RIVERSIDEPALLET CO.
Products

CustomPallets

When standard won't do, we engineer pallets to your exact specifications. Any size, any material, any load capacity.

Design Your Custom Pallet

Describe your requirements and we'll provide a custom solution.

US/Canada: (555) 123-4567

US: 92501 | CA: K1A 0B1

How Custom Orders Work

1

Consultation

Tell us about your product, dimensions, weight, shipping environment, and any special requirements.

2

Design & Quote

Our engineers design the optimal pallet solution and provide a detailed quote within 48 hours.

3

Build & Deliver

We manufacture your custom pallets using recycled materials wherever possible and deliver on schedule.

Customization Options

Dimensions

Any length, width, and height. From miniature display pallets to oversized industrial platforms.

Materials

Wood, plastic, metal, or composite. Mix materials for the perfect balance of weight and strength.

Load Capacity

Engineered from 500 lbs to 15,000+ lbs. Static, dynamic, and racking load specifications.

Treatments

Heat treatment, fumigation, anti-slip coating, color coding, branding, and more.

Custom Pallet Case Studies

Real-world examples of custom pallet solutions we've engineered for our clients.

Heavy Machinery Manufacturer

Challenge

Needed 60×60” pallet rated for 8,000 lbs with forklift access on all four sides.

Solution

Designed a reinforced double-stringer pallet using oak hardwood with steel corner brackets for maximum load distribution.

Result

Passed 10,000 lb static load test. Now in recurring monthly production.

Artisan Food Producer

Challenge

Needed food-grade mini display pallets at 24×16” for retail store merchandising.

Solution

Built from kiln-dried maple with an FDA-safe finish. Sanded smooth with branded logo stamp on each unit.

Result

Used in 200+ retail locations. Reorder every quarter for new product launches.

Aerospace Parts Company

Challenge

Needed 72×48” pallets with foam-lined surface to protect precision-machined components during transport.

Solution

Engineered a composite pallet with integrated custom padding, anti-static coating, and locking cleats for secure stacking.

Result

Zero transit damage claims since adoption. Approved by their quality assurance team for all shipments.

Engineering Specifications

Our engineering team works with a wide range of materials, finishes, and design standards.

Load Types We Engineer For

  • Static loads
  • Dynamic loads
  • Racking loads
  • Impact loads

Material Options

  • Southern Yellow Pine
  • Oak
  • Maple
  • HDPE Plastic
  • Aluminum
  • Composite

Surface Finishes

  • Raw
  • Sanded
  • Heat-treated
  • Painted
  • Anti-slip coated
  • Branded / logo stamped

Fastener Options

  • Ring-shank nails
  • Screws
  • Bolts (heavy duty)
  • Adhesive bonding

Design Software

  • PDS (Pallet Design System) certified analysis
  • CAD modeling for prototypes
  • Load simulation testing

Compliance & Standards

  • ISPM-15 heat treatment
  • NWPCA Pallet Design System
  • FDA food-contact safe
  • MIL-STD for military

Minimum Orders & Lead Times

From a single prototype to thousands of units, we scale to your needs.

Prototype / Sample

Quantity

1–5 units

Lead Time

7–10 business days

Note

Quoted individually based on complexity

Small Run

Quantity

25–99 units

Lead Time

10–14 business days

Note

Ideal for testing before scaling up

Production Run

Quantity

100–999 units

Lead Time

7–10 business days

Note

Volume pricing applied automatically

Large Volume

Quantity

1,000+ units

Lead Time

5–7 business days

Note

Dedicated production line assigned

Recurring Orders

Quantity

Any volume

Lead Time

Scheduled delivery

Note

Price lock available for 6-month commitments

Industries Using Custom Pallets

Custom pallets solve unique challenges across a wide range of industries. We've built solutions for all of them.

