The Pallet Pooling Crisis That Is Breaking Supply Chains

Episode 56 of The Supply Chain Economy: Lucas and Luna unpack the hidden crisis in pallet pooling — the wooden platforms that underpin nearly every shipment in the US. With over 2 billion pallets in circulation and pooling companies like CHEP and PECO struggling with shortages and price hikes, the hosts explain why a seemingly mundane logistics tool is suddenly a strategic headache. They dive into the April 2026 manufacturers' orders data showing a 4.8 percent increase, the capacity utilization rate stuck at 76.2 percent, and how pallet scarcity is now creating friction in an already tight supply chain. Lucas traces the problem back to lumber volatility and consolidation in the pooling industry, while Luna connects it to the broader export-import imbalance. If you've ever wondered why your toilet paper got delayed or why forklifts are idling, this episode will change how you see the humble pallet. #PalletPooling #SupplyChain #Logistics #CHEP #PECO #LumberPrices #Shipping #Manufacturing #CapacityUtilization #TradeImbalance #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #IndustrialProduction #Warehousing #Freight Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo