How to Buy Merchandise Truckloads: Step by Step for First Time Buyers

Scott M. • December 24, 2025

How to Buy Merchandise Truckloads: Step by Step for First-Time Buyers

Transitioning from buying single pallets to full merchandise truckloads is the ultimate power move for a reseller. It’s the point where you stop chasing small flips and start building a real-scale operation with maximum margins.

I’m Scott M., and I’ve spent my career managing the logistics behind these 53-foot trailers. Buying a truckload isn't just a bigger order; it’s a different game. This guide will walk you through the process so your first big load is a profitable win.

Step 1: Understand Your Facility Limits

Before you order a full General Merchandise truckload , you need a dock or a forklift. These loads arrive on 53-foot trailers and usually contain 24 to 30 tall pallets. If you are in a residential area with no dock access, you need to ensure the carrier can accommodate a liftgate (which is rare for full truckloads) or be prepared to hand-unload fast.

Step 2: Choose Your Category Wisely

First-time buyers often get overwhelmed by the choices. For consistent velocity, I recommend starting with Home Goods truckloads. Kitchen appliances and home decor have a high resale value and are easier to process than apparel. If you have a large storage footprint, Wholesale Bedding truckloads offer incredibly low cost-per-unit for bulk flippers.

Scott’s Pro-Tip: Always factor in freight. The price of the merchandise is only half the equation. Getting a load from a West Coast facility to an East Coast warehouse can add thousands to your landed cost.

Step 3: Verification and Payment

In this industry, transparency is everything. Verify the shipping point and the retailer program. Once you’re satisfied, payment is typically made via bank wire. This is standard for high-volume liquidation.

Step 4: The Arrival and Sorting Process

When that truck pulls up, the clock starts. You need a team ready to scan, sort, and grade the inventory. Whether it's shelf-pulls or customer returns, your speed in getting this inventory listed or on the floor determines your ROI.

Final Takeaway

Buying by the truckload is about scaling your vision. By cutting out the "middleman" pallet breaks, you secure the lowest possible price. Do your homework, check your logistics, and be ready to move when the right deal hits the dock.

SM

About Scott M.

Scott M. is an industry expert in wholesale liquidation and supply chain logistics. With years of experience in the secondary market, he helps retailers and resellers navigate the complexities of buying merchandise by the truckload.

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