Products / New Pallets
New Pallets, Built to Spec
When only new will do. Custom-built wooden pallets with heat treatment, ISPM-15 compliance, and precision dimensions for automated systems, export shipping, and demanding applications.
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When New Pallets Make Sense
We recommend used or recycled pallets for most applications. But there are scenarios where new is the right call — and sometimes the only option.
Export & International Shipping
International shipments governed by ISPM-15 regulations require pallets that have been heat-treated or fumigated and carry the appropriate stamp. New heat-treated pallets are the most reliable way to meet these requirements and avoid costly rejections at port.
Automated Handling Systems
Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) have tight dimensional tolerances. A pallet that is even slightly warped, oversized, or undersized can jam conveyors and cause costly downtime. New pallets built to precise specifications eliminate this risk.
Clean Room & Food-Grade Environments
Pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and cleanroom operations often require pallets with no history of contamination. New pallets made from kiln-dried lumber provide a verifiable chain of custody from sawmill to your facility.
Retail Display & Brand Presentation
Products displayed on pallets at retail — especially in club stores like Costco and Sam's Club — benefit from the clean, uniform appearance of new pallets. Consistent color and no cosmetic blemishes support your brand image.
Heavy or Specialized Loads
Loads exceeding 2,500 lbs or with unusual weight distribution may require engineered pallets with specific lumber grades, board thicknesses, or fastener patterns. New construction allows us to design for your exact load profile.
Long-Term Captive Pool
If you are building an internal pool of pallets that will cycle through your own supply chain for years, investing in new pallets provides the longest service life and highest number of trips before repair or replacement.
Build Specifications
Every new pallet we build starts with a conversation about your application. We select the lumber grade, board thickness, stringer size, and fastener type to match your load requirements, handling equipment, and storage conditions.
Our standard lumber is Southern Yellow Pine (SYP), the most widely used species in pallet manufacturing due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and nail-holding capacity. Hardwood options — including oak, maple, and mixed hardwood — are available for applications that demand higher stiffness or impact resistance.
Ring-shank nails are our default fastener. The helical ridges provide 40% more withdrawal resistance than smooth-shank nails, which means boards stay tighter for more trips. For pallets used in racking or automated systems, we offer screwed construction for maximum joint integrity.
| Specification | Options |
|---|---|
| Lumber Grade | SYP #2 or better, Hardwood upon request |
| Board Thickness | 5/8", 3/4", 1" (nominal) |
| Stringer Size | 2×4, 3×4, 4×4 standard; custom available |
| Fasteners | Ring-shank nails, spiral nails, or screws |
| Treatment Options | Heat-treated (HT56), kiln-dried (KD), untreated |
| Certifications | ISPM-15 stamp, NWPCA member, custom branding |
| Standard Sizes | 48×40, 42×42, 48×48, 40×48, and all GMA sizes |
| Custom Sizes | Any dimension from 24" to 72" in length or width |
| Lead Time | Standard sizes: 3–5 business days. Custom: 5–10 business days |
| Minimum Order | 50 pallets for standard sizes, 100 for custom |
Compliance
Heat Treatment & ISPM-15
International shipping on wooden pallets requires phytosanitary compliance. We operate a certified heat treatment facility and stamp every eligible pallet.
What is heat treatment?
Heat treatment (HT) is the process of raising the core temperature of the pallet wood to 56°C (132.8°F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. This kills insects, larvae, and pathogens that could be transported across international borders via wood packaging material.
What is ISPM-15?
ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is the international treaty governing wood packaging material in international trade. It requires that all solid wood packaging be either heat-treated or fumigated with methyl bromide, and marked with a certified stamp.
Do I need heat-treated pallets?
If your pallets are crossing international borders — including between the US and Canada — you almost certainly need ISPM-15 compliant heat-treated pallets. Domestic shipments do not require HT, but some customers request it for food safety or sanitation reasons.
How do I verify compliance?
Every heat-treated pallet we produce carries a permanent HT stamp with our IPPC-registered facility code. The stamp is visible on the stringer and includes the country code, producer number, and HT designation. We can provide certificates of treatment for your records.
