Frequently Asked Questions

For pickup orders, there is no minimum quantity - buy as few as you need, even just one or two pallets. For delivery, we require a minimum of 50 pallets to ensure cost-effective transportation. If you need fewer than 50 pallets delivered, consider pickup from our facility, or combine orders with others in your area. For very large orders (500+), we offer special pricing and can arrange multiple deliveries.

The most common size is 48x40 inches (GMA standard), which fits most warehouse racking systems and is suitable for general use. If you're shipping drums or round containers, consider 48x48 or 42x42 square pallets. For industry-specific needs like automotive (48x45) or dairy (40x40), specialized sizes are available. Check our Size Guide for detailed information, or contact us - our experts can recommend the best size based on your products, storage systems, and shipping requirements.

Yes, we offer delivery throughout Middle Tennessee with a minimum of 50 pallets. Same-day delivery is available in Nashville and surrounding areas for orders placed by noon. Next-day delivery is standard for most of Middle Tennessee. We can also arrange regular scheduled deliveries for recurring orders - many customers set up weekly or bi-weekly deliveries. Our fleet of 8 delivery trucks ensures reliable service.

Same-day pickup is always available for items in stock - no appointment needed during business hours. Same-day delivery is available in the Nashville metro area for orders placed by noon. Next-day delivery is standard for orders throughout Middle Tennessee. For large or specialty orders, typical lead time is 2-3 business days. If you have urgent needs, contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate.

We accept cash, company checks, and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). For established business customers with good credit history, we offer Net 30 payment terms. Large orders may require a deposit. Contact us to discuss payment options for your specific situation.

Yes! We automatically apply volume discounts to larger orders. Orders of 50-199 pallets receive approximately 5% off standard pricing. Orders of 200-499 pallets receive approximately 10% off. Orders of 500+ pallets receive our best pricing - typically 15% or more off standard rates. Exact discounts depend on pallet size and grade. Contact us with your requirements for a precise quote.

We stand behind our quality grading. If any pallets you receive don't match the grade you ordered, contact us within 48 hours and we'll replace them at no charge. For other return requests, please contact us to discuss - we handle returns on a case-by-case basis. We'd rather work with you to find the right pallets than have unsatisfied customers.

Absolutely! Many of our customers set up scheduled deliveries - weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly - based on their consumption. This ensures you always have pallets when you need them, eliminates last-minute ordering stress, and often qualifies for volume pricing. We can adjust quantities and frequencies as your needs change. Contact us to set up a recurring delivery schedule.

We buy pallets in ALL conditions - from excellent Grade A pallets to completely broken ones. Even damaged pallets have value because the wood can be recycled or used for repairs. We pay based on the condition: Grade A pallets command the highest prices, while damaged pallets are valued at recycling rates. Don't throw away pallets - they all have value! Contact us with details about quantity and condition for a quote.

Prices vary based on pallet size, condition, quantity, and current market rates. Grade A 48x40 GMA pallets typically command the highest prices. Grade B and C pallets receive lower but still fair prices. Damaged pallets are purchased at recycling rates. For exact pricing, contact us with details about your pallets - we'll provide a competitive quote. Prices are paid promptly - usually within 48 hours of pickup for established accounts.

Yes! We offer free pickup for sellers with a minimum of 50 pallets. For smaller quantities (under 50 pallets), you can drop them off at our facility during business hours. For very large quantities (500+ pallets), we may be able to provide priority pickup. Pickup scheduling is flexible - we'll work around your operations to minimize disruption.

It's simple: Contact us with details about your pallets (quantity, sizes, approximate condition). We'll provide a quote based on current market rates. If you accept, we'll schedule a pickup. Our team will count and assess the pallets on-site. Payment is processed promptly - typically within 48 hours via check or direct deposit for established accounts. We handle all the heavy lifting!

Yes! Many of our suppliers have us on a regular pickup schedule - weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly - depending on how quickly they accumulate pallets. This is the easiest approach for businesses that continuously receive palletized goods. We'll track your pickup history and can adjust frequency as needed. Regular suppliers often receive preferred pricing.

