How Seasonal Changes & Environment Affect Pallet Performance

When considering pallet performance, it’s easy to focus on weight capacity, durability, and cost. But there’s another factor that quietly impacts your supply chain all year long:

The weather.

From freezing winter temps to hot, humid summers, seasonal changes and environmental conditions can make or break pallet reliability.

Understanding how climate affects your pallets and how to protect them can save time, money, and a lot of headaches in the warehouse and on the road. 

The Hidden Impact of Seasonal Shifts on Pallets 

Even the toughest pallets aren’t immune to Mother Nature. The materials they’re made from, whether wood, plastic, or composite, react differently to changes in temperature, moisture, and sunlight. 

Moisture and Humidity 

Wood is a naturally porous material, which means it expands when exposed to moisture and contracts when it dries.

In humid summer months, excess moisture can cause swelling, warping, and mold growth. Over time, that leads to pallet deformation and potential instability when stacking loads.

In contrast, during dry winter months, low humidity can cause pallets to shrink, crack, or splinter. This weakens structural integrity and increases the risk of product damage during handling or transit.

Pro tip: If your warehouse or yard isn’t climate-controlled, consider how pallets are stored. Keeping them off the ground and covered (but ventilated) helps prevent moisture absorption and condensation buildup. 

Temperature Extremes 

Temperature plays a significant role in pallet performance, particularly for operations that ship products across diverse climates.

• Cold temperatures make wood brittle, which can cause it to crack or break under heavy loads.
• High heat can dry out pallets too quickly, weakening joints and increasing splintering.
• Plastic pallets can warp or soften if exposed to extreme heat or direct sunlight for long periods.
• Metal pallets, though durable, expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, which can affect tight fits in automated systems.

Pro tip: Match your pallet material to your environment. For instance, plastic pallets perform better in consistently humid conditions, while treated wood pallets are more resilient in fluctuating temperatures.

Sunlight and UV Exposure 

Long-term outdoor storage can expose pallets to UV radiation, which degrades both wood and plastic over time.

For wood pallets, this often results in surface cracking and discoloration. Plastic pallets may become brittle and lose their load-bearing capacity.

Pro tip: If you must store pallets outdoors, rotate stock regularly and use UV-resistant covers or tarps to protect them from the sun's harmful rays. Avoid stacking them too high, as airflow helps reduce the accumulation of trapped heat and moisture. 

Seasonal Pests 

Warmer months can also bring unwanted visitors. Termites, beetles, and other pests love wooden pallets, especially if they’re stored outdoors or near vegetation.

Infested pallets can cause compliance issues for companies exporting goods under ISPM-15 regulations, which require heat-treated wood to prevent the spread of pests across borders.

Pro tip: Source pallets from certified suppliers (like Global ICB), which provide ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets that meet international shipping standards. Regular inspections and rotating inventory also help minimize exposure to pests. 

Environmental Factors Beyond Weather 

It’s not just the climate. Your surrounding environment also affects pallet performance.

• Industrial pollution and airborne chemicals can degrade pallet coatings or treatments.
• Salty coastal air can accelerate corrosion on metal fasteners or degrade certain plastics.
• Warehouse layout and airflow can significantly impact the amount of moisture that accumulates around stored pallets.

Being aware of your facility’s environmental profile is the first step to better pallet management.

How to Mitigate Risk Year-Round 

Now that we know the risks, let’s talk about solutions. The good news? With a few proactive strategies, you can extend pallet lifespan and keep your operations running smoothly no matter the season. 

Choose the Right Pallet for Your Climate 

Different materials perform better in different environments (and different tasks).

• Wood pallets: Cost-effective and repairable but sensitive to humidity and pests. Ideal for indoor storage or short-term use.
• Plastic pallets: Resistant to moisture, rot, and most weather extremes. Perfect for humid or wet regions.
• Composite pallets: Combine strength and weather resistance. Ideal for high-value or long-haul applications.

Work with a pallet expert to evaluate your regional climate, supply chain demands, and storage conditions before choosing the right mix.  

Store Smart 

Where and how you store pallets make all the difference, which is why it's essential to know the basics.

• Keep them off damp ground and away from direct sunlight.
• Use racking or pallets-on-pallets to allow airflow.
• In colder climates, avoid leaving pallets outside overnight when condensation can freeze and cause slipping hazards.

Regular inspections, especially during seasonal transitions, can catch issues early before they affect your shipments. 

Partner with a Reliable Recycler or Supplier 

Sustainability and performance go hand-in-hand.

A partner like (Global ICB) can help you monitor pallet condition, repair damaged units, and ensure your fleet stays compliant and reliable all year long.

By recycling and refurbishing used pallets, you not only save money but also reduce environmental impact. 

Connect with Global ICB 

Seasonal and environmental changes are an unavoidable part of logistics, but pallet damage doesn’t have to be.

By understanding how climate affects pallet performance and taking proactive steps to mitigate risks, you can maintain safe, efficient, and sustainable operations throughout the seasons.

Contact us today to ensure your pallet program stands strong through rain, shine, heat, or frost.