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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products, services, and how we work.
Buying Pallets
What pallet sizes do you carry?
Our most popular size is the standard 48x40 GMA pallet, but we stock a wide range including 42x42, 48x48, and various specialty sizes. We also build custom dimensions to your exact specifications.
What do the grades (A, B, C) mean?
Grade A pallets are in premium condition — structurally sound with minimal cosmetic wear. Grade B pallets are standard quality with some visible repairs or wear but fully functional. Grade C pallets are economy-grade, suitable for single-use or non-demanding applications.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No minimum for standard sizes. We sell single pallets to truckloads. However, per-unit pricing improves with volume — orders of 100+ typically receive the best rates.
Can I inspect pallets before buying?
Absolutely. You are welcome to visit our facility during business hours to inspect inventory in person. No appointment necessary, though emailing ahead helps us prepare.
What is the difference between new and recycled pallets?
New pallets are built from fresh lumber to your exact specifications — ideal when uniformity and appearance matter. Recycled pallets have been previously used, inspected, repaired as needed, and graded. They offer the same structural performance at 40-60% less cost and are the more sustainable choice.
Do you offer hardwood and softwood options?
Yes. We carry both hardwood (oak, maple) and softwood (pine, spruce) pallets. Hardwood pallets are more durable and better suited for heavy loads or long-term reuse. Softwood pallets are lighter and more cost-effective for standard shipping applications. Our team can recommend the right material for your specific use case.
Can you build custom pallets for oversized or odd-shaped products?
We build pallets in virtually any dimension. Whether you need extra-long pallets for lumber, extra-wide pallets for machinery, or non-standard configurations for specialty products, our shop can design and produce exactly what you need. We typically deliver custom orders within 48-72 hours.
How should I store pallets to maximize their lifespan?
Store pallets on flat, dry surfaces away from standing water. Stack them no more than 15 high when empty. Keep them off bare ground if possible to prevent moisture absorption. If storing outdoors, cover them with a tarp to reduce weather damage. Rotating stock on a first-in, first-out basis helps prevent warping from prolonged storage.
Selling Pallets
What types of pallets do you buy?
We buy all types — wood (hardwood and softwood), any size, any condition. Broken pallets have value too, as we dismantle them for usable lumber.
How do you determine pallet value?
Value depends on size (standard sizes are worth more), condition, material (hardwood vs softwood), and quantity. We provide transparent pricing based on current market rates.
Do you pick up pallets?
Yes. We offer free pickup for qualifying quantities within our primary service area. For smaller quantities, we can arrange pickup at a nominal fee or you can drop them off at our facility.
How and when do I get paid?
Payment is processed after on-site count and inspection. Established accounts receive payment within 5 business days via check or ACH transfer. First-time sellers may receive on-site payment.
What quantity do I need for free pickup?
We generally offer free pickup for 50 or more pallets within our primary Sacramento metro service area. For smaller quantities or locations further out, a nominal pickup fee applies — or you can drop them off at our yard at no cost. Contact us to discuss your situation, as we can often work something out.
Can I set up a recurring pallet pickup schedule?
Absolutely. Many of our suppliers have weekly or biweekly pickups on a standing schedule. We coordinate a regular day and time that works for your operation so spent pallets never pile up. This is part of our Pallet Management Program and there is no extra charge for scheduling recurring pickups.
Do you buy plastic pallets or only wood?
Our core business is wood pallets, but we do purchase certain types of plastic pallets depending on material, brand, and condition. Contact us with details about your plastic pallets and we will let you know if we can offer a price. We can also help connect you with specialized plastic pallet recyclers if needed.
Recycling & Repair
What happens to pallets that cannot be repaired?
Nothing goes to waste. Irreparable pallets are dismantled for usable components. Remaining wood is ground into mulch, landscaping material, or biomass fuel. Metal fasteners are separated and recycled.
How long does pallet repair take?
Standard repair turnaround is 2-5 business days depending on volume and complexity. Rush service is available for urgent needs. Our managed repair program offers guaranteed turnaround times.
Can you repair any pallet?