We buy all standard sizes including 48x40 GMA (most common), 48x48, 42x42, 48x42, 48x45, 40x40, 36x36, and others. Non-standard sizes are also accepted, though pricing may vary. If you have mixed sizes, that's fine - we'll sort and price them accordingly. The 48x40 GMA size typically commands the best prices due to high demand.

Yes! We buy pallets in any condition, including broken and damaged ones. Damaged pallets are either repaired for resale (if economically viable) or recycled into mulch, biomass fuel, or animal bedding. Nothing goes to landfill. While damaged pallets command lower prices than good-condition pallets, they still have value. Don't throw them away - sell them to us!

We can repair virtually all types of pallet damage including: broken or cracked deck boards, split or damaged stringers, loose or missing nails, broken corner sections, warped or bowed boards, and general structural issues. Our technicians assess each pallet and replace components as needed using quality materials. Some pallets are too damaged to repair economically - in those cases, we'll recycle them and provide replacement pallets at a discount.

Standard turnaround for repair jobs is 24-48 hours for most quantities. For larger volumes (500+ pallets), turnaround time depends on the extent of damage and our current workload - we'll provide an estimated timeline with your quote. For urgent needs, we offer rush repair service at an additional cost. Most businesses find repair much faster than sourcing new pallets.

Repair costs depend on the type and extent of damage. Simple repairs (single board replacement) start at just a few dollars per pallet. More extensive repairs involving multiple boards or stringer work cost more. In general, repair costs are 30-50% less than buying equivalent new pallets. We provide detailed quotes after assessing your pallets - no surprises.

Often yes! Repair typically costs 30-50% less than buying new pallets of equivalent quality. It's also more environmentally sustainable. Repair makes sense when: your pallets need relatively minor fixes, you need specific sizes that are hard to source, or you have pallets with company logos or markings you want to keep. For heavily damaged pallets, buying used may be more economical - we'll advise honestly.

Yes! We offer complete pickup, repair, and delivery service. We'll pick up your damaged pallets, repair them at our facility, and deliver them back to you - good as new (or better!). This is popular with businesses that don't have space to store pallets waiting for repair. Minimum quantities apply for pickup/delivery - contact us for details.

Yes. We can repair pallets and then heat treat them to meet ISPM 15 requirements for international shipping. If you need repaired pallets to meet specific standards or specifications, let us know when requesting a quote and we'll ensure compliance. All heat-treated pallets receive proper IPPC/ISPM 15 stamps.

We use quality lumber that matches the original pallet construction - hardwood or softwood depending on the pallet type. All repair materials meet or exceed original specifications for strength and durability. We use proper fasteners (spiral nails or screw nails) for secure, long-lasting repairs. The goal is pallets that perform as well as they did when new.

We maintain 100% zero-waste operations. Recycled pallet wood is transformed into useful products including: landscape mulch (colored and natural), biomass fuel for industrial boilers, animal bedding for farms and stables, particle board and wood fiber products, and wood chips for playgrounds and gardens. Nothing goes to landfill - every piece of wood is put to productive use.

Yes! For businesses that need documentation for sustainability reporting or compliance purposes, we can provide certificates documenting the quantity of pallets recycled and their end use. This is helpful for companies with environmental reporting requirements, LEED certification, or corporate sustainability initiatives.

Generally no - we provide free recycling pickup for quantities of 50+ pallets. For smaller quantities, you can drop off pallets at our facility at no charge during business hours. In fact, for better-condition pallets that can be refurbished, we may pay you. Recycling is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we want to make it easy for businesses to participate.

We recycle all types of wooden pallets including: standard softwood and hardwood pallets, painted or stained pallets, pallets with staples or nails (we remove metal), broken or damaged pallets beyond repair, old or weathered pallets, and odd-sized or non-standard pallets. We cannot recycle plastic pallets, metal pallets, or pallets contaminated with hazardous materials.

Pallet recycling provides significant environmental benefits: diverts wood waste from landfills (where it would generate methane), reduces demand for virgin timber (saving trees), creates useful products from waste materials, reduces carbon footprint compared to manufacturing new products, and supports a circular economy. By recycling with us, you're making a positive environmental impact.

