Wooden pallet fundamentals
Wooden Pallets Guide
Understand the wooden pallet standards, inspection marks, and recycling grades you will encounter in daily operations. Use the presets to estimate TI‑HI, payload, and trailer counts without building spreadsheets.
Quick answers
- Who buys wooden pallets near me?
- Where can I get pallet wood?
- Where to buy wood pallets?
- Where to get wood pallets?
- Where to sell wood pallets?
- How much are wooden pallets?
Use these pages to connect with recyclers, price pallets, and plan procurement.
Common wooden pallet sizes
| Standard | Size | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMA / CBA | 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm) | North America | Four-way entry, ~35 lb pallet weight [PalletOne] |
| EPAL 1 | 1200 × 800 × 144 mm | Europe | 11 deck boards, 78 nails, 1,500 kg safe load [EPAL] |
| EPAL 2 / 3 | 1200 × 1000 mm / 1000 × 1200 mm | Europe & export | Ideal for HVAC, white goods, and industrial loads [EPAL] |
| Half pallet | 800 × 600 mm | Retail displays | Great for quick replenishment or in-aisle promos |
ISO 6780 keeps these footprints interoperable with major container and racking systems. For a quick at-a-glance chart, see standard pallet dimensions.
Heat treatment and ISPM 15 compliance
Any wooden pallet that crosses borders must be treated and stamped per ISPM 15. Look for the IPPC wheat stamp containing:
- Country code (e.g., US)
- Producer/ treatment code (unique facility number)
- Treatment code: HT for heat treatment, MB for methyl bromide (rare today)
USDA APHIS and US Customs require the stamp to remain legible on at least two opposite sides. Refuse pallets with missing or altered marks to avoid quarantine delays [USDA APHIS] [CBP].
Recycled pallet grades
North American recyclers classify 48×40 pallets into three resale grades:
- Grade A: Top deck boards intact, stringers un-plugged, minimal repairs.
- Grade B: One or two stringer repairs (plugs or plates) yet still serviceable.
- Grade C: Heavy repairs, suitable for one-way or scrap recovery only [Greenway].
Specify your acceptable grade before negotiating buy-back or exchange programs.
Find pallet buyers and sellers
Use the NWPCA member directory to locate pallet manufacturers, recyclers, and heat-treatment providers near you. Filter by services (new, recycled, HT, retrieval) and request quotes directly [NWPCA].
For DIY projects, pick pallets with an HT stamp and clean deck boards—avoid chemically treated pallets marked with MB or unknown stains.
Calculator presets for wood pallets
Cross-check gross payload with the pallet weight calculator and confirm floor counts with our container guides.
FAQ
Who buys wooden pallets near me?
Search the NWPCA member directory or local pallet recyclers. Many offer on-site pickup, repair credits, or per-piece payment for Grade A/B cores.
Where can I get pallet wood?
Contact recyclers for damaged pallets or request HT-stamped pallets for DIY. Avoid chemically treated units or pallets with unknown spills.
Where to buy wood pallets for shipping?
Work with certified manufacturers when you need HT marking, consistent lumber, and custom footprints. Recyclers can blend new and used pallets to hit budget targets.
How much are wooden pallets?
Prices shift with lumber markets, treatment requirements, and grade. Collect current quotes from two or three local suppliers before signing contracts.