Frequently Asked Questions

We sell new wood pallets, recycled wood pallets (Grades A, B, and C), heat-treated pallets for international shipping, and custom-built pallets in any size or specification. Our most popular product is the standard 48x40-inch GMA pallet, available in all grades and both new and recycled options. We also carry 42x42, 48x48, 48x36, and European EUR sizes.

Pricing depends on the pallet size, grade, material, and order volume. For standard 48x40-inch recycled pallets: Grade A runs $8-$14, Grade B runs $5-$9, and Grade C runs $3-$6 per pallet. New pallets of the same size typically cost $12-$25. Custom sizes, heat treatment, and special requirements affect pricing. We offer volume discounts starting at 200+ pallets per order — contact us for a custom quote.

Yes. We deliver throughout the Albuquerque metro area, including Rio Rancho, Corrales, Los Lunas, Belen, Bernalillo, and Edgewood. We also deliver to Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and other locations across New Mexico. Delivery is typically scheduled within 1-3 business days of order confirmation. We use flatbed trucks and can deliver full or partial truckloads. Delivery fees are based on distance and volume — many large orders qualify for free delivery within the Albuquerque metro.

There is no strict minimum for pickup orders. If you are driving to our facility, you can buy as few as one pallet. For delivery orders, we typically require a minimum of 20 pallets to justify the delivery cost, though this varies by location. For the best per-pallet pricing, we recommend ordering in quantities of 200 or more.

Absolutely. We purchase used pallets of all sizes and conditions. If you have pallets accumulating at your warehouse, dock, or facility, we will pick them up and pay you for them. Pricing depends on the size, condition, and quantity. We pay more for standard 48x40 pallets in good condition and accept mixed loads of various sizes. Contact us to schedule a pickup — we will assess the pallets on-site and make an offer.

Heat treatment (HT) is a process where wooden pallets are heated to a core temperature of at least 56 degrees Celsius (132.8 degrees Fahrenheit) for a minimum of 30 minutes. This kills insects, larvae, and pathogens that could be living in the wood. Heat treatment is required under ISPM-15 regulations for any wooden pallet used in international shipping. Over 180 countries enforce this standard. We provide heat-treated pallets stamped with the official IPPC mark for full compliance.

ISPM-15 stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. It is an international regulation developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to prevent the spread of invasive wood-boring insects and plant diseases through wood packaging materials. If you export goods from the United States on wooden pallets, those pallets must be ISPM-15 compliant — meaning they have been heat treated (or previously, methyl bromide fumigated) and carry the official stamp. Non-compliant shipments can be rejected, quarantined, or destroyed at the destination port.

Yes. Recycled pallets can absolutely be heat treated to meet ISPM-15 standards. As long as the pallet undergoes the proper treatment process and receives a valid IPPC stamp, it is fully compliant for international shipping regardless of whether it is new or recycled. If a recycled pallet has been previously heat treated but then repaired with untreated wood, it must be re-treated and re-stamped before export use.

Stringer pallets use long boards (stringers) running the length of the pallet between the top and bottom deck boards. They are the most common pallet type in North America and are typically less expensive to produce. Block pallets use solid wood blocks at the corners and center to support the deck boards. Block pallets are stronger, offer true 4-way forklift entry (stringers typically allow 4-way entry only with notching), and are the standard in Europe (EUR pallets are block pallets). We supply both types.

We use a three-tier grading system. Grade A (Premium) pallets are in like-new condition with no repairs, no broken boards, and minimal cosmetic wear. Grade B (Standard) pallets are fully functional with minor cosmetic imperfections and may have one or two replaced boards. Grade C (Economy) pallets show visible wear and multiple repairs but maintain full structural integrity and load capacity. Every pallet is hand-inspected by trained staff before grading. Visit our Pallet Grades page for detailed information on each grade.

Yes. We manufacture custom pallets in any dimension from 12x12 inches up to 120x120 inches and beyond. Custom options include specific deck board spacing, hardwood or softwood construction, 2-way or 4-way entry, block or stringer style, notched stringers, chamfered edges, and heat treatment. We also build heavy-duty pallets rated for loads over 10,000 pounds. Tell us your product dimensions, weight requirements, and handling equipment, and we will design a pallet optimized for your application.

Pallet recycling has a significant positive environmental impact. Each recycled pallet saves approximately 3.1 board feet of hardwood lumber, preventing the need to cut down trees. Manufacturing a new pallet generates roughly 31 kg of CO2 emissions, while refurbishing a used pallet generates less than 5 kg — an 85% reduction. Recycling also diverts wood waste from landfills, where it would decompose and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Our Albuquerque facility alone diverts over 800 tons of wood from landfills annually.

