or other finish applied. Cured and inspected for coverage.
Load Testing
Day 19Sample pallets are load-tested to verify they meet or exceed your rated capacity requirements.
Delivery
Day 20-21Finished pallets are delivered to your facility. Full documentation package included.
Minimum Order Quantities
Corrosion Resistance Guide
Corrosion is the primary failure mode for metal pallets. Choosing the right material and coating for your environment is critical. Here is how each metal performs against common corrosive agents.
| Corrosive Agent | Bare Carbon Steel | Galvanized Steel | Aluminum | Stainless 304 | Stainless 316 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Water | Poor | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Salt Water / Brine | Very Poor | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Acids (mild) | Poor | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| Acids (strong) | Very Poor | Very Poor | Poor | Fair | Good |
| Alkalis / Bases | Fair | Good | Poor | Good | Good |
| Organic Solvents | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Chlorine / Bleach | Poor | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good |
| High Humidity | Poor | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Outdoor Weather | Poor | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Food Contact | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Coating Options for Steel
Bare carbon steel rusts quickly in moist environments. Common coatings: hot-dip galvanizing (best outdoor protection), powder coating (color + protection), zinc plating (indoor protection), and epoxy primer (chemical environments).
304 vs. 316 Stainless
304 is the general-purpose grade — excellent for food processing, clean environments, and mild chemicals. 316 adds molybdenum for superior resistance to salt, chlorides, and strong acids. Choose 316 for coastal, marine, and chemical plant applications.
Aluminum Caution
While aluminum resists most corrosion, it reacts with strong alkalis (bases) and concentrated acids. Avoid caustic soda, lime, and strong bleach solutions in direct contact with aluminum pallets. It also has galvanic corrosion risk when in contact with dissimilar metals.
Weight Capacity Testing Standards
Metal pallet load ratings are determined through standardized testing procedures. Understanding these standards helps you verify that a pallet meets your actual load requirements — not just marketing claims.
Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping
The primary US standard for pallet testing. Covers static, dynamic, and racking load tests, along with compression, bending, and impact resistance. All reputable metal pallet manufacturers test to this standard.
- Uniform static load test
- Racking (beam span) load test
- Fork-lift handling test
- Compression test (stacking)
- Corner and edge drop tests
Pallets for Materials Handling — Flat Pallets
The international equivalent of ASTM D1185. Required for pallets used in international trade or by companies operating under ISO quality management systems. Three parts cover nominal sizes, performance requirements, and test methods.
- Bending test (racking simulation)
- Compression test (stacking)
- Bottom deck bending test
- Top deck bending test
- Durability (fatigue) test
Military Standard — Pallets, Material Handling
US military specification for pallets used in defense logistics. More stringent than commercial standards — requires higher safety factors and additional testing for vibration, drop, and extreme temperature performance.
- Drop test (30-inch free fall)
- Vibration test (MIL-STD-810)
- Environmental cycling test
- Extreme temperature performance
- Forklift rough handling test
Fire Safety Standards for Pallet Storage
While metal pallets are inherently non-combustible, they may still need to meet specific fire safety requirements when used for storage of flammable materials. FM Global approval is required by many insurance carriers for large warehouse operations.
- Non-combustibility verification
- Commodity classification testing
- Sprinkler clearance compliance
- Storage configuration approval
- FM Global approval documentation
Where Metal Pallets Excel
Metal pallets are not for every job — they are for the toughest jobs. Here is where they outperform every other material, with specific recommendations.
Heavy Manufacturing
Engine blocks, machinery, steel coils, and heavy industrial components. Metal pallets handle loads that would crush wood or plastic.
High-Temperature Environments
Foundries, kilns, and heat-treatment processes. Metal pallets withstand extreme heat where other materials would ignite or melt.
Chemical Processing
Acids, solvents, and corrosive chemicals. Stainless steel pallets resist chemical attack in processing and storage facilities.
Food Processing Plants
Stainless steel pallets meet FDA requirements for food contact. Easy to sanitize, autoclave, and maintain in clean environments.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Cleanroom-compatible aluminum and stainless pallets. No particulate shedding, no contamination risk, full traceability.
Air Freight & Military
Lightweight aluminum pallets reduce air freight costs. MIL-spec options available for military logistics and defense supply chains.
Automotive Assembly
Precision-engineered metal pallets for automated assembly lines. Consistent dimensions, magnetic compatibility, extreme durability.
Cold Storage & Freezers
Metal pallets perform flawlessly at sub-zero temperatures. No moisture absorption, no cracking, no warping in freeze-thaw cycles.
Outdoor & Open Storage
Rain, snow, UV exposure — metal pallets shrug off weather that deteriorates wood in months. Ideal for long-term outdoor staging.
When to Choose Metal
Metal pallets are the right choice when your requirements go beyond what wood or plastic can handle. Consider metal when any of these eight conditions apply to your operation.
Loads Exceed 3,000 lbs Dynamic
If your dynamic loads regularly push past what standard wood and plastic pallets can safely handle, steel pallets provide the margin of safety you need. Steel handles 4,000-5,000 lbs dynamic with ease.
Fire Codes Are Strict
Facilities with stringent fire safety requirements — chemical plants, munitions storage, high-value warehouses — often mandate non-combustible pallets. All metal pallets are inherently non-combustible and FM Global approvable.
The Environment Is Harsh
Outdoor storage, extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals, high-humidity processing areas — conditions that degrade wood and plastic in months but barely affect properly specified metal pallets.
You Need Decades of Service
When pallets cycle through your operation hundreds of times per year and replacing them is costly and disruptive, metal's 15-20+ year longevity and 500+ trip capacity pays for itself many times over.
Hygiene Standards Are Absolute
Pharmaceutical, food processing, and biotech facilities where pallets must be steam-sterilized, autoclaved, or chemically sanitized to meet regulatory standards. Stainless steel passes every audit.
You Use Automated Systems
Metal pallets maintain precise dimensions over their entire lifespan, making them ideal for AGVs, AS/RS systems, and robotic handling equipment. No dimensional creep, no warping, no inconsistency.
High Scrap Value Matters
Metal pallets retain significant value at end of life. Aluminum scrap is worth $0.50-0.80/lb, stainless $0.40-0.90/lb. A fleet of 500 aluminum pallets at 30 lbs each = $7,500-12,000 in scrap value.
Spark-Free Is Required
In environments with explosive gases, dust, or flammable materials, aluminum pallets are spark-free and safe. Essential for grain elevators, fuel storage, paint facilities, and munitions handling.
Unmatched Durability
Metal pallets are the only pallet type that can genuinely be called “buy once.” Their extraordinary lifespan and resistance to damage mean your pallet investment pays for itself many times over.
Cost per Trip Comparison
* Estimates based on average industry data. Actual costs vary by application, environment, and handling.
Need Heavy-Duty Pallet Solutions?
Our metal pallet inventory of 800+ units changes frequently as we source pallets from across California. Tell us what you need and we will find the right pallets for your operation — or custom fabricate them.