New vs. Used — Honest Guidance
We sell all three — new, used, and recycled — so we have no incentive to steer you toward the more expensive option. Our recommendation is always based on your application.
Choose New When:
- - Shipping internationally and need ISPM-15 compliance
- - Running automated conveyors or AS/RS that require tight dimensional tolerances
- - Operating in food, pharma, or cleanroom environments
- - Building a captive pallet pool for long-term use
- - Presenting products in retail environments where appearance matters
Choose Used/Recycled When:
- - Shipping domestically with no ISPM-15 requirements
- - Using standard forklifts and pallet jacks for manual handling
- - Prioritizing lowest per-unit cost without sacrificing structural integrity
- - Supporting sustainability and circular economy goals
- - Using pallets for one-way shipment or short-term storage
New Pallet Cost Context
New pallet pricing depends on lumber grade, dimensions, treatment, and current timber market conditions. Here are representative ranges for a standard 48×40 stringer pallet:
Prices are per pallet for truckload quantities and vary with market conditions. Contact us for a firm quote based on your specifications.
Get Exact PricingMaterial Selection
Wood Species Options
The wood species you choose affects strength, weight, cost, and nail-holding capacity. We build with three primary options, each suited to different applications and budgets.
Southern Yellow Pine (SYP)
Most PopularThe dominant species in American pallet manufacturing. SYP grows abundantly across the southeastern United States and offers the best combination of structural strength, nail-holding power, and affordability. It accepts heat treatment easily and is the standard choice for ISPM-15 compliant export pallets. SYP is a softwood, which makes it lighter than hardwoods while still delivering reliable load capacity for most applications. We source #2 and Better grade SYP from regional sawmills within 200 miles of our Portsmouth, VA facility.
Oak
Heavy DutyOak delivers maximum strength and impact resistance. As a dense hardwood, oak pallets weigh 30–40% more than SYP equivalents but offer superior resistance to splitting, crushing, and point-load damage. Oak is the preferred species for heavy loads exceeding 2,500 lbs, racking applications where stiffness matters, and environments where pallets endure repeated impact from forklifts and heavy machinery. The trade-off is cost and weight — oak pallets are significantly heavier to ship and more expensive to produce.
Hardwood Blend
Best ValueOur hardwood blend combines regional hardwood species — typically maple, poplar, ash, and birch — to deliver a balance of strength, cost, and availability. Blend pallets are stronger and stiffer than pure SYP at a lower cost than pure oak. They are an excellent middle-ground choice for applications that need more durability than softwood but do not justify the premium of 100% oak construction. Hardwood blend pallets are popular with automotive suppliers, chemical manufacturers, and heavy industrial operations.
Fastener Engineering
Fastener Options for New Pallets
The fastener you choose has a direct impact on pallet longevity, joint strength, and suitability for automated handling systems. We offer three options, each with distinct advantages.
Spiral Nails
StandardSpiral nails are the most common fastener in pallet manufacturing. The helical twist along the nail shaft provides significantly better grip than smooth nails while keeping production costs low. For standard domestic shipping pallets that will cycle 10–15 times, spiral nails deliver excellent performance at the best price point.
Advantages
- 20% more withdrawal resistance than smooth-shank nails
- Fast installation with pneumatic nail guns
- Lower material cost than ring-shank or screws
- Well-suited for standard shipping and warehousing
Trade-Offs
- Less holding power than ring-shank nails
- Can work loose under heavy vibration over many cycles
- Not ideal for racking or automated conveyor applications
Ring-Shank Nails
RecommendedRing-shank nails are our default recommendation for new pallet construction. The raised rings along the shaft create a mechanical lock with the wood fibers, dramatically reducing the chance of boards pulling away from stringers during handling. Ring-shank nails are the standard choice for pallet recyclers, 3PLs, and any operation where pallets endure repeated forklift impact.
Advantages
- 40% more withdrawal resistance than smooth-shank nails
- Superior board retention over extended pallet life
- Excellent for pallets used in racking systems
- Industry standard for premium and recycled pallets
Trade-Offs
- Slightly higher material cost than spiral nails
- Harder to remove during pallet recycling (a feature, not a bug)
- Marginally slower installation than spiral nails
Screws
PremiumScrewed construction provides the most durable pallet joints available. Screws resist withdrawal forces better than any nail type and will not work loose under vibration, making them the only choice for automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), heavy-duty racking, and pallets carrying high-value products where a loose board could mean thousands in damage.
