Frequently Asked Questions

Grade A pallets are in like-new condition with minimal wear and no repairs. They have clean, consistent appearance suitable for retail or export. Grade B pallets show normal use with minor cosmetic wear and may have small repairs but are fully functional. Grade C pallets are budget-friendly with visible wear, minor damage, or multiple repairs but remain structurally sound for warehouse use. All grades meet safety standards for their intended applications.

We stock a wide variety of pallet sizes including standard GMA/grocery pallets (48" x 40"), industrial pallets (42" x 42", 48" x 48"), automotive pallets (48" x 45"), chemical industry pallets (48" x 42"), and beverage pallets (48" x 36"). We also offer European pallets (1200mm x 800mm) and can build custom sizes to your exact specifications.

Yes, we manufacture new pallets in standard and custom sizes at our Indianapolis facility. New pallets can be built to your exact specifications including deck pattern, entry type, and wood grade. All new pallets are available with ISPM-15 heat treatment certification for international shipping compliance.

ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is a global standard requiring wood packaging materials to be treated to prevent the spread of invasive pests. If you're shipping internationally, your pallets must be ISPM-15 compliant through either heat treatment (HT) or methyl bromide fumigation (MB). We offer ISPM-15 certified pallets with official stamps for all export needs.

A 2-way pallet can only be accessed by a forklift or pallet jack from two opposite sides (front and back). A 4-way pallet has notches or openings on all four sides allowing forklift entry from any direction. 4-way pallets are more versatile and easier to handle in tight spaces. Most standard GMA pallets are partial 4-way entry.

Pallet lifespan varies based on usage, handling, and storage conditions. In a well-managed closed-loop system, hardwood pallets can last 10+ years with proper repair and maintenance. Softwood pallets typically last 3-5 years. One-way shipping pallets may only be designed for 1-3 trips. We offer repair services to maximize your pallet investment.

We primarily use hardwoods (oak, maple, ash) for demanding applications and softwoods (pine, spruce) for lighter-duty uses. Hardwood pallets are more durable and have higher load capacities but are heavier. Softwood pallets are lighter and more economical. We can recommend the best wood type based on your specific application and budget.

A combo pallet (sometimes called Grade B+) is a recycled pallet that has been repaired with new lumber in critical areas. It offers better quality than a standard B grade at a lower cost than new pallets. These are ideal for businesses wanting good appearance and reliability without the full cost of new pallets.

Pallet pricing varies based on grade, size, quantity, and current lumber market conditions. Recycled Grade C pallets typically start around $4-7 each, Grade B pallets range from $7-12, Grade A runs $10-15, and new pallets are $15-25+ depending on specifications. Volume discounts are available for orders of 100+ pallets. Contact us for a current quote tailored to your needs.

Yes, we offer significant tiered discounts for bulk orders. Discounts begin at 100 pallets and increase at 250, 500, 1,000, and truckload quantities (400-500 pallets per truck). For very large orders or ongoing contracts, we can negotiate custom pricing. The more you buy, the more you save.

We have no strict minimum order, though pricing is most competitive for quantities of 50+ pallets. We're happy to work with smaller orders for local businesses. For single-pallet needs, we recommend visiting our facility for will-call pickup to avoid delivery fees.

Yes, we offer Net 30 payment terms for qualified business accounts with approved credit. New customers typically start with prepayment or COD and can apply for credit terms after establishing a positive payment history. We accept checks, ACH transfers, and major credit cards.

You can request a quote through our online contact form, by emailing sales@indianapolispallets.com, or by calling us directly. Please include the pallet size, grade preference, quantity needed, delivery location, and timeline. We typically respond to quote requests within 2-4 business hours during normal business hours.

Our quoted prices typically include the pallets themselves. Additional fees may apply for delivery (based on distance and quantity), ISPM-15 heat treatment certification, custom manufacturing specifications, rush orders, or special handling requirements. We'll always disclose all fees upfront before you place an order.

Yes, pallet prices can fluctuate with lumber market conditions. We try to maintain stable pricing, but significant market changes may affect rates. For customers with ongoing needs, we offer contract pricing that locks in rates for 3-12 months, protecting you from market volatility.

