Whether you are buying your first pallet or managing a warehouse that moves thousands every month, our resource library has the information you need to make smart, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible decisions.
Each guide is written by our team of pallet industry professionals with decades of combined experience in Albuquerque and across New Mexico.
Pallets are the backbone of modern logistics. The right pallet choice can reduce shipping costs, prevent product damage, streamline warehouse operations, and significantly lower your environmental footprint. An informed buyer is a better buyer, and that is exactly what our resources are designed to help you become.
Cost savings when choosing recycled pallets over new ones
Reduction in carbon emissions per recycled pallet
Countries enforcing ISPM-15 pallet treatment standards
The pallet industry is governed by several international standards and trade organizations. Here are the key references every pallet buyer should know.
National Wooden Pallet & Container Association
The primary trade association for the US wood packaging industry. Sets voluntary quality standards, provides industry data, and advocates for sustainable forestry practices. Their Pallet Design System (PDS) software is the industry standard for pallet engineering.
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15
The international regulation governing wood packaging materials in international trade. Requires heat treatment or fumigation of solid wood packaging to prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases. Enforced by 180+ countries.
International Plant Protection Convention
The United Nations body that developed ISPM-15 and oversees its global implementation. The IPPC logo on a pallet stamp certifies that the treatment facility is registered and audited by the national plant protection organization.
Grocery Manufacturers Association
Established the 48x40-inch pallet as the US standard. Now known as the Consumer Brands Association. The GMA pallet specification defines dimensions, construction methods, and quality standards for pallets used in grocery and consumer goods distribution.
International Organization for Standardization
Defines the six standard pallet sizes recognized worldwide: 1219x1016mm (48x40"), 1000x1200mm (EUR), 1165x1165mm (AUS), 1067x1067mm (42x42"), 1100x1100mm (Asia), and 800x1200mm (EUR half). Essential reference for international shipping.
ASTM International Pallet Testing Standard
Standard test methods for pallets and related structures. Defines testing procedures for compression, bending, impact, and vibration resistance. Used by engineers to validate custom pallet designs meet performance requirements.
Reference materials you can save, print, and share with your team. All guides are written by our in-house pallet experts.
A printable reference with all standard US, European, and ISO pallet dimensions including weight capacities, common industries, and forklift compatibility notes. Includes visual diagrams of stringer vs. block construction.
Request GuideStep-by-step checklist for ensuring your wood packaging meets international shipping requirements. Covers treatment verification, stamp inspection, documentation needs, and common compliance mistakes to avoid.
Request GuideVisual guide with photos showing the differences between Grade A, B, and C pallets. Includes the specific criteria we use for each grade, helping you verify quality on receiving.
Request GuideGuidelines for maximizing pallet lifespan in warehouse environments. Covers stacking heights, moisture management, rotation schedules, and forklift handling techniques that reduce damage.
Request GuideSpreadsheet template for calculating your total cost of pallet ownership including purchase price, repair costs, disposal fees, and hidden expenses. Compare new vs. used vs. managed program costs.
Request GuideTemplate for documenting the environmental impact of your pallet recycling efforts. Pre-formatted with the metrics needed for ESG reporting, including CO2 calculations and waste diversion tracking.
Request GuideThe pallet industry uses specialized terminology. Here is a comprehensive reference to help you communicate effectively with suppliers and logistics partners.
A pallet that uses solid wood blocks at the corners and center to support the deck boards. Allows true 4-way forklift entry without notching. Standard in European logistics (EUR pallets).
A pallet that uses long boards (stringers) running between the top and bottom deck boards. The most common pallet type in North America. Can be notched for 4-way entry.
The standard 48x40-inch pallet defined by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now Consumer Brands Association). Accounts for approximately 30% of all new pallets produced in the US.
The maximum weight a pallet can safely support while in motion -- being lifted by a forklift or pallet jack. Always lower than static load rating due to additional forces during movement.
The maximum weight a pallet can support while at rest on a flat surface. Typically 2x the dynamic load rating. Applies when pallets are floor-stacked in a warehouse.
The maximum weight a pallet can support when placed on warehouse racking beams with the center span unsupported. The most demanding load condition and always the lowest rating.
The horizontal boards that form the top and bottom surfaces of a pallet. Top deck boards support the load directly. Bottom deck boards (bottom deck) contact the floor or racking.
An angled cut on the bottom edge of a stringer or lead board that creates a tapered entry point for forklift forks. Reduces fork entry damage and makes handling easier.
A pallet where the deck boards extend beyond the stringers or blocks, creating overhanging wings. Used when loads are wider than the pallet base or for certain racking systems.
A pallet where deck boards are cut flush with the outer edge of the stringers or blocks. The most common configuration for standard pallets.
A stringer with rectangular cutouts that allow forklift forks to enter from the sides (perpendicular to the stringer direction), enabling partial 4-way entry on a stringer pallet.
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. The global regulation requiring heat treatment or fumigation of wood packaging materials used in international trade.
A thermal process where the core temperature of wood is raised to 56 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes. Kills insects and pathogens. Required for ISPM-15 compliance.
A unit of lumber measurement equal to a volume of 1 foot x 1 foot x 1 inch (144 cubic inches). Used to calculate the amount of raw lumber in a pallet.
A system where pallets are rented rather than purchased. Companies like CHEP (blue) and PECO (red) maintain pools of standardized pallets that circulate between users for a daily rental fee.
A pallet management approach where pallets circulate between specific points in a supply chain and are returned to the shipper after delivery. Maximizes reuse and minimizes waste.
Blocking, bracing, and cushioning materials used to fill voids and stabilize loads on pallets, in containers, or on trailers. Includes airbags, foam, wood blocks, and corrugated dividers.
The process of consolidating multiple items into a single pallet load using stretch wrap, strapping, or other containment methods. Creates a stable, handleable unit for efficient transportation.
Our team is happy to answer any pallet-related question you have. Whether it is about sizing, grades, international shipping requirements, or custom orders, we are just a phone call or message away.