Pallets that are beyond economical repair are dismantled. We reclaim all usable lumber for other purposes, including smaller pallet construction and custom wood products. Wood that cannot be reused for pallets is chipped and sold as landscape mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel. Metal fasteners are separated and recycled. We achieve a near-zero waste rate — virtually nothing goes to the landfill from our facility.

Yes. For businesses that use pallets regularly, we offer managed pallet programs that include scheduled delivery of clean, graded pallets and scheduled pickup of used pallets. This creates a closed-loop system that reduces your costs, eliminates pallet pile-up at your facility, and ensures you always have the inventory you need. We can customize the program to your volume, preferred grades, delivery frequency, and budget.

For standard sizes (especially 48x40 GMA), we maintain large inventories and can typically fulfill orders of up to 1,000 pallets within 1-3 business days. Larger orders or non-standard sizes may require 5-10 business days depending on current inventory and production capacity. Custom-built pallets typically have a lead time of 5-7 business days after design approval. If you have an urgent need, contact us — we will do everything we can to meet your timeline.

Our heat-treated pallets are suitable for food-adjacent use, meaning they can safely carry packaged food products. For direct food contact (where food touches the pallet surface directly), we recommend our new, heat-treated pallets that have never been used for other purposes. We do not treat our pallets with any chemicals — heat treatment is a thermal process only, making our HT pallets a safe and chemical-free option for food industry applications.

We serve all of New Mexico with primary focus on the Albuquerque metro area. Our delivery zone includes Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, Los Lunas, Belen, Bernalillo, Placitas, Edgewood, Moriarty, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and surrounding communities. We also fulfill orders for Las Cruces, Roswell, Farmington, and other New Mexico cities, as well as neighboring areas in West Texas and southern Colorado. Contact us to confirm delivery availability for your location.

We stand behind the quality of every pallet we sell. All pallets are inspected before leaving our facility and are guaranteed to meet the specifications of their assigned grade. If you receive pallets that do not meet the grade standard, we will replace them at no charge. For managed pallet programs, we offer ongoing quality assurance with regular inspections and immediate replacement of any substandard pallets. Our goal is a long-term relationship built on trust and consistent quality.

A standard 53-foot trailer can hold 26 to 30 GMA pallets (48x40) in a single layer, depending on how they are oriented. If pallets are loaded lengthwise (48-inch side along the trailer width), you fit 2 across and 13-14 deep. If your pallets are empty and being transported flat-stacked, a single trailer can carry 400-600 empty pallets depending on stack height. For our flatbed deliveries, we typically load 40-80 pallets per trip depending on size and stacking. Contact us for load planning assistance specific to your order size and truck type.

Hardwood pallets are made from deciduous trees like oak, maple, and birch. They are denser, heavier, more durable, and better suited for heavy loads and multiple-use cycles. However, they are also more expensive and harder to repair because the wood is more difficult to nail. Softwood pallets are made from coniferous trees like pine, spruce, and fir. They are lighter, less expensive, easier to work with, and perfectly adequate for most shipping applications. In New Mexico, most pallets you encounter are made from Southern Yellow Pine (softwood) because it is the most widely produced pallet lumber in the US. We carry both types and can recommend the right wood species based on your load weight, reuse plans, and budget.

Absolutely. Our yard at 4480 Anaheim Ave NE in Albuquerque is open for walk-in customers during business hours — Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. You can browse our inventory, select pallets by grade and size, and load them yourself or have our forklift operator load your truck. There is no minimum purchase for pickup orders. Bring a suitable vehicle — a standard pickup truck bed can hold 6-10 pallets stacked flat. For larger quantities, bring a trailer or flatbed. We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards.

If you are shipping goods outside the United States on wooden pallets or in wooden crates, ISPM-15 regulations almost certainly apply. Over 180 countries enforce this standard, including all of our major trading partners — Canada, Mexico, the EU, China, Japan, Australia, and more. The rule applies to solid wood packaging materials (including pallets, crates, and dunnage) thicker than 6mm. Plywood, particle board, and processed wood are exempt because the manufacturing process eliminates pest risk. If you are unsure whether your shipment requires HT pallets, assume it does. Using non-compliant pallets can result in your shipment being refused entry, quarantined, fumigated at your expense, or destroyed at the destination port. We provide fully compliant HT pallets with the official IPPC stamp.