Advantages
- Highest withdrawal resistance of any fastener option
- Zero loosening under vibration or repeated impact
- Best choice for automated systems with tight tolerances
- Pallets can be disassembled and reassembled for repair
Trade-Offs
- Highest material and labor cost (2–3x vs. nails)
- Slower installation time increases production lead time
- Only justified for high-value or precision applications
Custom Engineering
Design Customization Options
Beyond size and species, we offer a range of design modifications that optimize your pallets for specific handling equipment, storage systems, and product requirements.
Notched Stringers
Notches cut into the stringers allow four-way fork entry on a stringer-style pallet. Standard notching accommodates fork tine widths of 3.5–4 inches. We offer partial notching (standard) and full notching for applications that require entry from all four sides. Notch depth and spacing are customizable for non-standard forklifts and pallet jacks.
Chamfered Deck Boards
Chamfered (beveled) edges on the lead boards make it easier for pallet jacks and forklifts to slide under the pallet without catching. This is especially important for pallets used on smooth warehouse floors, in tight aisles, or with automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Chamfering adds a small production cost but significantly reduces handling damage and operator frustration.
Special Markings & Branding
Heat-branded logos, stenciled text, color-coded paint, and lot number stamps turn your pallet into a branded asset. Common uses include company logos on stringers for trade shows, color coding for internal routing (e.g., red for export, blue for domestic), and production lot numbers for traceability. We support single- and multi-color stenciling.
Wing Pallets (Overhang)
Wing pallets have deck boards that extend beyond the stringer edges, creating an overhang that supports loads wider than the stringer span. This design is common in the beverage industry where cases are stacked in a pattern that extends past the pallet edge. Overhang is typically 1–3 inches per side and is specified during the design process.
Block Construction
Block pallets use 9 or 12 wooden blocks instead of continuous stringers, providing true four-way fork entry without notching. Block construction is the European standard (EUR/EPAL) and is increasingly popular in the US for automated handling systems. Block pallets offer superior racking performance and more consistent dimensions compared to stringer designs.
Hardwood Runners & Reinforcement
For heavy-duty applications, we add hardwood runners underneath softwood pallets, reinforce stringers with steel plates, or use double-thick deck boards in high-stress areas. These modifications push load capacity beyond 5,000 lbs dynamic and are essential for steel, concrete, and heavy machinery shipments. All reinforcement options are engineered to your specific load profile.
From Quote to Delivery
Lead Times & Ordering Process
We have streamlined our new pallet ordering process so you can go from initial inquiry to pallets on your dock in as few as five business days for standard sizes. Here is what the timeline looks like.
Request a Quote
Submit your specifications via our contact form, phone, or email. Include dimensions, quantity, wood species preference, treatment requirements, and delivery location. Most quotes are returned within 4 business hours.
Quote Review & Approval
We provide a detailed quote with per-unit pricing, material specifications, treatment options, and delivery cost. Once approved, your order enters our production queue.
Production (Standard Sizes)
Standard 48×40 and other common sizes are produced within 3–5 business days. Our Portsmouth, VA facility maintains kiln-dried and green SYP lumber inventory for immediate production starts.
Production (Custom Sizes / HT)
Custom dimensions, heat treatment, and specialty lumber orders require 5–10 business days. Heat treatment adds 1–2 days to the timeline as pallets must reach 56°C core temperature for 30 minutes.
Quality Check & Delivery
Final inspection, ISPM-15 stamping (if applicable), and loading for delivery. We deliver with our own trucks within 150 miles of Portsmouth, VA. National shipments are arranged via trusted carrier partners.
Ordering Made Simple
Everything you need to know about placing a new pallet order, at a glance.
Decision Guide
When New Pallets Are the Right Choice
New pallets cost more per unit, so we only recommend them when the application genuinely requires it. Use this decision guide to determine whether your operation needs new construction or can benefit from used or recycled alternatives.