We repair most wood pallets regardless of size or condition. If a pallet has severe structural damage (broken stringers, split blocks), we assess whether repair is cost-effective vs. recycling the components.
What does your repair process involve?
Every pallet goes through a multi-step process. We first inspect the pallet for structural integrity, identifying damaged boards, cracked stringers, and missing fasteners. Damaged components are removed and replaced with matching lumber. All repairs use commercial-grade nails or screws. The finished pallet is then re-inspected against the target grade standard before being approved for inventory.
Is it cheaper to repair pallets or buy new ones?
In most cases, repair costs 50-70% less than new pallet pricing. A standard 48x40 pallet that needs one or two board replacements costs a fraction of a new build. We provide honest assessments — if a pallet is too far gone, we will recommend recycling rather than sinking money into a repair that is not worth it.
Can I bring damaged pallets to your facility for repair?
Yes. You can drop off pallets at our yard during business hours. We will inspect, count, and provide a repair estimate on the spot. For larger volumes, we offer pickup and return delivery. Many customers find our managed repair program most convenient — we pick up your damaged pallets, repair them, and deliver them back on a recurring schedule.
Do you offer mulch or wood chips from recycled pallets?
Yes. Wood from pallets that cannot be repaired is ground into mulch and wood chips. These are available for purchase in bulk quantities for landscaping, playground surfacing, and erosion control. Contact us for current pricing and availability — supply varies with the volume of pallets we process.
How do you track pallets through the repair process?
We use an inventory management system to track each batch of pallets from intake through repair to delivery. Customers with managed repair accounts receive detailed reports showing quantities received, quantities repaired, quantities recycled, and component recovery. This transparency helps you understand your true pallet lifecycle costs.
Heat Treatment
What is ISPM 15 heat treatment?
ISPM 15 is an international standard requiring wood packaging materials to be heat treated to a core temperature of 56°C for 30 minutes. This eliminates pests and pathogens, making pallets safe for international shipping.
Do all pallets need heat treatment?
Only if you are shipping internationally. Domestic shipments within the US do not require ISPM 15 certification. However, some industries (food, pharmaceuticals) prefer heat-treated pallets for sanitation reasons.
How do I know a pallet has been heat treated?
Heat-treated pallets receive an official IPPC stamp with the HT marking, our facility code, and the country of treatment. This stamp is recognized internationally.
How long does heat treatment take?
The treatment cycle itself takes several hours, as pallets must reach and sustain the required core temperature of 56°C for a full 30 minutes. From drop-off to pickup, most orders are ready within 1-2 business days. We can accommodate rush processing for time-sensitive export shipments with advance notice.
Does heat treatment weaken the wood?
No. The temperatures used in ISPM 15 heat treatment (56°C / 132.8°F) are well below levels that would compromise wood fiber integrity. Pallets retain their full structural strength after treatment. In fact, the process helps reduce moisture content, which can actually improve dimensional stability.
Can you heat treat pallets that we already own?
Yes. We offer heat treatment as a standalone service. Bring your pallets to our facility or arrange pickup, and we will run them through our certified kiln, stamp them with the IPPC mark, and return them ready for international shipment. This is common for companies that build their own pallets or crates but do not have an on-site kiln.
What countries require ISPM 15 heat-treated pallets?
Nearly all countries that are signatories to the International Plant Protection Convention require ISPM 15 compliance for imported wood packaging. This includes the European Union, Canada, Mexico, China, Australia, Japan, and most of South America and Africa. If you are shipping wood-packaged goods internationally, it is safest to assume heat treatment is required.
Delivery & Logistics
What is your delivery area?
Our primary service area covers the greater Sacramento metro region with standard delivery rates. Extended delivery is available to the Bay Area, Central Valley, Reno, and throughout Northern California.
How fast can you deliver?
Standard delivery is scheduled within 2-3 business days. Same-day and next-day delivery options are available within our primary service area for an additional fee. Standing order customers receive priority scheduling.
Do you offer standing/recurring delivery?
Yes. Our Pallet Management Program includes scheduled recurring deliveries based on your consumption patterns. We monitor your usage and ensure you never run out of stock.
