Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we actively purchase used pallets in virtually any condition, from like-new to broken or dismantled. We offer competitive market rates and free pickup for qualifying volumes of 50 pallets or more anywhere in the Bay Area. Email info@oaklandpallets.com with approximate quantities and photos for a same-day quote.

We do. Broken pallets still have significant value because the individual boards and fasteners can be recovered and reused in repairs. The price we pay depends on the size and wood type, but even heavily damaged pallets have value as raw material. There is no condition too poor for us to consider.

Simply contact us with your location, the estimated pallet count, and any access requirements such as dock hours or gate codes. We schedule a pickup at your convenience, typically within two to three business days, and our crew handles all the loading. You receive payment promptly after the load is verified at our yard.

Yes, our ongoing recycling program provides regular scheduled pickups so used pallets never pile up at your facility. We track volumes and provide monthly sustainability reports showing how many pallets were diverted from landfill. Many of our clients use these reports for their corporate environmental and ESG disclosures.

Nothing goes to waste at our facility. Wood from irreparable pallets is processed into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel, while metal fasteners are sent to steel recyclers. Our overall material recovery rate exceeds 97%, meaning virtually no pallet material ends up in a landfill.

Yes, pallet repair is one of our core services. We can pick up your damaged pallets, restore them to your required specification, and return them at a fraction of the cost of buying new ones. Most repair jobs are completed and returned within three to five business days.

ISPM-15 is an international standard that requires wood packaging materials used in export to be heat-treated to 56 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes in order to eliminate pests. We operate a certified on-site heat treatment chamber and stamp every treated pallet with the official IPPC/HT mark. Standard turnaround is two to three business days, with rush service available for time-sensitive shipments.

We manufacture custom pallets in any dimension, wood species, and configuration, including two-way, four-way, block, stringer, and specialty designs. The process starts with a consultation to understand your load requirements, followed by a prototype for your approval. Once signed off, we can produce ongoing volumes to your exact specification.

We operate our own fleet of flatbed trucks for reliable delivery across the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Standard delivery covers a 50-mile radius from Oakland, with extended service to Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, and other Central Valley cities. We also offer recurring scheduled deliveries for customers with regular pallet needs.

For high-volume facilities, we can station a team at your location to sort, inspect, repair, and manage pallets on-site. This eliminates the need to ship pallets back and forth and keeps your operations running smoothly with a steady supply of ready-to-use pallets. Contact us to discuss whether on-site management makes sense for your volume.

Wood pallets are the industry standard, offering excellent strength-to-cost ratio, easy repairability, and broad compatibility with warehouse equipment. Plastic pallets are lighter, impervious to moisture and pests, and ideal for clean-room, pharmaceutical, and food environments where sanitation is critical. We carry both types and can help you choose the best fit for your application.

Grade A pallets are in like-new condition with minimal cosmetic wear and no structural repairs. Grade B pallets are fully functional with minor cosmetic imperfections such as scuffing or slight discoloration and represent the best balance of quality and value. Grade C pallets show more visible wear and may have repaired boards, making them ideal for one-way shipments or budget-conscious applications.

The GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet measures 48 by 40 inches and is the most widely used pallet size in North America, accounting for roughly 30% of all pallets produced. Its dimensions are optimized to fit standard truck trailers, warehouse racking, and retail store layouts. We keep thousands of GMA pallets in stock at all times across every grade.

We carry pallets that meet FDA and FSMA requirements for food contact applications, including Grade A wood pallets and our hygienic plastic pallet line. Heat-treated pallets with the IPPC/HT stamp are also approved for food-grade export shipments. If your supply chain requires specific certifications or documentation, we can provide compliance paperwork with your order.

Hardwood pallets, typically made from oak or maple, are heavier and more durable, making them a strong choice for heavy loads and long-term reuse. Softwood pallets, usually made from pine or spruce, are lighter and more affordable, making them popular for standard shipping and one-way applications. We stock both and can advise on which material best suits your weight and budget requirements.

Pricing depends on several factors: pallet size, grade, material type, volume ordered, and whether you need any special treatment such as heat treatment or custom builds. We provide transparent, itemized quotes with no hidden fees so you know exactly what you are paying for. Email info@oaklandpallets.com with your requirements for a detailed quote.

We accept credit cards, checks, ACH bank transfers, and wire payments. Approved business accounts are eligible for Net 30 payment terms after completing a simple credit application. New customers can apply for credit terms after completing their first paid order.

Standard orders ship within two to three business days for Bay Area delivery addresses. Rush delivery with 24-hour turnaround is available for an additional fee when you need pallets fast. For ongoing accounts, we can set up recurring delivery schedules so inventory arrives automatically on the days you need it.

Our primary service area covers the entire San Francisco Bay Area within a 50-mile radius of our Oakland facility, including San Jose, San Francisco, Fremont, and Hayward. We also make regular runs to Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, and the broader Central Valley region. For locations outside these zones, email info@oaklandpallets.com and we will work out logistics.

Getting started is simple. Email info@oaklandpallets.com with your company name, estimated monthly volume, and the pallet sizes you need, and our team will set up your account within one business day. Business accounts receive priority scheduling, volume pricing, and access to Net 30 terms once approved.