#1
Grade A — Premium
Near-new, single size, no visible repairs or with only minor board replacement. Clean, structurally full-strength.
Best for: Automated lines, customer-facing freight, consistent programs.
Grade standards
Pallet grades, plainly explained.
In short: A pallet grade describes condition and consistency, not a weaker product. #1 is near-new and automation-friendly; #2 is repaired but fully serviceable; combo loads blend the two for value; economy and cores serve one-way and repair uses.
Use the cards below to match grade to your load, your automation and your budget.
#2
Grade B — Standard
Repaired and fully serviceable. May show plugged boards, companion stringers, or replaced deck boards. Full working strength.
Best for: General domestic freight and cost-sensitive shipping.
Combo
Combo Load
A blend of #1 and #2 pallets to hit an aggressive price point while staying fully serviceable.
Best for: High-volume, low-risk shipping where mixed condition is acceptable.
#3
Grade C — Economy
Structurally sound but heavier wear; may include companion stringers and multiple repairs. One-way or short-loop use.
Best for: One-way shipments and internal movement.
Cores
Cores / Repairable
Damaged pallets destined for repair. Sold to recyclers or fed into remanufacturing lines rather than end use.
Best for: Repair, reboard and remanufacturing feedstock.
How to choose the right grade
Ask one question: what does a pallet failure cost on this lane? High-stakes freight — automated lines, customer-facing shipments, racked storage — justifies #1's consistency and clean fasteners. Low-stakes movement — internal, one-way, low-value — is a job for #2, economy or combo, where paying for near-new condition is simply waste.
The single most expensive habit in procurement is over-speccing: shipping one-way freight on #1 pallets that a customer will scrap on arrival. Grade to the trip, not to reflex.
Grade quick-guide
- Automated warehouse? #1 — machines hate inconsistency.
- General domestic freight? #2 — the value sweet spot.
- High volume, cost-driven? Combo — #2 reliability at a blended price.
- One-way or internal? #3 economy — don't overpay.
- Running a repair line? Cores — repairable feedstock by the load.
Want a grade sheet with photos?
We'll send current inventory by grade so you can see exactly what you're buying before you commit.
Grade is condition, not weakness
A #2 pallet does the same job — it just wears its history.
Every grade is inspected, repaired where needed and sorted to a consistent standard. The number reflects appearance, fastener condition and repair count, not whether the pallet can carry your load.
That is why grading to the trip saves money: reserve near-new #1 for automation and customer-facing freight, and let dependable #2 and combo loads handle the everyday lanes.
Sorted & gradedGrades FAQ
Common questions on pallet grades.
How grades are assigned, what separates a #1 from a #2 and when a combo load is the smart buy.
What is the difference between a #1 and a #2 grade pallet?
A #1 grade 48×40 pallet is structurally sound with no more than one or two replaced or repaired boards and a clean, uniform appearance suitable for automated handling and retail programs. A #2 grade has been repaired more heavily, may show cosmetic wear, and is fine for general warehouse and one-way shipping use. We inspect and sort every incoming pallet so the grade you order is the grade you receive.
Do your pallets meet ISPM-15 requirements for export?
We supply ISPM-15 compliant pallets that are heat-treated and stamped with the IPPC mark and our registered facility code, which is required for wood packaging shipped internationally. Heat treatment raises the wood core to 56°C for at least 30 minutes to eliminate pests. Let us know your destination country and we will confirm the correct treatment and marking before shipping.
What is ISPM-15 and why does it matter?
ISPM-15 is the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, a global rule governing solid-wood packaging used in international trade. It requires wood to be heat-treated or fumigated and marked with the IPPC wheat stamp so it does not carry invasive pests across borders. Non-compliant pallets can be refused, quarantined, or destroyed at the border at the shipper's expense.
Are your recycled pallets safe for food and pharmaceutical use?
We can supply cleaned, well-graded pallets suitable for many food-adjacent warehousing uses, and we recommend heat-treated units over chemically treated ones for these applications. For direct food-contact or pharmaceutical programs with strict requirements, a new or dedicated pallet is usually the safest choice. Tell us your standard and we will match the right product.
Do you offer heat-treated pallets for domestic use, not just export?
Yes. Some domestic customers prefer heat-treated pallets because heat treatment kills insects and mold without chemicals, which suits food-adjacent and moisture-sensitive storage. Heat-treated units carry the IPPC stamp and cost a bit more than untreated recycled pallets. If you want the treatment for domestic use only, just note that so we mark and document it correctly.
Grades glossary
The grading terms, defined.
#1, #2, combo, economy, cores and the inspection language that sits behind each — so a grade sheet reads clearly.
White Wood
Generic non-pooled pallets bought, sold, and traded on the open market.
White wood pallets are unbranded, non-rental pallets, mostly recycled GMA units, that trade freely rather than belonging to a managed pool. They are the mainstay of the recycled-pallet business and are priced by grade and size. The term distinguishes them from proprietary colored pool pallets that must be returned to their owner.
GMA #1 Grade
A premium recycled pallet with all boards intact and no repairs visible.
A GMA #1 pallet is a used 48×40 stringer pallet with no broken or missing lead boards, no plugged or companion stringers, and clean, uniform deck coverage. It looks and performs close to new and commands the highest recycled price. Buyers choose #1 for retail-facing loads, food, and situations where appearance matters.
GMA #2 Grade
A serviceable recycled pallet that has been repaired at least once.
A GMA #2 pallet is structurally sound but shows repairs such as companion stringers, replaced deck boards, or plugs. It carries loads reliably at a lower price than a #1 and is the workhorse of most warehouse operations. Grading rules limit how many repairs and how much deck damage a #2 may have before it drops out.
Grade B / #3 Pallet
A heavily repaired or lower-quality pallet sold at a discount.
A #3 or B-grade pallet has multiple repairs, mixed board conditions, or minor structural weaknesses that keep it out of higher grades. It still moves goods for light or one-way applications where appearance and long life are not required. Beyond #3, pallets are usually dismantled for lumber recovery or ground into mulch.