In the world of logistics and warehousing, the humble pallet plays a much bigger role than most people give it credit for. Whether you're moving food, furniture, machinery or materials, the type of pallet you choose can dramatically affect your efficiency, product safety, and bottom line.
And right now, across Sydney and the broader NSW region, we’re seeing a sharp uptick in demand for brand new custom pallets, and for good reason.
At Pace Pallet Services, we've been manufacturing custom timber pallets in Wetherill Park for decades, and we've seen the shift firsthand. More businesses are moving away from pallet pooling models and turning to custom built solutions that are smarter, safer, and more cost-effective.

In this article, we’ll explain:
Let’s break it down.

Pallet pooling is a system where businesses "rent" pallets from large providers like CHEP or Loscam. You pay for access to a shared pool of standardised pallets, and in theory, it saves you time and logistics headaches.
But here's the catch: It often costs more in the long run, especially for manufacturers and distributors with unique product sizes or workflows.
Common complaints about pallet pooling include:
Let’s say you’re sending out oversized industrial equipment or delicate retail displays, trying to force fit these onto a standard CHEP pallet is risky. It might not even comply with your customer’s requirements.
In recent years, we’ve noticed more and more clients in Sydney, Wetherill Park and surrounding industrial hubs asking for brand new, made-to-order pallets, and choosing them over pooled options.
Here's why:
When you own your pallets, you eliminate recurring rental fees, lost pallet penalties, and hidden surcharges. You pay once and it's yours. Over the course of months or years, this can save your business thousands of dollars.
No two businesses are exactly alike. A one-size-fits-all pallet doesn’t work if your products:
A custom pallet is built to suit your product dimensions, loading equipment, and freight needs, reducing product damage, downtime and WHS risks.
Pooled pallets are used, reused, and often repaired poorly. With custom built pallets from Pace, you get fresh timber, consistent dimensions and options for specialised timber types, finishes and treatments perfect for food grade, export, or high weight applications.
Sending goods overseas from Sydney? Export regulations are strict, especially when it comes to timber. Our custom export pallets can be ISPM-15 heat treated and certified, making international freight seamless.
With pooling, you're always relying on another business's inventory and scheduling. With Pace, you deal directly with the manufacturer. No delays, no excuses - just reliable pallet supply, built for you.
Let’s run a quick comparison:
| Pallet Pooling | Custom Pallets from Pace |
| Ongoing rental fees | One- time cost per unit |
| Additional charges for damaged/lost pallets | Full ownership, no surprise fees |
| Standard sizing only | Fully custom sizing & specs |
| Limited control over stock levels | You control inventory |
| May not suit your product or transport method | Tailored to fit perfectly |
Even if the initial price per pallet is slightly higher, the long-term value of custom pallets is undeniable.
Think of it like this: Would you rather rent a poor fitting suit every month or own a tailored one that lasts for years?
At Pace, we've supplied thousands of custom pallets to manufacturers, exporters, and wholesalers across:
One Sydney based construction supplier recently approached us after years of pooling CHEP pallets. Their oversized pipe products kept overhanging standard pallets, leading to freight damage claims.
We worked with them to design a heavy-duty custom pallet with extra bracing and a longer base. Not only did they reduce damage claims to zero, but they also reported a 20% saving after 12 months by owning their pallets instead of renting.
Custom pallets might not be for every business, but they’re worth exploring if:
At Pace Pallet Services, we offer obligation- free advice and fast quotes for all industries, including:
Whether you need custom timber pallets, skids, crates, or specialised designs, we’ve got the team, tools and turnaround times to get it done fast.
We pride ourselves on giving our customers a better alternative to pallet pooling. One that puts money back in your pocket, not someone else's.
Learn more about our Custom Pallet solutions or check out our About Us page to see what makes us different.
If you're ready to take control of your pallet supply - and potentially save thousands - we’d love to help.
It’s time to think smarter about pallets. Let’s build something better - together.
We never compromise on quality. Your product safety is our top priority. That is our assurance.