Yes, we offer delivery throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana. We have our own fleet of flatbed trucks capable of delivering from a few dozen to several hundred pallets at a time. Delivery fees depend on location, quantity, and scheduling. For large orders (truckloads), delivery is often included in the price.

Standard orders from our in-stock inventory are typically ready within 24-48 hours. Same-day service is available for urgent needs at an additional fee. Custom manufactured pallets typically require 3-7 business days depending on quantity and specifications. We always communicate realistic timelines upfront.

We serve Indianapolis and all of Central Indiana including Marion, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Boone, Madison, Hancock, Morgan, and Shelby counties. Our primary service area includes Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Greenwood, Plainfield, Brownsburg, Avon, Franklin, and surrounding communities. We can arrange delivery outside this area for larger orders.

Yes! Will-call pickup is available at our Indianapolis facility during business hours. This is often the most economical option for smaller orders. Please call ahead to ensure your order is ready and to schedule a pickup time. We can load your vehicle with a forklift if you have an appropriate trailer or flatbed truck.

It depends on the quantity and how pallets are stacked. A standard 48" x 40" GMA pallet footprint allows approximately 22-24 pallets per layer. A pickup truck with an 8ft bed can hold about 12 nested pallets. A 16ft trailer holds about 100-120 pallets. For truckloads (400-500 pallets), a full-size semi-trailer is required.

Yes, we offer scheduled recurring delivery programs for customers with ongoing needs. You can set up weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly deliveries of specific quantities. This ensures you always have inventory on hand and often qualifies for additional volume discounts.

While we inspect all pallets before shipping, occasional damage during transit can occur. If pallets arrive damaged, please note it on the delivery receipt and contact us within 24 hours. We'll arrange replacement or credit for any transit-damaged pallets at no additional charge.

Yes! We actively buy used pallets of all types and conditions. We pay competitive prices based on pallet condition, size, type, and quantity. Even damaged pallets have value for repair or recycling. Contact us for a buyback quote and we can often arrange pickup for quantities of 100+ pallets.

Buyback prices vary based on condition and market demand. We typically pay $2-5 for repairable pallets, $4-8 for Grade B quality, and $6-12+ for Grade A quality. Prices are higher for specialty sizes or in-demand types. For accurate pricing, send photos or schedule an inspection.

Yes, we provide eco-friendly recycling for pallets that can't be repaired or reused. Broken pallets are processed into wood chips for mulch, animal bedding, landscaping, or biomass fuel. We can provide recycling certificates for environmental compliance documentation.

Absolutely. Our repair services can extend the life of your pallets at 40-60% of replacement cost. We replace broken boards, stringers, and blocks. For high-volume customers, we offer on-site repair services or can pick up, repair, and return your pallets.

We buy virtually all wood pallets including standard GMA pallets, block pallets, stringer pallets, hardwood and softwood pallets, and specialty sizes. We also purchase some plastic pallets depending on type and condition. We do not typically buy metal pallets or pallets with hazardous material contamination.

Yes, we offer pickup services for pallet buyback. For quantities of 100+ pallets within our service area, we provide free pickup. Smaller quantities or locations outside our primary area may incur a pickup fee. Schedule a pickup by contacting our buyback team.

Ideally, stack pallets neatly in an accessible location (forklift-accessible is best). Separate different sizes if possible. Remove any non-wood materials like metal bands or plastic wrap. We'll handle the rest. If you can't stack them, just let us know the situation and we'll work something out.

Yes, our manufacturing facility can produce custom pallets to virtually any specification. This includes non-standard sizes, specific deck patterns, load capacity requirements, special entry configurations, and branded/painted options. We work with you to design pallets that meet your exact operational needs.

Custom manufacturing typically requires a minimum order of 50-100 pallets to be cost-effective. However, for ongoing customers or unique applications, we may accommodate smaller quantities. The per-unit cost decreases significantly with larger orders as setup costs are distributed.

Custom pallet production typically takes 5-10 business days depending on quantity, complexity, and current production schedule. Rush orders may be accommodated for an additional fee. We recommend ordering 2-3 weeks in advance when possible to ensure timely delivery.