Yes. If you have a stock of damaged pallets at your facility that you want repaired rather than replaced, we can help. You can either bring them to our yard for repair, or we can pick them up, repair them at our facility, and deliver them back. Repair pricing depends on the extent of the damage — a simple board replacement is much less than a full stringer repair. In most cases, repairing a pallet costs 30-50% less than buying a replacement, even a recycled one. This is a particularly good option for businesses with custom-sized pallets that are expensive to replace. Contact us for a repair estimate based on the condition and quantity of your pallets.

Do not throw them in a dumpster or send them to the landfill — call us. We pick up broken and damaged pallets for free, regardless of condition. Even pallets that cannot be repaired have value to us. We dismantle them and reclaim all usable lumber for repair stock. Wood that is too damaged for reuse is chipped into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel. Metal fasteners are separated and sent to scrap recycling. Virtually nothing we receive goes to waste. By giving us your broken pallets instead of landfilling them, you save on disposal costs, clear your yard, and contribute to a more sustainable pallet lifecycle.

Pallets can become contaminated through exposure to chemicals, pesticides, food spills, petroleum products, or biological materials during their use cycle. Contamination matters because it can transfer to products being shipped on the pallet — a particular concern in food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries. Visual signs of contamination include unusual staining, chemical odors, oily residue, or mold growth. We screen every pallet for contamination during our inspection process. Contaminated pallets are separated from our resale inventory and routed to appropriate disposal or specialized recycling channels. If you are in the food or pharma industry, we recommend Grade A or new heat-treated pallets to minimize contamination risk.

Currently, we specialize exclusively in wooden pallets — new, recycled, repaired, and custom-built. Wood remains the dominant material for pallets in North America, accounting for approximately 93% of all pallets in circulation. Wood pallets offer significant advantages: they are less expensive, easier to repair, biodegradable, and come from a renewable resource. Plastic pallets have niche applications (clean rooms, closed-loop systems, export where weight matters), but they are typically 3-5x more expensive upfront and cannot be economically repaired when damaged. If you have a specific application where plastic pallets are required, we can refer you to a trusted supplier in the region.

A pallet management program is a recurring service agreement where we supply your business with a consistent flow of clean, graded pallets on a scheduled basis, and simultaneously pick up your spent pallets for recycling. It is designed for businesses that use pallets regularly and want to eliminate the hassle of ad-hoc ordering, pallet accumulation, and disposal. The program is right for you if: you use 100+ pallets per month, you currently have pallets piling up at your facility, you want predictable pallet costs for budgeting, or you need consistent quality grades for your operations. We customize the program to your volume, delivery schedule, preferred grades, and budget. Most managed program customers see a 20-30% reduction in total pallet costs compared to ad-hoc purchasing.

The lifespan of a recycled pallet depends on its grade, how it is used, and the weight and type of products it carries. A well-maintained Grade A recycled pallet used in a domestic warehouse environment typically lasts 3-5 years or 15-20 trip cycles before requiring repair or replacement. Grade B pallets average 2-4 years or 10-15 trips. Grade C pallets are best suited for single-use or short-cycle applications. Factors that shorten pallet life include overloading, rough forklift handling, exposure to rain and moisture, and floor-stacking heavy loads. Proper handling and storage can significantly extend the useful life of any pallet grade.

Yes. Every heat-treated pallet we sell carries the official IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) stamp directly on the pallet, which serves as the internationally recognized proof of treatment. The stamp includes our facility registration number, the country code (US), the treatment code (HT for heat treatment), and the IPPC logo. If you need additional documentation for your records or for a specific customs requirement, we can provide a certificate of treatment that includes the batch number, treatment date, treatment parameters (core temperature and duration), and our facility certification details. This documentation is provided at no extra charge with any HT pallet order.

Yes. We anticipate seasonal demand increases and build inventory accordingly. Peak pallet demand in New Mexico typically aligns with agricultural harvest season (August through October), holiday retail season (September through December), and construction season (March through November). During these periods, we increase our processing capacity and maintain buffer inventory of our most popular sizes and grades. For customers who know their peak volume in advance, we recommend placing orders 1-2 weeks ahead to ensure availability. We also offer standing order agreements where we reserve a set quantity for you each week or month regardless of demand fluctuations, guaranteeing your supply even during peak periods.

