Resources
Everything you need to know about pallets, industry standards, and making smart purchasing decisions.
Pallet Knowledge Center
Guides, standards, and industry insights to help you make informed decisions
Have a Question? Ask Us Directly
Can't find what you're looking for? Our team is ready to help with any pallet-related question.
Resource Categories
Blog & Articles
Industry insights, tips for pallet management, sustainability news, and expert advice on choosing the right pallets for your business.
Popular Topics
- How to Choose the Right Pallet Grade
- 5 Ways to Reduce Pallet Costs
- Sustainability Trends in Pallet Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about pallet buying, selling, recycling, pricing, and delivery services.
Popular Topics
- What pallet sizes do you carry?
- Do you offer delivery services?
- How are pallets graded?
Industry Standards
Learn about ISPM-15 regulations, GMA specifications, EPAL standards, pallet grading systems, and NWPCA guidelines.
Popular Topics
- ISPM-15 Heat Treatment Requirements
- Understanding Pallet Grades: A to C
- GMA Pallet Specifications
Featured Resource
The Complete Guide to Pallet Recycling in 2025
Everything you need to know about pallet recycling, from how the process works and its environmental benefits to how your business can participate in the circular economy while reducing costs. This in-depth guide covers sorting, repair, material recovery, and compliance with environmental regulations.
3.5
Board Feet Saved Per Pallet
80%
Less Energy vs New Production
0
Waste to Landfill
Latest Articles
The Complete Guide to Pallet Recycling in 2025
Discover how pallet recycling works, its environmental benefits, and how your business can participate in the circular economy while saving money.
How to Choose the Right Pallet Grade for Your Needs
Understanding pallet grades is essential for balancing cost and quality. Learn the differences between Grade A, B, and C pallets.
ISPM-15 Explained: What You Need to Know for International Shipping
International shipping requires ISPM-15 compliant pallets. Here is everything you need to know about heat treatment requirements and certification.
Pallet Industry Statistics
The pallet industry is a critical part of the global supply chain. Here are some key figures that highlight its scale and impact.
2 Billion+
Pallets in Use in the U.S.
The United States has the largest pallet inventory in the world.
513 Million
New Pallets Produced Yearly
Over half a billion new wood pallets are manufactured annually in the U.S.
341 Million
Pallets Repaired Annually
Repair and refurbishment keeps hundreds of millions of pallets in circulation.
95%
Made From Wood
The vast majority of pallets in North America are made from softwood or hardwood lumber.
$9.5 Billion
Annual Industry Revenue
The U.S. pallet industry generates billions in economic activity, supporting thousands of businesses and jobs.
46%
Recycled or Reused
Nearly half of all pallets in circulation are recovered and given a second life through repair, resale, or recycling.
120+
Pallet Sizes in Use
While the 48x40 GMA pallet dominates, there are over 120 different sizes used across various industries worldwide.
Explore by Topic
Whether you need buying guidance, technical standards, or sustainability insights, our resource library has you covered.
Buying Guides
Learn how to select the right pallet type, size, and grade for your specific application. Covers cost comparisons and purchasing strategies.
Browse6 ReferencesIndustry Standards
Detailed explanations of ISPM-15, GMA specs, EPAL standards, NWPCA guidelines, and pallet grading systems used worldwide.
Browse3 ToolsTools and Calculators
Interactive pallet size guide, load capacity reference, and cost comparison tools to help you make data-driven decisions.
Browse5 ArticlesSustainability
Understanding the environmental impact of pallet choices, recycling best practices, and how to build a greener supply chain.
BrowseGetting Started
If you are new to buying or managing pallets, this overview will help you understand the basics and make informed decisions.
Determine Your Pallet Needs
Start by identifying what you will be shipping or storing. Consider the weight of your goods, the dimensions of your products, and whether pallets will be used for one-way shipping or returned for reuse. This determines the size, grade, and type of pallet you need.
Choose the Right Size
The 48x40 inch GMA pallet fits most standard applications in the U.S. If your products are oversized, oddly shaped, or destined for specific industries, you may need a different size. Our size guide covers all common dimensions and their typical use cases.
Select a Grade
For customer-facing shipments, choose Grade A. For general commercial use, Grade B offers the best balance of quality and value. For internal use, storage, or one-way shipments where appearance is not important, Grade C is the most economical choice.