Yes, if you have an existing pallet design you want replicated, send us a sample or detailed specifications including dimensions, wood type, deck pattern, and any other requirements. We can match most designs and may even suggest improvements based on our manufacturing expertise.

Yes, we can add company logos, text, or identification markings to your pallets. Options include hot branding (burned into wood), stencil painting, or applied plates. Branding helps identify your pallets in shared pools and can deter theft.

Yes, all our custom-manufactured pallets can be heat treated to ISPM-15 standards at our certified facility. Heat treatment is included upon request and we apply the official IPPC/ISPM-15 stamp required for international shipping compliance.

Every pallet is visually inspected by trained personnel before sale. We check for structural integrity, deck board condition, stringer/block soundness, protruding nails, and overall safety. Pallets are sorted into grades based on condition, appearance, and repair status. Our quality control ensures you receive pallets that meet the grade specifications.

Yes, we offer food-grade pallets suitable for direct food contact or food-adjacent storage. These pallets are made from clean, kiln-dried lumber with no chemical treatments other than ISPM-15 heat treatment. We can provide documentation for food safety audits and compliance requirements.

Standard 48x40 GMA pallets typically support 2,500 lbs in dynamic (forklift) use and 2,800+ lbs in static (racking) use. Actual capacity varies by pallet design, wood type, and condition. We can recommend appropriate pallets based on your load requirements and provide engineering specifications for heavy-duty applications.

Standard wood pallets are untreated natural wood. ISPM-15 heat treated pallets are treated with heat only - no chemicals. We do not use methyl bromide fumigation. If you need documentation of treatment methods for compliance purposes, we can provide treatment certificates.

We are ISPM-15 certified for heat treatment, members of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA), and maintain compliance with OSHA workplace safety standards. Our quality management system follows industry best practices for pallet grading and inspection.

We maintain quality through standardized grading criteria, trained inspection staff, documented procedures, and regular quality audits. Every shipment is inspected before delivery. If any pallets don't meet specifications, we'll replace them at no charge.

Yes, we serve businesses of all sizes from small local operations to regional distribution centers. For large accounts, we offer dedicated account management, custom pricing agreements, scheduled delivery programs, inventory management, and priority service during high-demand periods.

Yes, we maintain comprehensive business insurance including general liability and workers compensation. We can provide certificates of insurance (COI) naming your company as additionally insured upon request. This is standard for vendor qualification processes.

Yes, we offer comprehensive pallet management services for high-volume users. This can include inventory tracking, automatic reordering, regular pickup of empties, repair services, and reporting. These programs help reduce your pallet costs and administrative burden.

Yes, many of our customers have seasonal peaks. We can discuss your annual forecasting needs and reserve inventory during your busy seasons. With advance notice, we can scale up supply to meet temporary increases in demand.

Yes, we maintain complete records of all transactions. Customers receive detailed invoices showing quantities, grades, pricing, and delivery information. We can provide order history reports for budgeting, auditing, or procurement analysis upon request.

Setting up an account is easy. Contact our sales team with your business information and we'll create an account profile. This allows us to track your preferences, order history, and enables credit terms after establishing payment history. There's no fee to open an account.

Wood pallets are one of the most sustainable packaging options. They're made from renewable resources, are fully recyclable and biodegradable, and can be repaired and reused many times. The pallet industry plants more trees than it harvests. At end of life, wood is recycled into useful products rather than going to landfills.

Pallets that are beyond repair are recycled into valuable secondary products. The wood is chipped and used for landscape mulch, animal bedding, wood pellet fuel, composite wood products, or biomass energy generation. Nothing goes to waste.

We source lumber from domestic suppliers who practice sustainable forestry. Much of our lumber comes from certified sustainable sources or from sawmill byproducts that would otherwise be waste. The pallet industry is a major recycler of lower-grade lumber.

Yes, we can provide recycling certificates, sustainability statements, and documentation of our environmental practices for your corporate sustainability reporting. We track recycling volumes and diversion rates to demonstrate environmental performance.

Quality recycled pallets (Grade A and B) are functionally equivalent to new pallets for most applications and cost 30-50% less. They've been inspected, repaired as needed, and meet the same structural standards. Choosing recycled pallets reduces environmental impact while saving money.