The United Fresh Produce Association says pallet shortages are hurting the produce industry. The organization says the lack of pallets adds to the challenges they’re facing. For example, other issues include a lack of available trucks and shipping containers, labor challenges, and a unsettled shortage of resin, which is used to make reusable containers and pallets. They say that the pallet shortage will continue for months, possibly until the end of 2021.
The shortage of lumber and wood products has increased the cost of lumber by 200 to 350% and makes the cost of wood pallets increase significantly. Some report over the past few weeks, pallet costs have gone up over 400%, if they’re even available. The organization warns that without making sure pallets are available for produce shipments, “there is little doubt that it will be very difficult, if not impossible,” to meet consumer produce demand.