Aerospace

Precision-fit pallets for sensitive components

Automotive

Heavy-duty platforms for engines and parts

Pharmaceutical

Clean-room compatible, FDA-safe builds

Military / Defense

MIL-STD compliant, rugged construction

Agriculture

Produce bins and ventilated platforms

Retail

Display pallets for in-store merchandising

Electronics

Anti-static options for sensitive equipment

Construction

Heavy equipment platforms and skids

Custom Pallet Specification Ranges

Our engineering team can design and build pallets across an enormous range of specifications. Here are the parameters we work within.

Parameter
Range
Notes
Length
12" to 120"
Standard increments of 2". Odd sizes available on request.
Width
12" to 72"
Widths beyond 60" may require reinforced center supports.
Height (deck)
3.5" to 12"
Taller builds for heavy loads or integrated packaging.
Static Load Capacity
500 to 15,000+ lbs
Depends on material, fasteners, and engineering design.
Dynamic Load Capacity
500 to 10,000+ lbs
Dynamic loads tested per ASTM D1185 standards.
Deck Board Thickness
1/2" to 2"
Thicker boards for heavy point loads or rough handling.
Stringer / Block Count
2 to 7 stringers or 9+ blocks
More supports = higher capacity and better weight distribution.
Number of Deck Boards
3 to 12 top, 2 to 7 bottom
Full-coverage decks available for small-item applications.
Entry Points
2-way or 4-way
4-way requires block construction or notched stringers.
Moisture Content
< 19% standard, < 12% kiln-dried
Lower moisture for food-grade and indoor applications.
Weight Tolerance
+/- 5% of target
Tighter tolerances available for automated systems.
Dimensional Tolerance
+/- 1/8" to +/- 1/4"
Precision tolerances for AS/RS and robotic handling.

Why Choose Custom Over Standard

Standard pallets work for most applications, but sometimes your product, process, or industry demands something different.

Eliminate Product Damage

When your product does not fit neatly on a standard 48x40 pallet, it overhangs edges, shifts during transit, and gets damaged. A custom-sized pallet eliminates overhang and provides a stable, perfectly fitting base that protects your goods from dock to destination.

Optimize Container Utilization

Standard pallets leave gaps in shipping containers and trailers. Custom dimensions allow you to fill every inch of available space, reducing the number of shipments needed and lowering your per-unit freight cost. Even a 10% improvement in cube utilization saves thousands annually.

Support Extreme Weights

Standard pallets top out at 2,500 to 5,500 lbs. If your product weighs more, you need engineered support. Our heavy-duty custom pallets use reinforced stringers, thicker decks, and bolted construction to handle loads up to 15,000 pounds and beyond.

Meet Industry Compliance

Some industries require specific pallet construction for safety and compliance. Military spec (MIL-STD), pharmaceutical (cGMP), food-grade (FDA), and aerospace (AS9100) all have unique requirements that standard pallets may not meet. Custom pallets are built to your exact compliance standard.

Integrate with Automation

Automated storage and retrieval systems, robotic palletizers, and conveyor lines require pallets built to exact tolerances. Custom pallets with precision dimensions, consistent weight, and specific foot patterns ensure seamless operation in your automated facility.

Protect Fragile or Unique Shapes

Round tanks, oddly shaped machinery, delicate electronics, and oversized panels all benefit from custom pallet designs. We can integrate cleats, blocking, foam liners, and anti-static surfaces to cradle your product and prevent any movement during transit.

Reduce Handling Costs

When pallets fit your product perfectly, workers spend less time securing loads, adding dunnage, and adjusting positions. A well-designed custom pallet reduces handling time by up to 30%, lowering labor costs and speeding up your loading and unloading operations.

Brand Your Packaging

Custom pallets can be branded with your company logo, color-coded by product line, and stenciled with handling instructions. This creates a professional, cohesive presentation that reinforces your brand from warehouse to customer doorstep.

Reduce Waste and Returns

Product damage during shipping is one of the biggest sources of waste and returns in supply chains. Custom pallets designed specifically for your product dimensions and fragility level dramatically reduce transit damage, lowering your return rate and improving customer satisfaction.

