Pallet Grades & Quality
Understanding pallet quality grades helps you choose the right condition for your application and budget. From like-new Grade A pallets to economy Grade C options, we offer transparent grading with clear inspection criteria.
Grade Comparison at a Glance
Our grading system is designed to be transparent and easy to understand. Each grade has clearly defined inspection criteria so you know exactly what to expect. Here is a side-by-side comparison of all quality grades.
| Criteria | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C | Heat Treated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Condition | Like New | Good | Functional | Varies (A/B/C) |
| Repairs Allowed | None | Minor (1-2 boards) | Multiple | Per base grade |
| Weathering | Minimal | Slight | Moderate-Heavy | Per base grade |
| Staining | None | Light | Acceptable | Per base grade |
| Structural Integrity | Excellent | Good | Adequate | Per base grade |
| Appearance | Clean, professional | Minor imperfections | Cosmetic wear visible | HT stamp present |
| Board Condition | All original, intact | All functional | All attached | Per base grade |
| International Shipping | Requires HT stamp | Requires HT stamp | Requires HT stamp | ISPM-15 compliant |
| Typical Price Range | $8 - $18 | $5 - $12 | $3 - $8 | $10 - $25 |
| Best Value For | Premium applications | General commercial | One-way / economy | Export shipping |
Prices shown are approximate per-unit costs for 48x40 wood pallets. Actual pricing varies based on size, quantity, and market conditions. Contact us for a custom quote.
Detailed Grade Descriptions
Every pallet we sell is inspected and assigned a quality grade based on strict criteria. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of each grade including inspection standards, acceptable conditions, recommended use cases, and pricing guidance.
Grade A pallets are in excellent condition with minimal signs of use. They have not been repaired and show only very light surface wear. All deck boards are intact, firmly attached, and free from major staining, mold, or contamination. These pallets look and perform virtually identically to new pallets at a significantly lower price point.
Inspection Criteria
- No repairs or replaced boards
- All deck boards intact and firmly fastened
- No broken or cracked stringers or blocks
- Minimal surface wear or weathering
- No significant staining, mold, or contamination
- Clean appearance suitable for visible applications
- Full structural integrity and load-bearing capacity
- No protruding nails or sharp edges
Recommended Applications
Retail display, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, clean environments, customer-facing shipments, automated handling systems
Typical Price Range
$8 - $18 per unit
Per unit, 48x40 wood pallet. Volume discounts available.
Grade B pallets are in good, serviceable condition with minor signs of previous use. They may have had minor repairs such as a replaced deck board or re-nailed components, and they may show slight weathering or discoloration. All boards remain functional and structurally sound. Grade B pallets offer the best balance of quality and value for most commercial applications.
Inspection Criteria
- Minor repairs allowed (1-2 replaced boards maximum)
- Slight weathering or surface discoloration acceptable
- All boards functional and structurally sound
- May have minor cosmetic imperfections
- No broken stringers (repaired stringers acceptable if solid)
- Light staining acceptable if non-contaminating
- Full load-bearing capacity maintained
- Nails properly set, no protrusions
Recommended Applications
General warehousing, shipping and distribution, manufacturing, most commercial applications, cost-conscious operations
Typical Price Range
$5 - $12 per unit
Per unit, 48x40 wood pallet. Volume discounts available.
Grade C pallets are functional economy pallets that show heavier signs of use and repair. They may have multiple replaced boards, visible staining, and more pronounced weathering. While they may not look pristine, Grade C pallets are structurally sound and fully capable of supporting standard loads. They are an excellent value option for one-way shipping, internal warehouse use, and applications where appearance is not a concern.
Inspection Criteria
- Multiple repairs and replaced boards allowed
- Heavier weathering and surface wear acceptable
- Staining acceptable if not from hazardous materials
- May have cosmetic damage (but not structural)
- Repaired stringers with companion boards acceptable
- All boards must still be attached and functional
- Must pass basic load-bearing test
- No rotten or severely degraded wood
Recommended Applications
One-way shipping, internal warehouse transfers, temporary storage, cost-sensitive operations, non-customer-facing logistics
Typical Price Range
$3 - $8 per unit
Per unit, 48x40 wood pallet. Volume discounts available.
Heat Treated pallets have been processed in a kiln to meet ISPM-15 international shipping requirements. The entire pallet is heated until its core reaches a minimum temperature of 56 degrees Celsius (132.8 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least 30 continuous minutes. This treatment kills insects, larvae, and pathogens that could spread to foreign ecosystems. Heat treated pallets are available in all quality grades (A, B, and C) and are stamped with the internationally recognized IPPC/HT mark.