Yes. During the recycling process, all identifying marks, logos, labels, and stickers are destroyed. Your proprietary information remains confidential. If you have concerns about branded pallets, discuss them with us - we can ensure complete destruction of any identifying elements.

ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is an international standard requiring wood packaging materials to be heat treated or fumigated to prevent the spread of pests across international borders. Most countries require ISPM 15 compliant pallets for imported goods. The treatment involves heating pallet wood to a core temperature of 56°C (133°F) for at least 30 minutes to kill any insects or larvae.

Nearly all countries require ISPM 15 compliance for imported wood packaging, including: all European Union countries, Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and most others. The United States requires ISPM 15 for incoming shipments but not for domestic transport. If you're shipping internationally, assume you need ISPM 15 compliance unless you verify otherwise with your destination country.

Yes. All our heat-treated pallets bear the official IPPC/ISPM 15 stamp, which includes our treatment facility code. This stamp is the internationally recognized proof of treatment. We can also provide certificates of treatment for your records, customs documentation, or customer requirements. Documentation is included at no additional charge.

Yes! We can heat treat pallets you already own to make them export-ready. Bring your pallets to our facility or arrange pickup, and we'll process them through our heat treatment chamber. Each pallet receives the official ISPM 15 stamp upon completion. Typical turnaround is 2-3 business days. This is cost-effective if you have good-condition pallets that just need certification.

Heat treatment pricing depends on quantity and pallet size. Treatment is typically charged as an add-on to the pallet price or as a per-pallet fee for customer-owned pallets. Volume discounts apply for larger quantities. Contact us with your requirements for exact pricing. The cost is generally modest compared to the value of avoiding customs issues or shipment rejection.

Both methods are acceptable under ISPM 15, but heat treatment (HT) is more common and environmentally friendly. Heat treatment uses no chemicals - just heat - to kill pests. Fumigation uses methyl bromide, which is being phased out due to environmental concerns. All our ISPM 15 pallets are heat treated, not fumigated. Heat treatment leaves no chemical residue and is safe for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Look for the official IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) stamp, which includes: the IPPC logo (wheat symbol), country code (US for United States), producer/treatment provider number, and treatment code (HT for heat treatment or MB for methyl bromide). The stamp must be legible and present on at least two opposite sides of the pallet. If you can't find the stamp or it's illegible, the pallet may not pass customs inspection.

Shipping internationally without proper ISPM 15 certification can result in: shipment rejection at the border, costly delays and storage fees, required treatment or fumigation at destination (at your expense), destruction of the pallets (and possibly cargo), fines or penalties, and damage to your business reputation. It's simply not worth the risk - always use certified pallets for international shipments.

Yes! We provide delivery service throughout Middle Tennessee using our fleet of 8 trucks. Delivery requires a minimum of 50 pallets. Same-day delivery is available in Nashville and surrounding areas for orders placed by noon. Next-day delivery is standard for most of Middle Tennessee. We can deliver by forklift to ground level or directly to your dock.

Delivery pricing is based on distance from our La Vergne facility and quantity of pallets. Local Nashville deliveries are very affordable. For specific pricing, include delivery in your quote request and we'll provide exact costs. For large or recurring orders, delivery is often included or discounted. Pickup from our facility is always free.

We regularly deliver throughout Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Brentwood, Smyrna, La Vergne, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Gallatin, Mount Juliet, Clarksville, Columbia, Spring Hill, and surrounding areas. For locations outside this region, contact us - we may be able to accommodate or suggest alternatives.

Yes, we can deliver to residential addresses, though most of our deliveries are to commercial locations. For residential deliveries, please ensure we have adequate access (our trucks are large) and someone available to accept delivery. Forklift delivery to ground level is included; you'll need to move pallets from there.

Yes! Free pickup is available for quantities of 50+ pallets within our service area. We'll schedule a pickup time that works for your operation. For smaller quantities, you can drop off at our facility during business hours. Regular sellers can set up scheduled recurring pickups - weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

We understand supply chain emergencies happen. For urgent needs, contact us as early as possible. Same-day pickup is always available for in-stock items. Same-day delivery may be possible in the Nashville area depending on truck availability and order size. We'll do our best to help - urgent orders are prioritized.

