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Why the Demand for Custom Pallets is Rising – And Why It’s Costing You to Keep Pooling 

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Jan 23, 2026
Why the Demand for Custom Pallets is Rising – And Why It’s Costing You to Keep Pooling 

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: 

  • Why demand for custom pallets is rising 
  • How custom pallets can save you money compared to pooling 
  • Why more NSW businesses are ditching shared pallets 
  • How to decide what’s right for your operation 
  • Where to get a fast, obligation free quote for your custom pallet needs 

Let’s break it down. 

What Is Pallet Pooling - and Where Does It Fall Short? 

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: 

  • Ongoing rental fees regardless of pallet usage 
  • Damage liability for shared pallets (even if you didn’t cause it) 
  • Limited sizes that don’t suit all products or equipment 
  • Delayed deliveries or lack of available stock during peak periods 
  • Difficult logistics when pooling systems don’t integrate with your supply chain 

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. 

Why the Demand for New Custom Pallets Is Rising in NSW 

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: 

1. Cost Transparency and Ownership 

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. 

2. Better Fit = Better Safety and Efficiency 

No two businesses are exactly alike. A one-size-fits-all pallet doesn’t work if your products: 

  • Hang over the edge (risking damage in transit) 
  • Require special forklift access 
  • Need extra support for heavy loads 

A custom pallet is built to suit your product dimensions, loading equipment, and freight needs, reducing product damage, downtime and WHS risks. 

3. More Control Over Quality 

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. 

4. Simplified Export Compliance 

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. 

5. No More Dealing with Middlemen 

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. 

How Custom Pallets Can Actually Save You Money 

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? 

Solutions For Local NSW Businesses 

At Pace, we've supplied thousands of custom pallets to manufacturers, exporters, and wholesalers across: 

  • Wetherill Park 
  • Smithfield 
  • Eastern Creek 
  • Minto & Campbelltown 
  • Sydney metro and regional NSW 

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. 

What to Consider Before Switching 

Custom pallets might not be for every business, but they’re worth exploring if: 

  • You frequently move non-standard products 
  • You’re shipping interstate or overseas 
  • You want more control over costs and inventory 
  • You’re tired of the red tape and delays in pooling systems 

At Pace Pallet Services, we offer obligation- free advice and fast quotes for all industries, including: 

  • Manufacturing 
  • Food & beverage 
  • Construction 
  • Retail & FMCG 
  • Mining & heavy equipment 

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. 

Why Choose Pace Pallet Services? 

  • Locally Made in Wetherill Park 
  • Family- Owned & Operated 
  • Quick Turnarounds on Bulk Orders 
  • Custom Engineering for Any Load or Size 
  • Export- Ready & Certified Timber Available 

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. 

Ready to Ditch the Pooling Pain? 

If you're ready to take control of your pallet supply - and potentially save thousands - we’d love to help. 

  • Get a fast quote 
  • Or call us directly for a chat: (02 9604 2700) 
  • Proudly servicing Sydney, Wetherill Park and NSW-wide 

It’s time to think smarter about pallets. Let’s build something better - together.

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    Why the Demand for Custom Pallets is Rising – And Why It’s Costing You to Keep Pooling 
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