Inspection Criteria
- ISPM-15 compliant (56°C core for 30+ minutes)
- Stamped with IPPC/HT mark and country code
- Treatment performed by certified facility
- Available in Grade A, B, or C condition
- Re-treatment required if repaired with untreated wood
- Stamp must be visible and legible
- Documentation of treatment available on request
- Meets requirements of 180+ countries worldwide
Recommended Applications
International export, cross-border shipping, customs compliance, agricultural product shipments, any shipment requiring phytosanitary certification
Typical Price Range
$10 - $25 per unit (varies by base grade)
Per unit, 48x40 wood pallet. Volume discounts available.
Custom Grade pallets are built or selected to meet your specific quality requirements that fall outside our standard A/B/C grading system. This includes pallets sorted by specific wood species, pallets with exact board spacing requirements, pallets meeting particular cleanliness or appearance standards, or pallets built to proprietary specifications. Custom grading is available for any volume and we work closely with you to define the exact inspection criteria.
Inspection Criteria
- Specifications defined by customer requirements
- May combine elements from multiple standard grades
- Specific wood species selection available
- Exact dimensional tolerances as needed
- Custom inspection checklists and documentation
- Branded or color-coded identification available
- Tailored to automated system requirements
- FDA, USDA, or other regulatory compliance as needed
Recommended Applications
Specialized industries, automated warehouses, proprietary supply chains, regulatory-compliant operations, branded logistics programs
Typical Price Range
Contact us for custom pricing
Per unit, 48x40 wood pallet. Volume discounts available.
Detailed Grading Criteria
Our grading process involves a systematic inspection of every pallet against specific measurable criteria. The following breakdown shows the exact inspection points our quality team evaluates, with quantifiable tolerances for each grade. This level of detail ensures consistency across every pallet we sell, regardless of which team member performs the inspection.
These criteria are aligned with the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets and represent industry best practices for used pallet grading. When discrepancies arise during inspection, our quality team errs on the side of downgrading to ensure every pallet meets or exceeds its stated grade.
| Inspection Point | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Board Thickness | 5/8" - 3/4" (no deviation from original) | 5/16" - 3/4" (replacement boards may vary slightly) | 5/16" - 3/4" (mixed thicknesses acceptable) |
| Board Thickness Tolerance | +/- 1/16" from nominal | +/- 1/8" from nominal | +/- 3/16" from nominal |
| Dimensional Accuracy (L x W) | +/- 1/4" from stated size | +/- 3/8" from stated size | +/- 1/2" from stated size |
| Deck Board Width | 3.5" - 5.5" (uniform across pallet) | 3.5" - 5.5" (minor variation acceptable) | 3" - 6" (mixed widths acceptable) |
| Nail / Fastener Count (per board end) | 2-3 nails per board end (all original) | 2-3 nails per board end (re-nailing acceptable) | Minimum 2 nails per board end |
| Nail Protrusion | None allowed (flush or countersunk) | Up to 1/8" acceptable if not sharp | Up to 1/4" if bent over and not sharp |
| Moisture Content | < 19% (kiln-dried preferred) | < 25% (air-dried acceptable) | < 30% (no standing water or active wet rot) |
| Board Cracks / Splits | None visible on deck boards or stringers | Hairline cracks < 6" long acceptable (non-structural) | Cracks < 12" acceptable if not through full board width |
| Stringer Condition | No cracks, splits, or notch damage. Full integrity. | Minor notch wear acceptable. No through-cracks. | Companion board repairs acceptable. No broken stringers. |
| Replaced Boards | 0 (no replacement boards allowed) | 1-2 replacement boards maximum | Up to 4 replacement boards allowed |
| Mold / Fungal Staining | None visible (surface must be clean) | Light surface mold acceptable (non-active, cosmetic only) | Surface staining acceptable. No active mold growth. |
| Chemical / Hazmat Staining | No staining of any kind | No chemical staining (food-grade oil stains only) | No hazardous chemical staining. Food/water stains OK. |
| Wood Rot / Decay | None allowed | None allowed | None allowed (rot is an automatic rejection) |
| Warp / Twist (Flatness) | < 1/4" deviation across full length | < 1/2" deviation across full length | < 3/4" deviation (must still sit flat on floor) |
| Stamp / Marking Requirements | No markings required (HT stamp if heat treated) | Previous markings acceptable if not misleading | Any non-hazmat markings acceptable |
Automatic Rejection Criteria (All Grades): Any pallet with active wood rot or decay, evidence of insect infestation (live bugs, bore holes, frass), contamination from hazardous chemicals, broken or missing stringers that cannot be repaired, or structural failure during load testing is automatically rejected and sent to our recycling program. We never sell a pallet that poses a safety risk, regardless of grade.
