Frequently Asked Questions

Pallet pricing depends on size, material, grade, and order volume. New 48x40 GMA pallets typically range from $11 to $25 each. Recycled pallets cost significantly less: Grade A (like new) runs $5-$12, Grade B (standard) is $4-$9, and Grade C (economy) can be as low as $2-$6. Pricing drops further at truckload quantities of 400-560 pallets. Contact us for a volume quote based on your exact specifications — we guarantee competitive pricing for any quantity.

We do not enforce a strict minimum order. However, the most cost-effective pricing starts at quantities of 50 pallets or more due to the logistics of delivery. For smaller orders (10-49 pallets), we can accommodate your needs but delivery costs per pallet will be higher. Truckload orders of 400+ pallets achieve the best per-unit pricing and we can deliver them on our own flatbed fleet.

Yes. SD Re Pallet operates its own fleet of flatbed trucks and delivers pallets throughout California. Standard delivery is within 3-5 business days of order confirmation. Rush delivery (next business day) is available for most in-stock sizes at a modest surcharge. We also ship nationwide via common carrier for customers outside our direct delivery zone.

Absolutely. We recommend sampling before any large first-time order, especially for recycled pallets where you want to verify the grade meets your expectations. We can deliver a sample of 5-10 pallets for your inspection before you commit to a full order. Sample pallets are charged at the quoted unit price with no additional markup.

Yes, we buy used pallets in all conditions. We purchase standard sizes (especially 48x40) in bulk quantities. Pricing depends on the condition, size, and quantity of the pallets you are selling. Severely damaged pallets with broken stringers or heavy contamination may be accepted at a lower price or at no charge for recycling purposes. Contact us with your pallet count and condition for a buyback quote.

We offer scheduled pallet pickup from your facility. Once we agree on pricing, we will dispatch a truck to collect your pallets on the agreed date. We handle all loading — just make sure the pallets are accessible by forklift. For ongoing pallet removal, we can set up a recurring pickup schedule (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) so your used pallets never pile up and take over your dock area.

We buy pallets in all conditions — from like-new to heavily damaged. Obviously, pallets in better condition command higher buyback prices. However, even pallets that appear unusable often contain salvageable boards and stringers that we can use to repair other pallets. The only pallets we cannot accept are those contaminated with hazardous materials such as toxic chemicals, biohazards, or radioactive substances.

Pallets that cannot be economically repaired are dismantled for parts. Usable boards and stringers are pulled for use in repairing other pallets. The remaining wood is ground into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel. Our current landfill diversion rate is 96.8%, meaning virtually all wood that enters our facility is repurposed rather than sent to a dump. See our sustainability report for detailed metrics.

Yes, significantly. Every recycled pallet avoids approximately 3.1 kg of CO2 equivalent emissions compared to manufacturing a new pallet and landfilling the used one. Recycling also conserves water (4.6 gallons per pallet), reduces logging demand (one tree produces about 16 standard pallets), and keeps bulky wood waste out of landfills where it decomposes and produces methane — a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than CO2.

Yes. Our pallet management programs are designed for businesses that go through pallets regularly. We provide a dedicated container or staging area at your facility, schedule regular pickups, and either buy your pallets back or haul them away for recycling at no cost depending on the condition and volume. Many of our customers save thousands of dollars annually by converting their pallet waste stream into a revenue source.

In North America, the 48x40-inch GMA pallet is by far the most common, accounting for approximately 30% of new production and 45% of all pallets in circulation. In Europe, the 1200x800mm EUR 1 pallet dominates. In Asia, the 1100x1100mm T11 standard is most prevalent. Check our size guide for a complete comparison of all major standards worldwide, including dimensions, weight capacities, and applications.

Yes. We build custom pallets to virtually any dimension, from small 12x12 display pallets to oversized 120x60 heavy equipment platforms. Custom orders typically require 5-10 business days for production depending on quantity and complexity. We start with your product dimensions and logistics requirements, then design a pallet that optimizes load support, trailer utilization, and handling compatibility.

Start by measuring your packaged product or unit load footprint. The ideal pallet should be 1-2 inches larger than your product on each side to prevent overhang while minimizing wasted space. Next, consider your transport mode (trailer, container, air freight) and storage infrastructure (racking, conveyor). For most domestic shipments in North America, the 48x40 GMA pallet is the right choice. For export, match the destination country's standard. Our team provides free sizing consultations.