Custom Build Gallery

A sample of the custom pallet solutions we have engineered and delivered for our clients.

Oversized custom pallet for heavy machinery transport

Heavy Machinery Platform

Mini display pallets for retail store merchandising

Retail Display Pallets

Custom foam-lined pallet for aerospace components

Aerospace Component Pallet

Heat-treated export pallet with IPPC stamp

Export-Ready Custom Build

Reinforced block pallet for automotive engine transport

Automotive Engine Pallet

Custom pallet with integrated cleats and bracing

Cleated Custom Pallet

Material Comparison

Choosing the right material is the most important decision in custom pallet design. Here is how the options compare.

Factor
Softwood
Hardwood
Plastic
Aluminum
Composite
Cost
Lowest
Low-Mid
Mid-High
Highest
Mid-High
Weight
Medium
Heavy
Light
Very Light
Light
Strength
Good
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Very Good
Moisture Resist.
Poor
Poor
Excellent
Excellent
Very Good
Repairability
Easy
Easy
None
Weldable
Limited
Lifespan
2-5 years
5-8 years
10+ years
15+ years
10+ years
ISPM-15
Required
Required
Exempt
Exempt
Exempt
Best For
Budget builds
Heavy loads
Hygiene/auto
Aerospace
Specialty

Popular Custom Use Cases

The most common scenarios where custom pallets deliver significantly better results than standard options.

Oversized Equipment

Turbines, generators, HVAC units, and industrial machinery that exceed standard pallet dimensions. We build platforms up to 120 inches long with reinforced stringers rated for 10,000+ pounds.

Retail Display Pallets

Small, attractive pallets designed to go from the truck straight to the retail floor. Sanded smooth, branded with logos, and built in custom sizes to fit store shelving and display areas.

Military & Defense Shipping

MIL-STD compliant pallets for government and defense contracts. Built to specific military specifications for strength, dimensions, fastener types, and treatment requirements.

Fragile Electronics

Anti-static coated pallets with foam inserts, custom cradles, and shock-absorbing bases for shipping servers, medical devices, precision instruments, and other sensitive electronics.

Automotive Assembly Lines

Pallets designed to hold specific engine blocks, transmissions, or body panels with integrated blocking and bracing. Standardized for automated conveyor systems in assembly plants.

Agricultural Produce

Ventilated pallets with open-deck designs that allow airflow around fresh produce. Custom sizing to match harvest bins and cold storage racking dimensions used in agricultural operations.

Pharmaceutical Cleanrooms

FDA-compliant pallets built from food-grade hardwood or pharmaceutical-grade plastic. Smooth, splinter-free surfaces with minimal particulate generation for cleanroom environments.

Wine & Spirits

Custom pallets sized for wine cases, barrels, and kegs. Reinforced for the heavy weight of liquid goods with anti-slip surfaces and secure stacking features to prevent breakage.

Textile & Apparel

Clean, smooth pallets that prevent snagging or staining of fabric goods. Custom dimensions to match garment boxes and textile rolls. Often paired with pallet covers for dust protection.

International Crating

Combined pallet-and-crate solutions for international ocean freight. ISPM-15 heat-treated with integrated skid bases, side walls, and top covers to form a complete shipping container.

Lumber & Building Materials

Extra-long and extra-wide pallets for transporting lumber, drywall, roofing materials, and steel beams. Built to handle concentrated loads at specific support points.

Trade Show & Event Displays

Lightweight, aesthetically finished pallets for trade show booth setups, product launches, and event merchandising. Available painted, stained, or wrapped in custom finishes to match brand aesthetics.

Custom Pallet Pricing

Custom pallet pricing depends on size, material, complexity, and volume. Here are typical ranges to help you budget.

Typical Price Ranges

Small Custom (under 36")

Display pallets, mini platforms

$8 - $20

Standard Custom (36"-48")

Modified standard dimensions

$15 - $35

Large Custom (48"-72")

Oversized, reinforced builds

$25 - $55

Extra-Large (72"+)

Heavy machinery platforms, skids

$45 - $120+

Multi-Material / Composite

Wood+metal, foam-lined, specialty

$50 - $200+

Prototype / Engineering

First article with load testing

$150 - $500+

What Affects Pricing

  • Size and dimensions — larger pallets require more material and labor
  • Material selection — hardwood and specialty materials cost more than softwood
  • Load capacity requirements — heavier ratings require thicker lumber and more fasteners
  • Surface treatments — heat treatment, sanding, painting, and anti-slip coatings add cost
  • Complexity — integrated blocking, foam liners, and multi-material construction increase price
  • Volume — larger orders reduce per-unit cost through production efficiencies
  • Lead time — rush orders within 48 hours carry a 15-25% expedite surcharge

Free Engineering Consultation

Not sure what your custom pallet should look like? Our engineering team provides free consultations. Describe your product, shipping environment, and requirements, and we will design the optimal pallet solution and provide a detailed quote within 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our custom pallet design and manufacturing process.

What is the minimum order quantity for custom pallets?

We have no minimum order for custom pallets. We will build a single prototype for testing and approval. However, per-unit pricing is most competitive at quantities of 100 or more, where production efficiencies kick in. For orders under 25 units, we charge a setup fee that covers design time and production line configuration.

How long does it take to get a custom pallet quote?

Most quotes are delivered within 24-48 hours of receiving your specifications. Simple modifications to standard designs (like a different size or added heat treatment) can often be quoted same-day. Complex multi-material designs with engineering analysis may take 3-5 business days for a comprehensive quote with load test projections.

Can you match an existing pallet we are already using?

Absolutely. Send us a sample, a photo with measurements, or a technical drawing, and we will replicate it exactly. We reverse-engineer pallets from other suppliers regularly. If you want improvements over your current pallet (like better fasteners, different wood species, or tighter tolerances), we can incorporate those into the replica design.

Do you provide load testing and certification?

Yes. We use the NWPCA Pallet Design System (PDS) software to model and predict load performance for every custom design. For customers who require physical testing, we perform static, dynamic, and racking load tests per ASTM D1185 standards. Certified test reports are available upon request and included at no extra charge for orders over 500 units.

Can custom pallets use recycled wood?

Yes, and we encourage it. The majority of our custom pallets are built using a mix of new and reclaimed lumber, depending on the application. For heavy-duty and food-grade builds, we use new kiln-dried lumber. For standard-duty and economy builds, we use high-quality reclaimed lumber wherever structural integrity allows. This reduces cost and environmental impact.

What if my product dimensions change after I order?

We understand that product specs evolve. If you need to adjust your pallet design after initial production, we can modify the design for future orders at no additional engineering charge. If the change is minor (such as adjusting a few inches in one dimension), we can often modify in-production orders as well. Contact your account manager as soon as possible to discuss changes.

Do you offer design-build services for complete shipping solutions?

Yes. Beyond pallets, we design and build complete shipping solutions including crates, skids, blocking and bracing systems, and combination pallet-crate packages. Our engineering team can design a full packaging system from the pallet base to the outer protection, ensuring your product arrives in perfect condition every time.

Can you integrate tracking technology into custom pallets?

Yes. We can embed RFID tags, QR codes, barcodes, and NFC chips directly into custom pallet builds. For wood pallets, tags are mounted in protective housings on the stringer or block. For plastic custom builds, chips can be molded directly into the material. This enables asset tracking, inventory management, and supply chain visibility.

Let Us Engineer Your Perfect Pallet

From a single prototype to full production runs, our engineering team designs and builds custom pallets for any size, any material, and any load capacity. Tell us what you need and we will make it happen.

Get Your Free Quote

Fill out the form and our team will reply within 24 hours.

US/Canada: (555) 123-4567

US: 92501 | CA: K1A 0B1