What is a Pallet Box?

by Craig Pryce June 10, 2026

A pallet box is a heavy-duty industrial box for storing goods, designed to sit on a standard shipping pallet. Pallet boxes often have built-in forklift skids, making them easy to move around in the warehouse when fully loaded.

They’re sometimes referred to as pallet containers or box pallets. Generally, they’re used in warehouses to store and move loose goods. Solid-wall pallet boxes, in particular, can protect contents against damage.

Many businesses benefit from using box pallets to store items efficiently. Understand what these types of containers are, the different types, and everything you need to know to decide if a pallet box is right for your needs. 

Pallet box definition

A pallet box is a storage container designed to fit on a standard shipping pallet. This is the universal pallet box definition, wherever you find and use these containers worldwide.

However, it's useful to keep a broader definition of a pallet box in mind. For example, the wider category includes both box pallets and pallet cages.

There are also various names for pallet boxes in the storage industry, due to their slightly different features and uses. These include:

• Bulk boxes – typically larger containers for storing loose goods.

• Skid boxes – pallet boxes with a skid base for lifting.

• Euro boxes – containers that meet standard Euro pallet box dimensions.

• Gaylords – US and Canada term named after St Louis-based Gaylord Container Co.

What is a pallet box made of?

Pallet boxes are often made of plastic. Plastic pallet boxes are built to last, with rugged construction, reinforced ribbing and built-in forklift lifting skids. Sheet steel box pallets with solid sides are also available for the most demanding applications.

Cage pallets have mesh sides made of galvanised steel mesh or rod infill. Steel pallet cages are usually collapsible, allowing them to be stored flat. This makes them a popular choice for many logistics, as they save space when folded away.

Types of pallet boxes

There are different types of pallet boxes, often based on the design and construction. These can include variations such as slotted vs solid sides, rigid vs collapsible, 2-skid vs 3-skid pallet boxes.

A major difference lies in the material used to manufacture the box pallet:

• Plastic pallet boxes – the current industry standard. Versatile, affordable and recyclable.

• Steel pallet boxes – extra-strong pallet boxes for heavy-duty and high-risk environments.

• Wooden pallet boxes – traditional wooden packing crates.

• Cardboard pallet boxes – rugged corrugated cardboard side walls, often the cheapest pallet boxes for short-term or single use.

Pallet box features

The main features of pallet boxes are that they have a large capacity, are stackable, reusable, strong, and easily compatible with forklifts. Specific features may vary depending on the size, type, and materials, but common elements include:

• Collapsible pallet boxes fold away for space-saving transport and convenient storage.

• Stackable pallet boxes are designed to stand on top of each other safely, making more efficient use of vertical space.

• Optional lids protect contents from overhead damage and are a common feature of solid-sided pallet crates.

Additional features are sometimes available, such as 3-skid pallet boxes instead of the usual 2 skids.

How big is a pallet box?

The standard pallet box size varies depending on the application and region. There’s some variation in pallet box dimensions, with the standard pallet box size designed to fit onto a typical cargo pallet, making the containers easier to ship when fully loaded.

A standard size for pallet boxes typically relates to the base area, but not the height. Pallet box height can vary. Here are some typical pallet box sizes around the world:

Note that standard Euro pallet box dimensions are narrower than the UK standard. If you want to ship goods to continental Europe, make sure you use Euro-standard pallet boxes.

Business uses of a pallet box

Box pallets are hugely versatile. They can be used in warehouses, garages, construction sites, and anywhere you need space-saving storage for bulky goods.

Industry-standard Euro pallet box dimensions make it efficient to transport goods to destinations across the continent and to load/unload them with standard lifting equipment.

Some examples of common business and industry uses of a pallet box:

• Agriculture – safe handling of perishables like fruit and flowers.

• Food – store and transport food, packaged beverages, and edible perishables.

• Logistics – liftable storage for logistics and distribution centres.

• Pharmaceutical – safely store and transport medical equipment and medicines.

• Retail – delivery and warehouse storage of food, drinks, and goods.

How much does a pallet box cost?

The cost of a pallet box depends on a range of factors, including the size, type, material, features, and whether you buy or rent one. The material will affect the pallet box price, but has a huge impact on longevity. It's often more economical to buy new pallet boxes in good condition that will last.

It's important to weigh up the initial cost against the value to your business over the long term. Pallet box value comes from the benefit it brings to your business. Organised, more efficient warehouse storage, with fewer damaged and broken goods, all helps to reduce losses due to handling errors.

Lifetime costs are relatively low as pallet cage repairs can be kept to a minimum, and replacement pallet boxes are readily available.

For the easiest way to see how much a pallet box costs, contact Wheelie Bin Solutions for a competitive quote.

Pallet box rental vs purchase

Box pallet rental is ideal if you only need short-term use, while buying pallet boxes is better for long-term use.

Should I rent or buy pallet boxes?

The main factors that influence your decision to buy or rent a pallet box:

• Budget (including upfront and ongoing costs)

• How long you’ll use a box pallet for (and any risk of extension/delay)

• Use of the containers (usage may be limited under hire agreements)

• How many box pallets you need (rental vs purchase availability)

• Maintenance (costs and liability for damage to hired pallet boxes)

A rented pallet box has limited value, whereas when you buy pallet boxes, you have full use of them for as long as you keep them in good condition.

Benefits of buying vs renting pallet boxes

Here's how the benefits and drawbacks of renting pallet boxes stack up:

There are circumstances where cage pallet rental might be sensible, for example, if you know you have a very limited one-off need. Generally, though, buying a pallet box works out more cost-effectively as you can use it for whatever you like and use it for as long as you need.

Buy pallet boxes online for your business 

With a wide range of pallet boxes to choose from and a commitment to offer you a competitive price, Wheelie Bin Solutions is your first port of call for collapsible box pallets and cage pallets.

Explore our full range and contact us when you're ready to order. Our team is here to help answer any questions and will be happy to provide a quote for your wholesale box pallet order.

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