Updated August 2026
When a local pallet run beats an LTL carrier
National carriers are built for long lanes and terminal networks. A pallet that only needs to travel from a Cedar Rapids warehouse to a customer in Coralville does not need a terminal at all. Skipping that step usually means fewer touches, less damage risk, and a delivery that lands the same day or the next.
Local pallet delivery fits recovery runs, will-call pickups, supplier-to-jobsite moves, retail overflow, and shipments that missed a carrier cutoff and cannot wait.
Pallet sizes and what they mean for the run
| Pallet | Footprint | Planning notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard GMA | 48 x 40 in | The default. Easiest to stage, load, and secure |
| Half pallet | 48 x 20 in | Good for small parts orders and display shipments |
| Square pallet | 48 x 48 in | Common for drums and machinery bases |
| Oversized or custom crate | Varies | Send exact dimensions; may exceed available equipment |
Height and overhang matter as much as footprint. A pallet stacked above roughly 70 inches or hanging past its edges limits how it can be loaded and secured.
Liftgate, dock, or forklift
Most pallet delivery problems trace back to one unanswered question: how does the pallet get off the truck? Confirm this for both pickup and delivery.
- Dock or forklift on site: fastest option, no liftgate needed
- Liftgate plus pallet jack: works on paved, reasonably level ground
- Gravel, grass, steep drives, or curbs: tell us up front so we plan the approach
- Inside placement: possible in many buildings, but it adds time and needs a clear path
- Residential delivery: usually curbside or garage unless a placement is arranged in advance
Weight limits are real limits
Every vehicle has a legal payload, and it is not negotiable. Give weight per pallet rather than a total when you can. If a shipment is close to the line, we will split it across trips or recommend a different equipment type instead of guessing at the dock.
We do not handle hazardous materials, and we cannot accept shipments that exceed available equipment or legal weight limits.
What drives the cost of a pallet delivery
- Distance and whether both stops sit inside the Cedar Rapids to Iowa City corridor
- Pallet count, weight, and dimensions
- Liftgate service and whether a pallet jack is needed
- Appointment windows and wait time at terminals or will-call counters
- Inside placement or multi-stop routing
Pallet delivery FAQ
Do I need a dock for pallet delivery?
No, but the delivery site changes the plan. With a dock or a forklift on site, the handoff is quick. Without one, the pallet needs liftgate service and a pallet jack on reasonably flat ground. Tell us which situation applies at both ends so the right equipment is assigned.
How many pallets can you move at once?
It depends on pallet footprint, weight, and stackability rather than a single fixed number. Send pallet count, rough dimensions, and weight per pallet and we will confirm what fits in one run versus multiple trips.
Can you do final-mile delivery for a freight broker?
Yes. Local pickup, final-mile delivery, recovery runs, and regional transportation support are core work for us. Send the pickup terminal or shipper, the delivery address, appointment requirements, and any accessorials you need documented.
What paperwork travels with the pallet?
Send the bill of lading, packing list, or delivery receipt with the shipment and we will get it signed at delivery. If you need photos at drop-off, ask when you book and we will capture them.
Have a delivery to schedule?
Send the pickup and delivery cities plus a short description of the item. We will confirm the right vehicle option, availability, and price.