Yes, you can absolutely get custom shipping pallets made. Whether you need a non-standard footprint, a higher weight rating, a specific wood grade, or pallets that meet international shipping requirements, a qualified local manufacturer can build them to your exact specifications. At JC Pallets Co. in Fort Worth, we’ve been building custom pallets for Dallas-Fort Worth businesses for over 45 years — from small specialty orders to large-scale industrial runs.
This guide covers everything you need to know about ordering custom pallets: what can be customized, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to get a quote.
What Can Be Customized on a Wood Pallet?
Unlike standard GMA pallets — which are built to fixed dimensions and stocking specifications — custom pallets give you control over virtually every design variable. Here’s what can be tailored to your needs:
Size and Dimensions
The most common reason businesses order custom pallets is size. Standard GMA pallets measure 48″ x 40″, but your product, racking system, or shipping container may require something different. Custom pallets can be built to any footprint — wider, narrower, longer, or square — as well as to a specific deck height or thickness.
Weight Capacity
Load rating is determined by the number and thickness of deck boards, the type of stringers or blocks used, and the wood species selected. If you’re shipping heavy industrial equipment, machinery components, or dense building materials, a standard pallet may not be structurally adequate. Custom pallets can be engineered to support virtually any load requirement.
Wood Species and Grade
Different applications call for different lumber. Softwoods like Southern Yellow Pine are cost-effective and widely used for general freight. Hardwoods offer greater durability for heavy or repeated-use applications. We can also build with recycled lumber where appropriate — consistent with our commitment to using 72% recycled materials across our operations.
Deck Board Configuration
Deck board spacing, count, and orientation all affect how a pallet performs with your product and handling equipment. Options include solid decks (no gaps), partial open decks, and reversed or flush stringers depending on whether the pallet needs to be four-way or two-way entry.
Heat Treatment for International Shipments
If your pallets are crossing international borders, they must comply with ISPM-15 regulations — an international phytosanitary standard that requires wood packaging to be heat-treated to eliminate pests. Our dedicated pallet heat treating service is ISPM-15 certified, so your export pallets will clear customs without delays or rejection. This is a requirement for shipping to most countries including Canada, Mexico, the EU, and beyond.
How Much Do Custom Pallets Cost?
Custom pallets cost more than standard stocked pallets — but often less than businesses expect, especially when you factor in the cost of product damage caused by ill-fitting pallets.
Pricing is driven by several variables:
- Size variance from standard: The further you deviate from 48″ x 40″, the more material and cutting time is involved.
- Lumber grade and species: Hardwoods and kiln-dried lumber carry a price premium over standard softwoods.
- Deck board count and thickness: More boards or thicker stock increases cost but also increases load capacity.
- Heat treatment: ISPM-15 heat treatment adds a modest cost per pallet but is non-negotiable for export shipments.
- Order quantity: Per-unit cost decreases at higher volumes. Larger runs benefit from better pricing on both materials and labor.
One significant savings that often goes unnoticed: buying locally eliminates freight charges. When you order pallets shipped from out of state, shipping can add a meaningful cost per pallet depending on the order size. Working with a local Fort Worth supplier means your pallets arrive faster and without those added fees.
For a detailed breakdown of current market pricing on standard pallets, see our guide: How Much Do Used Wood Pallets Sell For in 2026?
How Long Does It Take to Get Custom Pallets Made?
Lead times vary based on design complexity and current production volume, but here are general benchmarks:
- Simple size variations (e.g., a standard GMA spec at a non-standard footprint): typically ready within 5–7 business days.
- Moderate customization (specific deck configuration, higher load rating, recycled lumber): typically 1–2 weeks.
- Complex or specialized builds (specialized wood species, heavy-duty construction, custom crating): 2–3 weeks depending on material sourcing.
Need a faster turnaround? Contact us directly at (817) 905-7095 to discuss your timeline. Rush production may be available depending on current shop capacity.
