Pallet storage is one of the simplest ways to store bulk inventory, but quotes can still be hard to compare. One warehouse prices by the pallet, another by the cubic foot, and the fees for moving pallets in and out vary a lot. This guide explains how pallet storage pricing works in Canada, what affects the price and how to estimate your monthly cost.
What is a pallet position?
Most warehouses charge for a pallet position: the space one pallet takes in the racking or on the floor. In Canada and the US, the standard pallet is 48 x 40 inches. Warehouses usually also set a maximum height for a standard position, often around 60 inches including the pallet, and charge more for taller or heavier loads.
At Newsom 3PL we store standard 48 x 40 x 60 inch pallets and can also handle oversized pallets. See our pallet storage page.
Typical pallet storage costs in Canada (2026)
| Fee | Typical range (CAD) | How it is charged |
|---|---|---|
| Pallet storage | $15 to $40 | Per pallet per month |
| Receiving | $6 to $20 | Per pallet received |
| Container unloading | $300 to $600 | Per container |
| Handling out (pallet leaving) | Varies | Per pallet, or included in receiving |
| Long-term storage surcharge | Often 1.5 to 3 times the standard rate | Stock stored past 6 or 12 months |
These are general industry ranges from 2025 to 2026 pricing guides and warehouse surveys. Your quote will depend on your products and volumes.
How warehouses price storage
Per pallet per month
The most common model. You pay a monthly rate for every pallet position you use. Simple to understand and easy to budget for.
Per cubic foot
You pay for the exact volume your goods take up. Useful for odd-sized items or part pallets, but harder to forecast.
Per square foot or dedicated space
You rent a fixed area of the warehouse, often on a longer contract. Better suited to large, stable inventories.
Shelves and bins
Small products do not need a full pallet. Shelf storage and bin storage are usually cheaper for a few cartons or small, fast-moving items.
What affects your pallet storage price
- Pallet height and weight: taller or heavier pallets take more space and need stronger racking.
- Stackable or not: pallets that can be stacked safely use less floor space.
- Racking or floor storage: some goods must be stored on the floor.
- Number of pallets: more pallets often means a lower rate per pallet.
- How long you store: long-term storage may cost more; short-term or seasonal storage may be priced differently.
- How often stock moves: frequent picking or pallet moves add handling fees.
- Special handling: fragile, high-value or lot-tracked goods need more care.
- Location: warehouses close to major highways, airports and cities like Toronto often cost a little more, but save on transport.
Fees beyond storage
When comparing quotes, look at the full cost, not just the monthly rate:
- Receiving and counting pallets or containers when they arrive.
- Breaking down pallets into cartons for order fulfillment.
- Pallet wrapping, labelling and building outbound pallets.
- Loading pallets for shipping or delivery to retailers.
- Inventory counts and reports.
- Monthly minimums or account fees.
Example: estimating your monthly pallet storage cost
Here is a simple example using mid-range figures. It is an illustration only, not a Newsom 3PL quote.
| Item | Assumption | Monthly cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 20 pallets at $25 | $500 |
| Receiving | 5 new pallets at $15 | $75 |
| Handling out | 5 pallets shipped at $15 | $75 |
| Total | $650 |
That works out to about $32.50 per pallet per month once moves in and out are included. Comparing quotes on this all-in basis gives a much fairer picture than the storage rate alone.
Tips to lower your pallet storage costs
- Build full, stable pallets that use the whole height allowance.
- Use shelves or bins for small quantities instead of half-empty pallets.
- Clear slow-moving stock before long-term surcharges apply.
- Send clearly labelled pallets with a packing list to keep receiving quick.
- Plan seasonal peaks ahead so space is ready when your stock arrives.
- Ask for a quote based on your actual pallet count and movement.
Pallet storage in Mississauga
Newsom 3PL offers pallet, shelf and bin storage at our Mississauga warehouse near Toronto Pearson, with warehousing, fulfillment and GTA delivery from the same building and no long-term lease. For all 3PL costs, see how much a 3PL costs in Canada, or see how our quotes work and request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to store one pallet per month in Canada?
Most Canadian warehouses charge roughly $15 to $40 per pallet per month for standard storage, depending on the location, pallet size and how long the stock stays.
What size is a standard pallet?
The standard North American pallet is 48 x 40 inches. Warehouses also set a height limit for a standard position and charge more for taller pallets.
Is pallet storage cheaper than renting my own warehouse?
For most small and mid-sized businesses, yes. You pay only for the pallets you store, with no lease, staff, racking or equipment costs.
Can I store pallets short term?
Many 3PLs offer month-to-month pallet storage, which suits seasonal stock, overflow inventory or goods waiting for distribution.