Many businesses deliver their goods on pallets, which you can sometimes get for free. These pallets are usually delivered overnight or before the store opens. Ask the cashier to ask the store owner or manager if they have any extra pallets they can let you have. Many businesses are happy to give you their used pallets for free, but others may charge you a small fee for this service. It all depends on the type of goods you want to take, so ask around.

Taking pallets from stores is illegal

Taking pallets from stores is illegal in Arizona. It is important to remember that Arizona law requires companies to retain buyer information and be open during normal business hours to collect and process used pallets. Companies in the state have estimated a $3 million loss in lost pallets each year. They are often left outside stores and may have cash value at recycling centers. A vice president at a Tucson bottling company said that he has personally witnessed stores leaving pallets outside.

The best way to acquire pallets from a store is to ask the staff when stock arrives. When you inquire about the availability of pallets, they will tell you if they can keep them. Many employees will be happy to help. You can also ask store owners or managers for pallets. They will likely be more than willing to help you. If you cannot locate a store owner, you can try contacting local businesses on Craigslist and posting a classified ad.

Taking pallets from behind stores is an alternative

Many furniture stores will go through their pallets when new shipments come in. Another source of pallets is local pet food stores. While you might not get as many pallets as from a large chain, you can still get a great deal if you shop at a local store. Additionally, liquor stores may have extra pallets after they’ve finished stocking up. If you are lucky enough to live near a liquor store, contact the liquor store owner and ask when trucks come and leave.

You’ll want to find a truck big enough to handle a truckload of pallets. While a car can easily fit one or two pallets in its bed, a pickup truck will hold several more pallets at a time. Once you have acquired a truck, plan on picking up pallets on a regular basis. This way, you can maximize the number of pallets you can haul.

Avoiding food-carrying pallets

When you are shopping for produce, you might be tempted to take food-carrying pallets that are leaned against the wall or next to a trash receptacle. While they may look free, you should inspect them first. Look for stains or spills, which can develop into mold or bacteria over time. Food-carrying pallets can also carry traces of chemicals or pesticides. Using gloves and protective goggles are important when handling wooden pallets, as they can contain sharp nails and splinters.

Besides posing a hazard to your health, wood pallets are prone to insect infestation. For that reason, they must be fumigated or heat treated to ensure their safety. This process usually involves the use of methyl bromide, a highly toxic chemical. Other materials that can penetrate food packaging include rusty nails and wood shards. Whether these materials penetrate the packaging, or simply deteriorate it, they may pose a threat to consumers.

Working directly with a distribution center

If you have a small store, you can take advantage of the excess inventory that often comes on pallets. Many distribution centers will set aside pallets that have no use for their machinery or are not of a standard size. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, this method may be just what you’re looking for. Here are some benefits of working directly with a distribution center:

You can work with a distributor that specializes in your type of products. If you’re a health food retailer, for example, you may have a need for GMA 48×40 pallets. These are the most common type of pallets for this type of business, so you’ll have a larger client base for them. Some distribution centers also use lumper services, which can speed up delivery and let truck drivers rest. This can be a great solution, but it can come at a cost.

Using Craigslist to find pallets

Placing ads on social media sites such as Facebook and Craigslist is an excellent way to find free pallets behind stores. You can ask local businesses to trade email addresses or post in community groups. The social media sites are also a great place to look for free or cheap stuff. Craigslist is just one source, so you might want to try Facebook as well. The possibilities are endless. By placing your ads on Facebook, you can also reach more people looking for pallets and other materials.

In addition to using Craigslist, supermarkets and other large retail outlets may have pallets lying around for free. You can ask to take them for free, but keep in mind that they may have legal issues with enforcing their property rights. Once you know the rights of the owner, you can ask to purchase the pallets. Most shop owners are happy to provide you with free pallets.