Place Your Order
Contact us with your size, grade, quantity, and delivery location. We respond within 24 hours with a detailed quote. Approve the quote and we handle everything from inspection to delivery.
Quick Reference
Common Questions
What types of pallets do you sell?
Do you buy used pallets?
What areas do you serve?
Pallet Glossary
Understanding pallet terminology helps you communicate your needs more effectively and evaluate quality. Here are the essential terms every pallet buyer should know.
Stringer
A long, continuous board (typically 2x4 or 3x4 lumber) running the full length of the pallet between the top and bottom deck boards. Stringer pallets use two or three stringers as their primary structural support.
Block
A solid wood cube or rectangle placed at corners and midpoints of a block-style pallet. Blocks replace stringers and allow true four-way forklift entry from all sides without notching.
Deck Board
A horizontal board fastened across the top or bottom of the pallet. Top deck boards support the load; bottom deck boards provide stability and a base for stacking. Board width, thickness, and spacing affect load capacity.
Notch
A cutout in the bottom of a stringer that allows forklift tines to enter from the side. Notches convert a two-way stringer pallet into a partial four-way entry pallet.
Wing
When deck boards extend beyond the outer stringers or blocks, creating an overhang. Winged pallets provide a larger deck surface area without increasing the stringer span, useful for specific racking configurations.
Chamfer
A beveled or angled cut on the bottom edges of the lead boards. Chamfers guide forklift tines into the pallet opening and reduce the risk of board damage during pickup.
Lead Board
The outermost deck board on the top or bottom of a pallet. Lead boards are typically wider than inner boards (5.5 inches vs. 3.5 inches on GMA pallets) to provide extra edge support.
Four-Way Entry
A pallet design that allows forklift or pallet jack access from all four sides. Block pallets inherently offer four-way entry; stringer pallets require notches for partial four-way access.
Two-Way Entry
A pallet that can only be accessed by a forklift or pallet jack from two opposite sides, typically the open stringer sides. Less versatile but simpler and less expensive to manufacture.
GMA Pallet
The standard 48 x 40 inch pallet specification established by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now Consumer Brands Association). The most widely used pallet format in North America, accounting for roughly 30% of all new pallets produced.
Heat Treatment (HT)
A phytosanitary process where the wood core temperature is raised to 56 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes to kill pests and pathogens. Required by ISPM-15 for international shipping.
ISPM-15
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, a regulation requiring wood packaging materials used in international trade to be treated to prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases.
Deck Mat
The pattern of deck boards on a pallet, including the number of boards, their width, and the spacing between them. A full deck mat (no gaps) is called close-boarded and is used for small or fragile items.
Pallet Grade
A classification system (typically A, B, or C) used to rate the condition of used pallets. Grade A is like-new condition, Grade B shows moderate wear, and Grade C is economy grade with visible wear but still structurally sound.
Static Load
The maximum weight a pallet can support when resting on a flat, level surface without being moved. Static load ratings are the highest of the three common load types.
Dynamic Load
The maximum weight a pallet can support while being lifted and moved by a forklift or pallet jack. Dynamic load ratings are typically 20-40% lower than static load ratings due to the stresses of movement.
Racking Load
The maximum weight a pallet can support when placed on pallet racking beams, where only the edges are supported. Racking loads are often the lowest rated capacity because the center of the pallet is unsupported.
Stringer Board
In block pallets, a horizontal board that runs between blocks, connecting them and supporting the deck boards. Not to be confused with stringers in stringer-type pallets.
Fastener
Nails, screws, or staples used to assemble pallet components. Helically threaded or annularly threaded nails are preferred in pallet construction for their superior withdrawal resistance compared to smooth-shank nails.
Recycled Pallet
A used pallet that has been inspected, repaired if necessary, and returned to service. Recycled pallets cost 40-70% less than new pallets and divert wood waste from landfills.
White Wood Pallet
An industry term for company-owned pallets that are not part of a pooling system. Called white wood because they are typically unpainted, as opposed to CHEP (blue) or PECO (red) pooled pallets.
Pallet Pooling
A shared-use system where pallets are rented from a provider (such as CHEP or PECO) rather than purchased. The pooling company manages repair, retrieval, and redistribution of the pallets.