We're open Saturday mornings (8 AM - 12 PM) and can accommodate some Saturday deliveries. We're closed Sundays. For time-sensitive needs, we can sometimes arrange special Saturday deliveries - contact us to discuss. Most businesses find our Monday-Friday delivery schedule sufficient when combined with adequate inventory planning.

Yes! We can manufacture pallets to virtually any specification. Common custom requests include non-standard dimensions, extra-heavy-duty construction, specific deck board configurations, international sizes (Euro pallets, etc.), specialty designs for unique products, and pallets for custom racking systems. Provide us with your requirements and we'll quote the project.

Minimum orders for custom pallets depend on how different they are from our standard inventory. For minor modifications to standard sizes, minimums are low - sometimes as few as 25 pallets. For completely custom designs requiring special tooling, minimums may be higher. Contact us with your specifications and we'll advise on minimum quantities and pricing.

Lead time for custom pallets varies based on complexity and quantity. Simple modifications may add just a few days to standard delivery times. Completely custom designs with special requirements may take 1-2 weeks. Rush production is sometimes available at additional cost. We'll provide expected delivery dates with your quote.

Yes! All custom pallets can be heat treated to meet ISPM 15 requirements for international shipping. If you need export-ready custom pallets, just specify this in your request. Heat treatment is performed after pallet construction and adds a small amount to lead time.

We can build custom pallets from various wood species including Southern Yellow Pine (our standard), oak and hardwoods for heavy-duty applications, spruce/pine/fir combinations, and other species by request. Wood selection affects both strength characteristics and cost. Our team can recommend the best species for your application.

Getting a quote is easy! Fill out our online contact form with your requirements, email us at info@nashville-pallets.com, or stop by our facility. Include information about: pallet size(s) needed, quantity, grade preference (A, B, or C), delivery or pickup, and timeline. We respond to quote requests within 24 hours - often same day.

Standard quoted prices are for pickup from our La Vergne facility. Delivery can be added for an additional fee based on distance and quantity. For large recurring orders, delivery is often included or heavily discounted. When requesting a quote, specify whether you need delivery and we'll include pricing.

Yes! For established business customers with good credit history, we offer Net 30 payment terms. New customers typically start with COD or credit card payment, then can apply for credit terms after establishing a relationship. Contact us to discuss credit options for your business.

We strive to offer competitive prices from the start. That said, we're flexible - especially for large orders, long-term commitments, or customers facing genuine budget constraints. If you've received a lower quote from a competitor for equivalent quality, let us know and we'll do our best to match or beat it. We'd rather earn your business than lose it on price.

We accept: cash, company checks, all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), ACH/bank transfer for established accounts, and Net 30 terms for qualified businesses. For large orders, we may request a deposit. Payment is due upon delivery unless you have established credit terms.

Every pallet goes through a multi-point inspection before sale. We check: structural integrity (no broken stringers, secure joints), deck board condition (no cracks, splits, or missing boards), nail/fastener security (no protrusions), cleanliness (no significant contamination), and grade accuracy (matches the grade designation). Pallets that don't pass inspection are repaired, downgraded, or recycled.

We stand behind our quality grading 100%. If any pallets you receive don't match the grade you ordered, contact us within 48 hours. We'll replace non-conforming pallets at no charge. We take quality seriously - our reputation depends on delivering what we promise.

Grade A pallets are suitable for food applications - they're clean with no contamination. For food-grade applications, we recommend new pallets or premium used Grade A. Heat-treated pallets provide additional safety for export of food products. If you have specific food safety requirements (FDA, FSMA, etc.), discuss them with us and we'll ensure compliance.

Yes, though ratings vary by size and construction. Standard 48x40 GMA pallets typically support: 4,600 lbs dynamic load (during forklift handling), 2,500-3,000 lbs racking load (supported at ends only), and 5,000+ lbs static load (resting on floor). Actual capacity depends on pallet condition and construction. For heavy loads, consider Grade A pallets or heavy-duty custom construction.

We maintain several important certifications and memberships: ISPM 15 heat treatment certification for international shipping, National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) membership, Tennessee Green certification for sustainable practices, and Better Business Bureau A+ rating. These certifications ensure you're working with a professional, reputable supplier.