If you’re also shipping high-value items that require more protection than a pallet alone provides, ask about our custom crates — built to any specification for fragile, oversized, or irregularly shaped freight.
Who Needs Custom Pallets? Common Use Cases in DFW
Businesses across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex order custom pallets for a wide range of applications:
- Manufacturers with oversized or heavy products: Standard pallet footprints don’t always align with production line equipment or product dimensions.
- Exporters and international shippers: Any business shipping goods abroad via DFW Airport, Alliance, or intermodal rail needs ISPM-15 compliant heat-treated pallets.
- Food and beverage distributors: Some operations require specific wood grades, solid decks, or particular sanitation-friendly construction to meet food safety standards.
- Construction and building materials suppliers: Heavy block, brick, steel components, or tile often require higher load ratings than a standard pallet provides.
- Retail and e-commerce fulfillment centers: Custom dimensions can be optimized for specific racking configurations or packing line ergonomics, reducing product damage and handling time.
Not sure if custom is right for your application? Our standard pallets are stocked and ready to ship, and often the most cost-effective choice for businesses with straightforward shipping and storage needs. We’ll help you figure out which option makes the most sense.
Why Choose a Local Fort Worth Pallet Manufacturer?
There’s a real operational difference between ordering pallets from a national online supplier and working with a local manufacturer. With JC Pallets Co., you get:
- Faster lead times: No cross-country freight delays. Your pallets are built and delivered locally.
- The ability to inspect before you buy: Visit our 50,000 square foot facility at 401 E. Northside Dr., Fort Worth, and see product quality firsthand.
- 45+ years of expertise: Our builders have encountered virtually every custom requirement in the pallet industry. If it can be built, we’ve likely built it.
- A direct relationship: When you call, you reach people who know your account — not a national call center.
- Sustainability you can verify: 72% of materials we use are recycled. We also operate a pallet recycling program that can take back your used pallets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Pallets
What information do I need to request a custom pallet quote?
To get an accurate quote, it helps to have: your desired pallet dimensions (L x W x H), approximate weight of the load per pallet, any compliance requirements (such as ISPM-15 for export), your estimated quantity, and your delivery timeline. You don’t need to have everything figured out — we can help you work through the specifications.
Can custom pallets be heat-treated for international shipping?
Yes. All custom pallets can be run through our ISPM-15 certified heat treating process before delivery. This is a requirement for shipping wood packaging to most international destinations and is commonly required for exports out of DFW Airport and Alliance Freight Hub.
What is the minimum order for custom pallets?
Minimum order quantities vary depending on the complexity of the build. Contact us at (817) 905-7095 or email info@jcpalletsco.com to discuss your specific requirements and we’ll let you know what’s possible.
How long does it take to make custom pallets?
Simple custom sizes typically take 5–7 business days. More complex designs requiring specialized lumber or construction can take 2–3 weeks. Reach out early if you have a firm delivery date and we’ll work to meet it.
Where can I get custom pallets made in Fort Worth?
JC Pallets Co. is located at 401 E. Northside Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76164. We’ve been manufacturing custom pallets for DFW businesses for over 45 years. Contact us to request a quote or visit our facility.
What’s the difference between custom pallets and standard pallets?
Standard GMA pallets are pre-built to fixed specifications (typically 48″ x 40″) and are the most cost-effective option for general use. Custom pallets are built to order based on your specific size, weight capacity, wood, and compliance requirements. If standard dimensions work for your application, standard is usually the smarter buy. If they don’t, custom is the right answer.
Get a Custom Pallet Quote in Fort Worth
JC Pallets Co. has been building custom wood pallets for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex since 1979. Whether you need a one-time specialty order or an ongoing supply of custom-spec pallets, our team can help you get exactly what you need — built locally, delivered fast.
Call us at (817) 905-7095 or email info@jcpalletsco.com to discuss your requirements. You can also contact us online to request a quote.