Board Feet
A unit of lumber measurement equal to a piece of wood 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick. The average GMA pallet uses approximately 10 to 12 board feet of lumber.
Dunnage
Materials used to protect cargo during shipping, including loose wood, boards, or blocking placed around or under freight. Dunnage made from raw wood is subject to the same ISPM-15 requirements as pallets.
Downloadable Resources
Free reference materials to help your team make informed pallet decisions. Print them out, share them with colleagues, or keep them on file for quick reference.
Pallet Grading Quick Reference
A one-page visual guide to Grade A, B, and C pallet classifications with photos and inspection criteria. Ideal for warehouse receiving teams.
GMA Pallet Spec Sheet
Complete technical specifications for the standard 48 x 40 inch GMA pallet including board dimensions, nail patterns, tolerances, and load ratings.
Pallet Measurement Template
A printable measurement form for recording pallet dimensions, board counts, entry type, and condition notes. Use it when inventorying your existing pallets.
ISPM-15 Compliance Checklist
A step-by-step checklist for verifying ISPM-15 compliance on wood packaging materials destined for international shipping. Includes IPPC mark verification guide.
Pallet Size Comparison Chart
A visual side-by-side comparison of the 14 most common pallet sizes used in North America and internationally, with dimensions in both inches and millimeters.
Pallet Storage Safety Poster
A printable safety poster outlining OSHA-compliant pallet stacking guidelines, maximum stack heights, aisle spacing requirements, and fire safety considerations.
Pallet Industry News
Stay informed about the latest trends, market shifts, and regulatory changes affecting the pallet industry across North America.
Lumber Prices Stabilize After Two Years of Volatility
After significant price swings driven by supply chain disruptions and housing demand, softwood lumber prices have settled into a more predictable range. For pallet buyers, this translates to more stable pricing for new wood pallets in 2025, though recycled pallets continue to offer the best value proposition at 40-60% below new pallet costs.
Automation Driving Demand for Consistent Pallet Quality
As warehouses invest in automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), robotic palletizers, and conveyor-based sortation, the tolerance for pallet dimension variability is tightening. Automated systems require pallets within strict dimensional tolerances, pushing the industry toward higher grading standards and more precise manufacturing.
EPA Proposes New Wood Waste Diversion Targets
Proposed federal guidelines aim to increase wood waste diversion rates from landfills, which could affect pallet disposal practices nationwide. The pallet recycling industry already diverts over 95% of recovered pallets from landfills, positioning it as a model for other wood waste sectors.
IoT-Enabled Pallets Gain Traction in Pharmaceutical Supply Chains
Smart pallets equipped with GPS tracking, temperature sensors, and shock detectors are increasingly being adopted in the pharmaceutical and food industries. While costs remain higher than traditional pallets, the supply chain visibility and compliance documentation they provide are driving adoption among regulated industries.
Calculator Tools
Use these planning tools to estimate costs, determine quantities, and quantify the environmental impact of your pallet program.
Pallet Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost of your pallet order based on size, grade, quantity, and delivery distance. Compare new vs. recycled pricing and see how volume discounts affect your per-unit cost. Includes delivery fee estimates for orders within the continental United States.
Quantity Estimator
Determine how many pallets you need based on your shipping volume, warehouse layout, and replenishment cycle. Input your monthly shipment count, average pallet reuse cycles, and safety stock requirements to get a recommended order quantity.
Carbon Savings Calculator
Quantify the environmental benefit of choosing recycled pallets over new. Calculate the CO2 emissions avoided, trees saved, and landfill space preserved based on your annual pallet volume. Generate data for your corporate sustainability and ESG reports.
Helpful Resources
Pallet Size Guide
Complete reference for all standard pallet dimensions used in North America and internationally. Includes load capacities, common applications, and selection tips for each size.
Open Size GuideStandards Reference
Detailed breakdowns of ISPM-15 heat treatment requirements, GMA pallet specifications, EPAL standards, pallet grading criteria, and NWPCA guidelines for manufacturing and repair.
View StandardsFree Quote Calculator
Get an instant estimate for your pallet order. Simply tell us the size, grade, and quantity you need and our team will provide a detailed quote with delivery costs included.
Request a QuoteLooking for Pallet Dimensions?
Check out our comprehensive size guide with all standard pallet dimensions, load capacities, and selection tips.
View Size Guide