Wood pallets under IBCs were long the default, and many totes now ship on plastic or composite pallets instead. Wood is not a bad material. It is a less predictable one in a busy logistics operation.
Operational
Wood absorbs moisture, dries unevenly, splinters and can warp under load. None of this matters much for a single trip. It matters more for totes that cycle repeatedly.
Plastic and composite pallets are more dimensionally stable. They do not swell when wet or splinter, though they can crack under a hard forklift hit.
International shipping
Solid wood packaging in international trade generally must meet ISPM 15, which typically means heat treatment to a core temperature of 56 °C for 30 minutes and an official stamp. Plastic pallets are not covered by ISPM 15. Check the destination country’s current rules.
Food and customer requirements
Some food operations and logistics contracts specify plastic pallets under IBCs. If you supply a customer, check their requirements before you buy.
When wood still makes sense
Repurposing projects, stationary storage and occasional in-house moves. There is nothing wrong with wood for the right application.