Choose New Pallets If...
- Your shipments cross international borders and require ISPM-15 heat treatment with certified stamps
- Your products are handled by automated conveyors or AS/RS systems with dimensional tolerances under 1/4 inch
- Your facility operates under FDA, USDA, or pharmaceutical clean-room regulations requiring chain-of-custody documentation
- Pallets are visible to end customers — retail displays, trade shows, or white-glove deliveries where brand image matters
- Your loads exceed 2,500 lbs and require engineered lumber grades, thicker boards, or specialty fasteners
- You are building a captive pool of pallets for internal use and need maximum trip life (15–20+ cycles)
- Your buyer or contract specifically requires new pallet construction with no exceptions
Consider Used or Recycled If...
- All shipments stay within the continental United States with no ISPM-15 requirements
- Pallets are handled by standard forklifts and pallet jacks without dimensional-critical systems
- Your primary goal is minimizing per-unit cost while maintaining safe load-bearing capacity
- Pallets are used for warehouse storage, domestic LTL, or interplant transfers where appearance is secondary
- Your company has sustainability or ESG reporting goals that benefit from reuse metrics
- Pallets are used for one-way shipments where the pallet will not be returned
- Your loads are under 2,500 lbs and fit standard 48×40 or other common size formats
Not sure which category your operation falls into? Talk to our team — we will evaluate your application and recommend the most cost-effective option that meets your requirements.
Certifications
Compliance & Certifications
Our new pallets meet the most demanding regulatory and industry standards. Whether you are shipping across borders or into regulated facilities, we provide the documentation and certifications you need.
ISPM-15 Heat Treatment
Every heat-treated pallet is processed in our IPPC-registered facility to reach a core temperature of 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes. Each pallet receives a permanent ISPM-15 stamp with our facility code, country designation, and HT mark — accepted at all international ports of entry.
NWPCA Membership
We are a member of the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association, the industry’s leading standards body. NWPCA membership means we follow uniform pallet design standards, grading practices, and heat treatment protocols that are recognized industry-wide.
Kiln-Dried Certification
For food, pharmaceutical, and clean-room applications, we offer kiln-dried pallets with moisture content verified below 19%. Kiln drying eliminates mold risk, reduces pallet weight, and provides a cleaner surface for sensitive environments.
USDA & FDA Compatibility
Our new pallets can be built to meet USDA food safety guidelines and FDA packaging requirements. We provide material traceability documentation, contamination-free processing records, and chain-of-custody certificates for regulated supply chains.
Custom Compliance Documentation
Many large buyers and government contracts require specific documentation packages — certificates of compliance, material test reports, and treatment records. We prepare custom documentation packages tailored to your buyer’s requirements.
Lot Traceability
Every production batch is assigned a unique lot number that tracks lumber source, treatment date, treatment temperature records, and production operator. This traceability is critical for regulated industries and provides a clear audit trail from raw material to delivered pallet.
Our Commitment
Warranty & Quality Promise
Every new pallet we build carries our structural warranty. If a pallet fails to perform to the rated load capacity under normal handling and storage conditions, we replace it at no cost. No questions, no delays.
Our quality promise extends beyond the pallet itself. We guarantee that every heat treatment stamp is valid and verifiable, every dimension is within specification, and every order is delivered complete and on time. When you invest in new pallets, you deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing your supplier stands behind every unit.
Structural Warranty
Full replacement for any pallet that fails structurally under rated load conditions within the first 5 trips. This covers stringer breaks, board failures, and fastener pull-out during normal forklift and pallet jack handling.
Treatment Guarantee
Every heat-treated pallet is backed by documented temperature records. If a customs authority questions the validity of our ISPM-15 stamp, we provide supporting documentation and replace affected pallets if needed.
On-Time Delivery Promise
We commit to the delivery date quoted at order approval. If we miss a promised delivery date due to an issue on our end, you receive a per-unit discount on the affected order.
Quality by the Numbers
Our production metrics reflect a commitment to precision and consistency across every new pallet we build.
Need New Pallets Built to Your Specs?
Share your dimensions, load requirements, and treatment needs. We will provide a detailed quote with material specifications, lead time, and delivery options.