What type of trucks do you use for delivery?
We operate a fleet of flatbed trucks and enclosed trailers. Flatbeds are the standard for pallet delivery, allowing easy forklift loading and unloading at your dock. For sites without loading docks, we can arrange liftgate service. Our drivers are experienced with both commercial warehouse docks and tight job-site access points.
Can you deliver to multiple locations on the same order?
Yes. If you operate multiple warehouses, stores, or job sites, we can split deliveries across locations on a single order. Each drop point is scheduled for a specific window so your teams know when to expect the truck. Multi-stop routes are common for our retail and construction clients.
Do you handle pallet pickup and delivery on the same trip?
We do. Many customers have us deliver fresh pallets and pick up spent or damaged ones on the same truck visit. This “swap” model keeps your dock clear, reduces your pallet costs through buyback credits, and cuts down on truck traffic at your facility. It is one of the most popular features of our Pallet Management Program.
Pricing & Payment
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes. Pricing per pallet decreases as order quantity increases. Orders of 100+ pallets receive our standard volume rate, and orders of 500+ unlock our best pricing tier. We also offer annual volume agreements for customers with predictable, ongoing needs — locking in a per-unit price for the contract period regardless of market fluctuations.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept checks, ACH bank transfers, wire transfers, and all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). For established accounts with approved credit, we offer net payment terms. First-time orders are typically prepaid or paid on delivery.
Do you offer net terms for business accounts?
Yes. Qualified business customers can apply for Net 15 or Net 30 payment terms. Approval is based on a simple credit application — no hard credit pull required. Most established businesses are approved within 24 hours. Net terms help smooth your cash flow, especially if you purchase pallets on a recurring basis.
Is there a delivery fee?
Delivery within our primary Sacramento metro service area is included at no extra charge for orders meeting our minimum delivery threshold. Extended delivery to the Bay Area, Central Valley, or Reno carries a flat-rate delivery surcharge based on distance. We are always transparent about delivery costs — your quote will include the total price with delivery so there are no surprises.
Do you offer price matching?
We are confident our pricing is competitive, and we are happy to review any written quote from another local supplier. If you have a comparable offer for the same pallet size, grade, and quantity, let us know and we will do our best to match or beat it. Our goal is to earn your business on value — not just price — but we understand price matters.
How do I get an itemized quote?
You can request a quote by filling out the contact form on our site, emailing info@sacramentopallet.com, or calling us directly. Include the pallet size, grade, quantity, delivery location, and any special requirements (heat treatment, custom dimensions). We typically return detailed, itemized quotes within a few hours during business hours.
Environmental & Compliance
What are the ISPM 15 requirements for wood packaging?
ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) requires all solid wood packaging materials used in international trade to be either heat treated or methyl bromide fumigated to kill pests. At Sacramento Pallet Co., we use heat treatment exclusively, as it is the safer and more environmentally responsible method. Treated pallets must bear the official IPPC stamp to be accepted at international ports of entry.
What recycling certifications do you hold?
We operate in compliance with all California environmental regulations for wood waste processing and recycling. Our heat treatment facility is certified and audited under the ISPM 15 program administered by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC). We follow best practices outlined by the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) for pallet recycling and reuse.
How does using recycled pallets reduce carbon footprint?
Every recycled pallet that re-enters the supply chain is one fewer new pallet that needs to be manufactured from freshly harvested timber. Manufacturing a new pallet requires logging, sawmill processing, transportation of raw lumber, and assembly — each step consuming energy and producing emissions. By extending the useful life of existing pallets through repair and reuse, we significantly reduce the demand for new lumber and the associated carbon emissions. Our estimates suggest each reused pallet saves approximately 3.1 kg of CO2 equivalent compared to producing a new replacement.
How do you source your lumber sustainably?
When we do use new lumber — for custom builds or replacement boards during repair — we source from domestic mills that practice responsible forestry management. We prioritize suppliers who harvest from sustainably managed forests and comply with state and federal environmental regulations. A large portion of our “new” lumber actually comes from dismantled pallets that are still structurally sound, further reducing the need for virgin timber.