Grade A (Premium) pallets are in near-new condition with no repairs, clean wood, and no staining. Grade B (Standard) pallets have been used multiple times and may have 1-2 repaired boards with moderate weathering, but are structurally sound. Grade C (Economy) pallets show heavy use with multiple repairs and significant weathering, but still meet minimum structural requirements. All three grades carry the same rated load capacity. See our grading guide for detailed criteria.

Lifespan depends on the grade, wood type, load weight, and handling conditions. A Grade A hardwood pallet used in a controlled warehouse environment can last 5-10 trips. A Grade B pallet typically handles 3-7 trips. A Grade C pallet is best suited for 1-3 trips. Pallets used in outdoor environments, extreme temperatures, or with very heavy loads will have shorter lifespans. Proper pallet handling — avoiding drops from height, not dragging pallets across concrete, and using appropriately sized forklifts — significantly extends pallet life.

Yes. We operate in-house heat treatment kilns certified to ISPM-15 standards. Heat treatment raises the core wood temperature to 56°C (132.8°F) for a minimum of 30 minutes, eliminating wood-boring pests as required for international shipments. Every heat-treated pallet receives the official IPPC stamp. We can heat treat any pallet we sell — new, recycled, or custom-built — and turnaround is typically 1-2 business days.

Grade A recycled pallets are routinely used in food distribution by major grocery chains and food manufacturers. We inspect all pallets for contamination, mold, chemical residue, and biological hazards before grading. Pallets destined for food-grade applications must pass additional cleanliness criteria. For FDA-regulated facilities, we also offer heat-treated pallets that meet ISPM-15 and food safety standards. If you have specific food safety requirements, let us know and we will ensure your pallets meet them.

Pallet prices track closely with lumber commodity markets. When lumber prices rise (as they did dramatically in 2021-2022), new pallet prices increase proportionally. This makes recycled pallets even more cost-effective during high-lumber periods. We publish quarterly pricing updates and offer fixed-price contracts for customers who want budget predictability. Our recycled pallets tend to be less volatile in price than new pallets because we control our own supply through our buyback and recycling programs.

We offer Net 30 terms for established business accounts with approved credit. New customers can establish credit with a credit application and trade references. We also accept credit cards, ACH transfers, and prepayment for first-time orders. Volume customers may qualify for extended terms. Contact our sales team to discuss payment options that work for your business.

Yes, we offer fixed-price contracts for 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month terms. Fixed-price contracts protect your budget from lumber market volatility, which can cause pallet prices to swing 15-25% over the course of a year. Contract pricing is based on current market conditions, your projected volume, and the contract duration. Longer terms and higher volumes earn better rates. We require a minimum commitment of 200 pallets per month for fixed-price contracts. Contact our sales team with your projected monthly volume and preferred grade to receive a contract proposal.

SD Re Pallet operates its own flatbed truck fleet and provides direct delivery throughout Southern California, including San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, and the Inland Empire. For customers outside our direct delivery zone, we ship nationwide via common carrier (flatbed or dry van depending on the load). Direct delivery customers benefit from faster turnaround (1-3 days) and lower freight costs since we control the trucks. Common carrier shipments typically take 5-10 business days depending on the destination.

A standard 48-foot flatbed trailer can carry approximately 400-560 stacked 48x40 pallets depending on the stacking height and pallet weight. A 53-foot dry van trailer can carry approximately 480-620 pallets. For 48x48 and larger sizes, capacity decreases due to the wider footprint. We calculate the exact truck capacity for your order based on the pallet dimensions, stack height limitations at your facility, and weight restrictions. Truckload quantities (400+ pallets) achieve the best per-unit pricing because delivery cost is spread across more pallets.

Yes, most pallet deliveries require a forklift at the receiving location. Pallets are delivered stacked on flatbed trailers and must be unloaded with a forklift. If your facility does not have a forklift, we can arrange for our driver to unload using our truck-mounted forklift (available on select vehicles) for a modest additional charge. For small orders (under 50 pallets), we may also be able to deliver on a flatbed with a liftgate if the pallets are stacked low enough. Please let us know your unloading capabilities when placing your order so we can dispatch the right equipment.

We offer scheduled delivery windows for most orders. Standard delivery windows are morning (7 AM - 12 PM) or afternoon (12 PM - 5 PM). For customers with dock appointment systems or tight receiving windows, we can commit to a specific 2-hour delivery window for a small scheduling fee. Saturday delivery is available by request for time-sensitive orders. We communicate tracking and ETA information on the day of delivery so your dock team can prepare for receiving.

ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is an international regulation that requires all solid wood packaging materials used in international trade to be treated to prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases. If you are shipping products internationally using wood pallets, crates, or dunnage, ISPM-15 applies to you. The regulation requires heat treatment (raising the wood core temperature to 56°C for 30 minutes) or methyl bromide fumigation, and the pallet must be stamped with the official IPPC mark. Non-compliant shipments can be refused entry, quarantined, or destroyed at the destination port — resulting in significant costs and delays.

The actual heat treatment process takes 6-24 hours depending on the wood species, moisture content, and kiln load size. Softwoods like pine and spruce reach the required core temperature faster (6-12 hours) than dense hardwoods like oak and maple (12-24 hours). Green (unseasoned) wood takes longer than kiln-dried wood because the moisture must be driven off first. From order to pickup or delivery, our typical turnaround for heat treatment is 1-2 business days. For rush orders, we can often provide same-day or next-day treatment if kiln capacity is available.

Heat treatment at ISPM-15 temperatures (56°C / 132.8°F) does not significantly reduce the structural strength of pallet wood. These temperatures are well below the point where thermal degradation of wood fibers occurs (which begins around 150°C / 300°F). However, heat treatment does reduce the moisture content of the wood, which can cause minor shrinkage and may slightly loosen nail joints. After treatment, pallets should be stored in a dry environment to prevent re-absorption of moisture. Repeated heat treatments (more than 3-4 cycles) on the same pallet may cause cumulative drying that affects board condition, particularly in softwoods.

Yes, recycled pallets can be heat treated to meet ISPM-15 requirements just like new pallets. The only requirement is that the wood itself reaches the required core temperature — the age or previous use of the pallet is irrelevant to the treatment process. We heat treat recycled pallets in all three grades. This is a popular option for companies that want the cost savings of recycled pallets for their export shipments. Keep in mind that the IPPC stamp on a heat-treated pallet is valid for the life of the pallet unless it is repaired or modified, in which case it must be re-treated and re-stamped.

Custom pallet orders typically require 5-10 business days for production depending on the quantity, complexity of the design, and lumber availability. Simple custom sizes (standard construction but non-standard dimensions) can often be produced in 5-7 days. Complex designs (reinforced stringers, special deck patterns, non-standard board thicknesses, painted or branded pallets) may require 7-10 days. For very large orders (1,000+ pallets), we schedule production in batches and can begin delivering the first batch within the standard lead time while continuing production on subsequent batches.

Yes. We can build pallets from any commercially available wood species. Our standard inventory includes Southern Yellow Pine, oak (red and white), hard maple, and poplar. For species we do not stock regularly (such as Douglas Fir, birch, cedar, or specialty tropical hardwoods), we source lumber from our mill partners and lead time may increase by 3-5 business days. If you need a specific species for regulatory, performance, or customer requirements, let us know when requesting a quote and we will confirm availability and pricing.

Yes, we offer branding and painting services for pallets that will be used in customer-facing applications such as retail floor displays, trade shows, and promotional events. Options include stenciled logos on one or both decks, full-deck paint in any standard color, and printed information labels. Branded pallets start at a modest per-unit upcharge depending on the complexity of the design. We can also match specific Pantone colors for brand consistency. Minimum order for branded pallets is typically 50 units due to setup costs for stenciling and paint equipment.

Absolutely. Our team will design a custom pallet optimized for your product dimensions, weight, handling requirements, and logistics environment. The design process starts with your product specifications: packaged dimensions, unit weight, stacking configuration, and how many units you want per pallet layer. We then consider your transport mode (truck, container, air freight), storage method (racking, floor stacking, conveyor), and any regulatory requirements (ISPM-15, food safety). We provide a dimensional drawing and cost estimate for your approval before production begins. There is no design fee — the engineering is included in the per-unit pallet price.

We can build pallets up to 120 inches (10 feet) in length and 60 inches (5 feet) in width using standard lumber. Larger pallets are possible with engineered lumber or laminated beams, but they require custom structural analysis to ensure adequate load capacity. For oversized pallets, we typically recommend block construction rather than stringer construction because blocks provide better load distribution across the larger span. The practical maximum is usually limited by your forklift capacity and doorway clearances rather than our manufacturing capability. Let us know your application requirements and we will recommend the optimal design.