According to what previous surveys have told us, labor continues to become a bigger part of the cost structure for pallet companies. Even though slack pallet demand may make labor less acute than several years ago, having a labor strategy for the future is critical. And the Pallet Industry Wage and HR Survey conducted every 3-4 years by the staff of Industrial Reporting Inc. (IRI) has become a critical tool to help pallet companies benchmark from others and learn best practices.
IRI, the publisher of the Pallet Enterprise and Pallet Profile/Recycle Record market reports, will begin data collection online on February 2nd, 2026. This will be the eighth edition of the survey, which first started in the early 2000s and has become the most comprehensive survey of its kind conducted in the North American pallet and lumber industries.
Survey participation is open to any new pallet manufacturer, pallet recycler, low-grade lumber producer in North America with actual facilities and operational personnel.
Every qualified pallet manufacturer, pallet recycler or pallet lumber company that completes a usable survey will receive a FREE copy of the completed survey report. The only other way to obtain a copy is to pay $745. So, it is well worth your time to complete the survey.
You can complete the survey in this issue. You can also complete the survey online at https://palletenterprise.com/2026hrsurvey/. Or look for a print form to complete and submit in the February issue of Pallet Enterprise magazine. The submission deadline is April 20, 2026. All information submitted will be kept confidential and only published in the aggregate.
Take a minute to help yourself and the industry. This report will be critical in communicating the industry’s labor challenges and its impact on pallet prices. Another major benefit is that report recipients can share the findings with pallet customers.
Don’t miss out on your FREE copy, please complete the form at https://palletenterprise.com/2026hrsurvey/.
