The Story Behind the Backbone of American Shipping
When most people see a wooden pallet, they see a simple platform used to move products.
At Pilgrim Pallet, we see something much bigger.
We see over 100 years of innovation, hard work, and craftsmanship that has helped build America’s manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation industries. Every truckload of products, every warehouse shipment, and nearly every retail store depends on pallets to keep goods moving safely and efficiently.
Today, businesses across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York rely on quality wooden pallets every single day. Whether you’re shipping food products, construction materials, industrial equipment, or consumer goods, chances are your products have spent time on a pallet.
Humble Beginnings
Before pallets existed, warehouses relied on wooden skids. These simple platforms allowed heavy materials to be dragged across warehouse floors, but they weren’t designed for lifting.
As forklifts became more common during the early 1900s, businesses needed a stronger platform that could safely support heavy loads.
In 1924, inventor Howard T. Hallowell patented one of the first “Lift Truck Platforms,” laying the foundation for what would become today’s modern wooden pallet.
That simple invention forever changed warehousing and shipping.
World War II Changed Everything
The biggest turning point in pallet history came during World War II.
The United States military needed a faster way to move food, equipment, vehicles, and supplies across the globe. Wooden pallets allow forklifts to load and unload cargo quickly, reducing labor while increasing efficiency.
The success of palletized shipping during the war proved so effective that businesses across America quickly adopted the same methods after the war ended.
Today’s fast-paced supply chains still rely on those same principles.
Why Wooden Pallets Are Still the Industry Standard
Although plastic, metal, and composite pallets are available, wood remains the preferred choice for most industries.
Wood pallets continue to lead because they are:
- Strong and durable
- Cost-effective
- Easy to repair
- Reusable
- Recyclable
For manufacturers, warehouses, distributors, and retailers, wooden pallets provide the best combination of strength, value, and sustainability.
The 48×40 GMA Pallet
The 48×40 GMA pallet has become the standard pallet size throughout North America.
You’ll find this pallet in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and retail supply chains because it works efficiently with forklifts, pallet jacks, warehouse racking, and shipping trailers.
Not every shipment is the same, though.
Many businesses require custom pallets designed specifically for their products and transportation needs.
At Pilgrim Pallet, we provide both standard and custom pallet solutions to meet your business’s unique requirements.
Pilgrim Pallet: Proudly Serving PA, NJ, MD & NY
At Pilgrim Pallet, we understand that a pallet is much more than pieces of lumber nailed together.
It’s protecting your products.
It’s helping your employees work safely.
It’s ensuring your shipments arrive on time.
Businesses throughout Central Pennsylvania, as well as customers across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York, trust Pilgrim Pallet for dependable pallet solutions.
Whether you need:
- 48×40 GMA pallets
- Large commercial pallet orders
Our experienced team is ready to help.
We Buy Used Pallets
Did you know your used pallets may still have value?
Instead of paying to dispose of them, many businesses choose to sell qualifying pallets back into the supply chain.
Pilgrim Pallet purchases qualifying used pallets, helping companies recover value while supporting environmentally responsible recycling and reuse.
If your business has excess pallets, we’d be happy to discuss purchasing them.
Explore More from Pilgrim Pallet
More Than Just a Pallet Company
For over 100 years, wooden pallets have quietly powered the American economy. They keep products moving from manufacturers to warehouses, retailers, and ultimately to customers across the country.
At Pilgrim Pallet, we’re proud to continue that tradition by providing businesses throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York with dependable pallet solutions built on quality, service, and reliability.
Whether you’re looking for new pallets, used pallets, custom pallets, heat-treated pallets, pallet recycling, or a trusted pallet supplier, our team is here to help keep your business moving.
When quality matters, choose Pilgrim Pallet.