When to Use Each Grade
The right pallet grade depends on your specific application, industry requirements, and budget. Here is a practical guide to help you choose the most cost-effective option without compromising on performance.
Retail & Customer-Facing
When pallets will be visible to customers or used in retail display environments, Grade A provides the clean, professional appearance your brand requires. Retailers like Costco and Walmart often specify Grade A for floor-ready displays.
Industries: Retail, E-Commerce, Consumer Goods
Food & Pharmaceutical
Food and pharmaceutical applications require clean, uncontaminated pallets. Grade A is preferred for direct food contact, while Grade B is acceptable for packaged goods. Heat treatment is required for international shipments and recommended for domestic food use.
Industries: Food Processing, Pharma, Healthcare
General Warehousing
For standard warehousing and distribution where pallets are not customer-facing, Grade B offers the optimal balance of quality, performance, and cost. These pallets are fully functional and can be reused many times.
Industries: Distribution, Manufacturing, Logistics
One-Way Shipping
When pallets will not be returned (one-way shipping), Grade C provides the lowest cost per shipment while still meeting structural requirements. Ideal for domestic freight where you do not expect the pallet back.
Industries: Freight Shipping, One-Way Logistics
International Export
All wood pallets shipped internationally must be ISPM-15 compliant. Choose heat-treated pallets in the grade that matches your quality needs. Grade C/HT is the most economical export option. Grade A/HT is used for high-value or sensitive goods.
Industries: Import/Export, International Trade
Automated Systems
Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) require pallets with consistent dimensions and no warping. Grade A or Custom Grade pallets with tight tolerances ensure reliable performance in automated environments.
Industries: Automation, AS/RS, Robotics
| Use Case | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C | HT Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail floor display | Ideal | Acceptable | Not recommended | Domestic: No |
| Automated warehouse (AS/RS) | Ideal | With inspection | Not recommended | No |
| Food manufacturing (packaged) | Ideal | Acceptable | Not recommended | Recommended |
| Pharmaceutical / GMP | Required | Not recommended | Not allowed | Required |
| General distribution center | Over-spec | Ideal | Acceptable | If exporting |
| Internal warehouse transfers | Over-spec | Acceptable | Ideal | No |
| One-way domestic freight | Over-spec | Over-spec | Ideal | No |
| International export shipping | For high-value | Standard | Economy | Required |
| Heavy racking (3+ levels) | Ideal | Acceptable | Not recommended | No |
| Outdoor storage (exposed) | Not recommended | Acceptable | Ideal (lowest cost) | No |
| Customer-facing e-commerce | Ideal | Acceptable | Not recommended | If international |
| Construction site (temporary) | Over-spec | Over-spec | Ideal | No |
Quick Decision Guide
Not sure which grade to choose? Use this simple decision framework based on the most common scenarios we encounter.
Choose Grade A if...
- - Pallets will be visible to customers
- - Used in food/pharma clean environments
- - Running automated handling equipment
- - Appearance matters to your brand
Choose Grade B if...
- - Standard warehousing and distribution
- - Pallets will be reused multiple times
- - You want the best value for ongoing needs
- - Moderate handling and stacking required
Choose Grade C if...
- - One-way shipping (pallet not returned)
- - Budget is the primary concern
- - Internal transfers only
- - Appearance is not important
Choose Heat Treated if...
- - Shipping internationally (required by law)
- - Exporting to Canada, Mexico, EU, Asia
- - Customer or contract requires ISPM-15
- - Agricultural or organic product shipments
Choosing Between Grades: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
The grade you choose has a direct impact on both your per-unit cost and your total cost of ownership. While Grade A pallets cost more upfront, they last longer and require fewer replacements. Grade C pallets are the cheapest per unit but have the shortest lifespan. The right choice depends on how many times you will use the pallet, whether it will be returned, and how much handling it will endure.
The following analysis breaks down the true cost per trip for each grade, helping you identify which grade delivers the best value for your specific use pattern. In many cases, businesses find that Grade B offers the optimal balance of upfront cost and longevity.