Yes, provided the pallets are heat-treated and ISPM-15 stamped. Over 180 countries enforce ISPM-15, including all major trading partners: Canada, Mexico, the EU, UK, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea, India, Brazil, and the rest of the Americas. Our HT pallets carry the official IPPC stamp with our facility registration number, which is recognized globally. For shipments to countries with additional requirements beyond ISPM-15 -- such as Australia, which has stricter bark-free rules -- we can prepare pallets to meet those enhanced standards. We also provide certificates of treatment upon request for customs documentation. If you are unsure about a specific destination country's requirements, our team can advise you.

Different products and distribution channels favor different pallet sizes. The 48x40-inch GMA pallet is the US standard and fits most warehouse racking and truck configurations. For grocery and retail, 48x40 is almost universally required. For chemical drums, 48x48 square pallets accommodate four 55-gallon drums. For European exports, the 31.50x47.24-inch EUR pallet (800x1200mm) is standard. Automotive parts often use 45x48 or custom sizes matched to their racking. Beverage companies frequently use 48x40 or 48x48 depending on can versus bottle packaging. For half-pallet retail displays, 48x20 or 24x40 sizes are common. We maintain stock in all standard sizes and manufacture custom dimensions within 5-10 business days.

Yes, pallet pricing is influenced by seasonal demand cycles and lumber market conditions. Prices tend to be lowest in January through March when demand dips after the holiday shipping season. Prices typically rise from August through December as agricultural harvest, holiday retail, and construction seasons overlap to create peak demand. Lumber commodity prices also affect pallet costs -- when construction lumber markets spike, pallet lumber follows. Our managed pallet program customers with contracts receive price-locked rates that are immune to these fluctuations. For spot buyers, we recommend ordering during the Q1 low season if your needs allow scheduling flexibility.

Absolutely. We understand that supply chain disruptions happen. For in-stock standard pallets (48x40 in all grades), we can fulfill same-day orders placed before noon with delivery to the Albuquerque metro area by end of business. For urgent needs beyond our standard inventory -- non-standard sizes, large quantities, or heat-treated pallets -- we offer rush production with turnaround as fast as 24 hours for a surcharge. Our emergency contact line is monitored during business hours and we have weekend availability for critical situations. Call us directly rather than using the web form for the fastest response on urgent needs.

Our heat-treated pallets carry the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) stamp, which certifies ISPM-15 compliance. Our facility is a registered and audited heat treatment provider. While there is no single "green certification" for pallets, we provide extensive environmental documentation: our annual sustainability report details waste diversion rates, CO2 savings, and landfill impact. We provide individual customer impact certificates for ESG reporting. Our recycled pallets qualify for LEED points under the Materials and Resources credit category. We are a member of the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) and follow their environmental best practices. We are happy to provide documentation for any sustainability framework your business uses.

Weight capacity depends on the pallet grade, construction type, and how the load is applied. A standard 48x40 GMA stringer pallet in good condition (Grade A) typically supports 2,500 pounds dynamic load (in motion on a forklift), 5,000 pounds static load (at rest on the floor), and 2,000 pounds racking load (spanning racking beams with center unsupported). Block pallets of the same size generally rate higher: 2,800 pounds dynamic, 5,500 pounds static, and 2,500 pounds racking. Grade B pallets with repairs typically maintain 80-90% of these ratings. Grade C pallets should be limited to light-duty applications under 1,500 pounds. For loads exceeding standard ratings, we engineer custom heavy-duty pallets rated up to 10,000+ pounds.

Proper storage significantly extends pallet life. Store pallets on a flat, dry surface -- concrete or asphalt, not bare ground. Keep pallets elevated off soil to prevent moisture wicking and rot. Stack empty pallets no higher than 15 units to prevent crushing damage to bottom pallets. Store under cover when possible -- even a simple tarp reduces UV degradation and moisture exposure significantly. In New Mexico's dry climate, sun exposure is the primary degradation factor, causing boards to crack and fasteners to loosen. Allow airflow between stacks to prevent moisture accumulation and mold. Rotate stock so older pallets are used first. Do not store pallets near chemical storage areas where spills could contaminate the wood.

For domestic use, acceptable moisture content ranges from 12% to 25%. For ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets intended for export, moisture content after treatment should be below 19%. Moisture matters because excessively wet pallets are heavier (increasing freight cost), more susceptible to mold growth, more likely to warp as they dry, and can damage moisture-sensitive products. On the other hand, extremely dry pallets (below 10%) become brittle and crack more easily. Our kiln-drying process targets 14-18% moisture content, which is the optimal range for dimensional stability and longevity. We spot-check moisture content during production with pin-type meters and can provide moisture content documentation for sensitive applications.

