5 FAQs about Pallets
*Because I couldn’t think of 10 and you don’t want to read 10 anyway.
Q. What type of pallets do you sell?
A. New lumber and recycled lumber pallets. We can offer stringer pallets or block-style pallets. See inventory options here.
Q. Do you deliver?
A. Yes, we deliver full-truckload anywhere in the continental U.S. The limiting factor is pricing for freight. It’s always worth asking for a free quote.
Q. What’s up with “Grade C” pallets?
A. Some pallet companies use this term. It would refer to the crappiest pallet quality in existence that could still function. With the price of Grade B’s being low, I can’t fathom why anyone would want to venture into C territory.
Q. How many types of pallets exist, and what makes some of them so expensive?
A. Let’s compare pallets to blue jeans (the pants). At a glance, you know you’re seeing Blue Jeans even though limitless variations exist. For example, you could buy dark, medium, light, or acid wash. Ripped thighs or knees. Bell bottoms, Skinny Jeans, Wide Leg, or Boot cut. Zipper or Buttons? Buttons, Glitter sparkles, or Stitching for the Booty. Pockets can be round or square? We didn’t even discuss the sizes and lengths. You get it.
Customizations are common. Here are some examples of things that can be customized with pallets and crates:
Lumber species, thickness, & Length x width
Number, placement, & size of boards, stringers, & fasteners
Size & type of fasteners
Special treatments for sanitization, like spraying, dipping, or heat treatment.
Choosing a common pallet results in a cheaper product with a faster lead time, because ordering unique components can be costly and creates extra steps in the supply chain. The cost of customization is often worth it to offset product damages in transit and time lost when a pallet design is incompatible with your automation or assembly line.
Q. Is collecting pallets for sale really worth it?
A. The market value of scrap pallets varies from day-to-day and from company-to-company. Even your 200 perfectly good 48×40”s may not be accepted by pallet shop. Companies will resist giving you an exact rate before seeing your supply.
I’m not saying, “it’s not worth it”; I’m saying, “it’s more difficult than it seems.” Remember not to take it personally if a company doesn’t need what you have today. Maybe they have no more space for inventory today. Maybe they’ll need it tomorrow.