Can you provide compliance documentation for audits?
Yes. We provide certificates of treatment for all ISPM 15 heat-treated pallets, including batch numbers and treatment dates. For customers in regulated industries (food, pharmaceutical, export), we can supply material declarations, treatment records, and chain-of-custody documentation. If your facility is subject to third-party audits, we work with your compliance team to ensure our documentation meets their requirements.
What percentage of the pallets you handle are recycled?
Approximately 85% of the pallets moving through our facility are recycled, repaired, or remanufactured. Only about 15% of our output consists of new-build pallets, and even those often incorporate reclaimed lumber. Our zero-waste philosophy means that every component of every pallet is either reused, repurposed, or converted into useful byproducts like mulch and biomass fuel.
General
How do I get a quote?
Fill out the contact form on any page of our site, or email us directly at info@sacramentopallet.com. Include pallet size, quantity, grade preference, and delivery location for the fastest response.
How quickly do you respond to inquiries?
We aim to respond within 24 hours. During business hours (Mon-Fri, 7 AM - 5 PM), response time is typically within a few hours.
Are you open on weekends?
We are open Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays. You can submit inquiries anytime via our contact form and we will respond the next business day.
Where is your facility located?
Our yard is located at 4290 Roseville Rd, North Highlands, CA 95660. We are easily accessible from Interstate 80 and Highway 80 Business. Walk-in customers, drop-offs, and facility tours are welcome during business hours without an appointment.
Do you work with small businesses or only large companies?
We work with businesses of all sizes — from one-person operations buying a handful of pallets to Fortune 500 distribution centers ordering thousands per month. Every customer gets the same quality, honest pricing, and responsive service regardless of order size.
Can I set up a dedicated account with Sacramento Pallet Co.?
Yes. Business accounts give you access to net payment terms, priority scheduling, volume pricing, and a dedicated point of contact who knows your operation. Setting up an account is simple — contact us and we will have you up and running within a day. There is no fee or commitment required to open an account.
Quick Reference
Pallet Quick Facts
Key numbers and facts that customers ask about most frequently — all in one place.
Most Common Size
48" × 40"
GMA Standard — 30% of all US pallets
Grade A Price Range
$5 – $8
Recycled, per pallet
Grade B Price Range
$3 – $6
Recycled, per pallet
Grade C Price Range
$1 – $4
Economy, per pallet
Heat Treatment Time
24 – 48 hrs
Including staging & stamping
Same-Day Delivery
By 11 AM
Sacramento metro orders
Free Delivery Minimum
100 pallets
Primary service area
Repair Turnaround
1 – 3 days
Standard; rush available
Terminology
Pallet Industry Glossary
Common terms you will encounter when working with pallets and pallet suppliers.
GMA Pallet
The standard 48×40 inch pallet specified by the Grocery Manufacturers Association. The most common pallet size in North America.
Stringer
A structural support board running the length of a pallet, connecting top and bottom deck boards. Most pallets have 2 or 3 stringers.
Block Pallet
A pallet that uses solid wood blocks instead of stringers to support the deck boards. Allows full 4-way forklift entry.
ISPM 15
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 — the regulation requiring heat treatment or fumigation of wood packaging used in international trade.
Dynamic Load
The maximum weight a pallet can carry while being moved by a forklift or pallet jack.
Static Load
The maximum weight a pallet can support when sitting stationary on a flat, solid surface.
Rack Load
The maximum weight a pallet can hold when supported only at its edges in a warehouse racking system.
Deck Board
The horizontal boards forming the top and bottom surfaces of a pallet where goods rest and the pallet contacts the floor.
Lead Board
The outermost deck boards at each end of the pallet — the most commonly damaged component during handling.
Chamfer
A beveled edge on pallet boards that helps guide forklift forks during insertion, reducing damage.
Notched Stringer
A stringer with cutouts on the bottom to allow partial 4-way fork entry while maintaining structural integrity.
Landfill Diversion Rate
The percentage of incoming material (by weight) that is recycled, reused, or repurposed rather than sent to a landfill. Ours is 98%.
Still Have Questions?
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