Pallet markings provide important information. The IPPC wheat-sheaf logo indicates the pallet meets international phytosanitary standards. Next to it, a two-letter country code (US for United States) and a facility registration number identify where treatment occurred. Treatment codes include HT (heat treated), KD (kiln dried), and DB (debarked). The now-banned MB stamp means methyl bromide fumigation -- avoid these for food or indoor use. Beyond regulatory stamps, you may see grade markings (A, B, C), company logos, color coding for pallet pooling systems (blue CHEP pallets, red PECO pallets), or load capacity markings. Our pallets carry clear grade stamps and, when applicable, IPPC treatment marks with our registered facility number.

Standard lead time for custom pallets is 5-10 business days from design approval. This includes material sourcing, production, quality inspection, and staging for delivery. For designs that use common lumber dimensions and standard construction methods, the shorter end of that range applies. Complex designs requiring specialty lumber, unusual fastening methods, or integrated features (foam inserts, RFID pockets, fire-retardant coating) may require the full 10 days or slightly more. Rush production is available for a 15-25% surcharge, with turnaround as fast as 1-3 business days for smaller orders. Reorders of previously approved designs are 30-50% faster since we maintain your jig templates and design files.

In New Mexico, wooden pallets should not be disposed of in standard municipal landfills if alternatives exist. While not explicitly banned from landfills statewide, many waste facilities charge premium tipping fees for wood waste, and some refuse pallet loads entirely. The New Mexico Environment Department encourages wood waste diversion through recycling and composting programs. Burning pallets in open fires is prohibited in most New Mexico jurisdictions due to air quality regulations -- treated wood and fasteners release harmful emissions. The most cost-effective and legal disposal method is our free pickup service: we collect unwanted pallets at no charge, process them through our recycling program, and provide documentation of proper disposal for your records.

Setting up recurring pickup is straightforward. Contact us with your location, approximate weekly or monthly volume of pallets to be collected, and your preferred pickup day. We will assign your location to one of our optimized routes and provide a regular pickup schedule -- typically weekly or biweekly. Our driver arrives on the scheduled day, loads all available pallets, and leaves a receipt documenting the quantity collected. For pallets in resalable condition, we pay you at pickup based on current market rates. There is no minimum quantity for recurring pickup service. You can adjust your schedule, pause pickups, or change frequency at any time with one week's notice. Most recurring pickup customers are fully set up within 3-5 business days of initial contact.

We do not operate a traditional pallet rental pool like CHEP or PECO, but we offer an equivalent managed pallet program that achieves the same result with more flexibility. Under our program, you receive a set quantity of graded pallets each delivery cycle, and we pick up your spent pallets simultaneously. You pay only for the pallets delivered -- pickups are always free. This eliminates the tracking hassles and daily rental fees associated with pooled pallet systems. The net cost is typically 20-30% lower than CHEP or PECO rental fees because you are not paying daily pallet charges for pallets sitting idle in your warehouse. For businesses currently renting pooled pallets, we offer a cost comparison analysis to show the potential savings of switching to our model.

Our 90-day repair warranty covers structural failure of any component that was repaired or replaced during our service. This includes: deck boards that crack, split, or come loose; stringers or blocks that fail at repair points; and fasteners that back out or fail to hold. The warranty covers normal use conditions -- standard forklift handling, loading within the rated capacity of the assigned grade, and typical warehouse or transit environments. The warranty does not cover damage from overloading beyond rated capacity, intentional misuse, forklift impact (new damage, not a repair failure), or exposure to conditions beyond what the pallet was rated for (e.g., sustained outdoor exposure for a pallet rated for indoor use). If a warranty claim is valid, we re-repair or replace the pallet at no charge, including free pickup and delivery.

Our volume discount structure applies to both new and used pallets. For standard sizes: 1-99 pallets are at list price, 100-249 pallets receive 10% off, 250-499 pallets receive 15% off, 500-999 pallets receive 20% off, and 1,000+ pallets receive 25% off or custom contract pricing. These tiers apply per order for spot purchases. Managed pallet program customers who commit to monthly minimums receive an additional 5% loyalty discount on top of the volume tier. Custom-built pallets have a separate pricing structure based on design complexity, but volume discounts still apply at similar percentage tiers. All discount tiers are clearly stated on every quote we provide. We never add hidden fees, surcharges, or fuel adjustments -- the quoted price is the price you pay.