Best Value When:
You will reuse the pallet 10+ times, need clean appearance, or use automated systems that require consistent dimensions. The higher upfront cost is offset by the longest lifespan and lowest repair costs.
Best Value When:
You need a reliable pallet for standard warehousing and distribution at a moderate price point. Grade B offers the best balance of cost and performance for businesses that reuse pallets 5-15 times.
Best Value When:
You are shipping one-way and the pallet will not be returned, when budget is the primary concern, or for internal use where appearance and longevity do not matter. Best value for single-use applications.
Mixed-Grade Strategy
Many of our most cost-conscious customers use a mixed-grade strategy, purchasing different grades for different applications within their operation. For example, a food manufacturer might use Grade A pallets for finished goods shipped to retail customers (where appearance matters), Grade B pallets for internal warehouse transfers between facilities, and Grade C pallets for shipping raw materials from suppliers (one-way inbound, where the pallet will not be returned).
This approach can reduce total pallet spending by 20-35% compared to using a single grade across all applications. Our team can help you analyze your pallet usage patterns and identify where each grade makes the most sense. We provide a detailed cost-benefit analysis comparing your current spending to an optimized mixed-grade approach.
Our Quality Control Process
Quality control is not just a step in our process; it is the foundation of our business. Every pallet that enters our facility passes through a rigorous multi-stage inspection and grading pipeline before it is added to our inventory. This ensures that every pallet you receive meets or exceeds its stated grade, every time.
Our QC team includes inspectors with 10+ years of experience in pallet grading, and we maintain calibrated moisture meters, dimensional gauges, and load testing equipment. Here is a detailed walkthrough of every step in our quality control pipeline.
Receiving & Initial Sort
When pallets arrive at our facility (from buyback programs, industrial returns, or manufacturing partners), they are immediately sorted into initial categories: reusable, repairable, and recyclable. This first sort removes any pallets with obvious structural failures, active rot, pest damage, or hazardous contamination. Approximately 70-80% of incoming pallets proceed to detailed inspection; the remainder goes to our recycling program.
Detailed Structural Inspection
Each pallet undergoes a 12-point structural inspection performed by a trained grading specialist. The inspector checks every deck board for cracks, splits, and secure attachment. Stringers or blocks are evaluated for integrity, notch wear, and alignment. Fork entry openings are measured for proper dimensions. The pallet is placed on a flat surface to check for warping or twist. Any protruding nails are identified and either set or pulled.
Dimensional Verification & Grading
The pallet's overall dimensions (length, width, height) are verified against its nominal size using calibrated measuring tools. Moisture content is checked with a pin-type or pinless moisture meter at three points (two ends and center). Based on all inspection findings, the pallet is assigned a grade (A, B, C, or Repair) using our standardized grading criteria. The grade is marked on the pallet with a colored tag for easy identification in our inventory.
Final QC & Inventory
Before pallets are added to sellable inventory, a separate QC team member performs a spot-check audit on a random sample (minimum 10% of each batch). If the spot-check reveals any misgraded pallets, the entire batch is re-inspected. Pallets that pass final QC are organized by grade, size, and treatment status in our inventory yard. Inventory counts are updated in real-time in our management system for accurate availability and fast order fulfillment.
Our Quality Metrics
99.2%
Inspection Accuracy
Percentage of pallets correctly graded on first inspection, verified by spot-check audits.
< 0.5%
Customer Return Rate
Percentage of pallets returned due to grading discrepancies. Industry average is 2-3%.
12-point
Inspection Points
Number of individual checkpoints in our structural inspection protocol per pallet.
10% minimum
Spot-Check Rate
Percentage of each batch independently verified by a second inspector before release.
Refurbishment Process: From Grade C to Grade B
Not every pallet stays at the grade it is initially sorted into. Our refurbishment program takes pallets that are currently graded as Grade C (or even below) and repairs, rebuilds, and upgrades them to meet Grade B standards. This process extends the life of pallets that would otherwise be recycled, reduces waste, and provides our customers with high-quality refurbished pallets at a lower cost than new production.
Refurbishment is both environmentally responsible and economically sensible. Repairing an existing pallet uses approximately 60% less lumber and 50% less energy than manufacturing a new pallet from scratch. Our refurbishment program processes thousands of pallets each month, diverting significant volumes of wood from landfills while providing our customers with reliable, affordable inventory.
Step-by-Step Refurbishment
Assessment & Triage
Each Grade C pallet is evaluated for refurbishment potential. We check if the stringer/block structure is sound enough to support repair. Pallets with broken or rotted stringers are sent to recycling. Pallets with only deck board damage are prioritized for refurbishment because they require the least material and labor.
Disassembly & Board Removal
Damaged, cracked, or degraded deck boards are carefully removed using pneumatic tools. We salvage any boards that are still usable for future repairs. The stringer structure is cleaned and inspected for hidden damage. Protruding nails are pulled and old fastener holes are evaluated.
Board Replacement & Reassembly
New or salvaged boards that meet Grade B thickness and quality standards are cut to size and attached using pneumatic nail guns with ring-shank or screw-shank nails (which hold 40% better than smooth-shank). Board spacing is set to match the original pallet design. Each board gets 2-3 nails per stringer connection point.
Stringer Repair (If Needed)
Stringers with minor damage (notch wear, small cracks) are reinforced using companion boards, which are 12-18 inch hardwood boards nailed alongside the damaged section. This technique restores full load-bearing capacity to the stringer without replacing it entirely.
Final Inspection & Regrading
The refurbished pallet undergoes the same 12-point structural inspection as any incoming pallet. It must meet all Grade B criteria to be regraded. If it falls short, it remains Grade C or is sent back for additional work. Approximately 85% of pallets entering refurbishment successfully achieve Grade B status.
Refurbishment by the Numbers
Success Rate
Percentage of pallets entering refurbishment that successfully achieve Grade B certification.
Less Lumber Used
Amount of lumber saved compared to manufacturing a new pallet. Refurbishment typically replaces 2-4 boards per pallet.
Energy Savings
Reduction in energy consumption compared to new pallet production, including lumber milling, kiln drying, and assembly.
Cost Per Repair
Average material and labor cost to refurbish a Grade C pallet to Grade B standard, making refurbished pallets highly cost-effective.
Additional Trips
Number of additional use cycles a refurbished Grade B pallet typically achieves before requiring further repair or recycling.
Environmental Impact
Our refurbishment program prevents an estimated 500+ tons of wood from entering landfills each year. Every refurbished pallet represents lumber that does not need to be harvested, milled, and transported. Over the life of a single pallet that goes through 3 refurbishment cycles, the total carbon footprint is approximately 70% lower than using 3 separate new pallets.
When a pallet finally reaches the end of its usable life (after multiple repairs and refurbishments), we grind it into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel. Nothing goes to waste. Our goal is a zero-landfill operation for all wood pallet materials.
Pricing Tiers Explained
Pallet pricing is influenced by several factors beyond just the quality grade. Understanding these factors helps you make informed purchasing decisions and optimize your pallet budget.
Factors That Affect Pricing
Quality Grade
The most significant factor. Grade A pallets cost 2-3x more than Grade C because they have not been repaired and meet stricter appearance standards. Grade B typically falls at the midpoint.
Pallet Size
Larger pallets use more material and cost more. A 48x48 pallet will cost more than a 36x36 in the same grade. The standard 48x40 is usually the most competitively priced due to high volume.
Order Quantity
Volume discounts are standard in the pallet industry. Orders of 200+ pallets typically receive 10-15% discounts, and truckload quantities (400-500+ pallets) receive the best per-unit pricing.
Material Type
Hardwood pallets cost more than softwood. Plastic, metal, and presswood pallets each have their own pricing structures independent of the A/B/C grading system.
Special Treatment
Heat treatment (HT) adds $2-5 per pallet. Chemical treatment, fumigation, painting, and other special treatments increase cost based on the specific process required.
Market Conditions
Lumber prices, transportation costs, and seasonal demand all influence pallet pricing. We do our best to maintain stable pricing but market fluctuations can affect quotes.
Volume Discount Tiers
Ideal for small businesses and sample orders
Most common order range for mid-size operations
Half-truckload to full truckload quantities
Multi-truckload orders with best standard pricing
Ongoing supply agreements with locked-in rates
Recurring Order Programs
Businesses with ongoing pallet needs can lock in preferential pricing through our recurring order program. We offer weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly delivery schedules with guaranteed pricing for the contract period. This eliminates price fluctuations and ensures you always have the inventory you need.
Inquire About Contract PricingReady to Order the Right Grade?
Our team can help you select the optimal quality grade for your application and budget. Contact us for a free consultation, sample pallets, or a volume quote.