Forget the idea that wooden pallets are just another expense. Many businesses still see them as disposable platforms bought from the cheapest supplier, often without much thought. But in reality, every pallet plays a direct role in keeping your shipments secure, your products safe, and your supply chain running smoothly.
A single cracked pallet can delay an entire shipment, disrupt warehouse flow, and increase handling costs. Poor-quality pallets can even cause product damage, frustrated customers, and unnecessary replacements. On the other hand, choosing the right pallets affects how inventory is stored, how quickly orders are fulfilled, and how confidently your company can ship both nationally and internationally.
Today, the challenge for many businesses is making the right decision every time—understanding factors like durability, load capacity, pallet grade, and export standards. When companies strike the right balance, they protect their products, avoid disruptions, and maintain efficient operations that support long-term growth.
B&G Wooden Pallets Keep Shipments Moving
Some say wooden pallets are outdated and that plastic pallets are the future. But the reality is different—nearly 90% of companies still choose wooden pallets, and there’s a clear reason why.
Wood offers the perfect balance for shipping and storage. It’s strong, lightweight, cost-effective. This strength-to-weight ratio is ideal for stacking, racking, and handling in fast-paced environments where safety and stability matter.
Plastic pallets, while durable, have one major drawback: once they crack under heavy load, they’re useless. A damaged plastic pallet must be discarded, forcing businesses to buy a brand new pallet at full cost. Wooden pallets, on the other hand, can be repaired, re-graded, and reused many times—giving businesses more value for their investment.
This repairability is one of the main reasons wooden pallets dominate the market. They can be customized for different industries, support multiple transport methods, and remain dependable in warehouses, trailers, and export shipments. Wood is also a renewable resource, making wooden pallets an environmentally responsible choice. At the end of their lifecycle, they can be recycled into mulch, biofuel, or other wood products—keeping waste to a minimum.
Export Safety: Why ISPM 15 Is Your Global Access Pass
When shipping internationally, the rules change instantly. Every country has strict regulations to prevent pests and diseases from spreading through wooden packaging. That’s where ISPM 15 comes in.
ISPM 15 is a global phytosanitary standard recognized by more than 180 countries. It requires all wooden pallets used in international shipping to be heat-treated to a minimum core temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) for at least 30 minutes. This treatment eliminates insects and pathogens, ensuring the pallet is safe for overseas transportation.
Once a pallet meets the standard, it receives the official IPPC ISPM-15 stamp, which includes:
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IPPC Logo – Verifies the pallet meets global plant protection standards.
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Country Code – Identifies where the pallet originated.
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Certification Number – Shows the facility that performed the heat treatment.
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HT (Heat Treated) – Confirms the pallet was properly treated to eliminate pests.
Using non-compliant pallets is extremely risky. Customs authorities can reject, quarantine, or destroy the entire shipment—leading to massive financial losses, delays, and frustrated customers. Meeting ISPM 15 standards protects exports and strengthens your return on investment by ensuring smooth international operations.
Pallet Grade: Picking the Right Fit for Your Business
Not every pallet suits every job. Some are perfect for high-speed warehouses, while others work best for basic storage or one-way shipments. Understanding pallet grades helps businesses select the right option for performance and cost efficiency.
The two most common wooden pallet grades are:
Grade A Pallets
Grade A pallets are the highest quality option. They have little to no repairs, are structurally sturdy, and offer a clean, uniform appearance. These pallets are best for:
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Food, pharmaceutical, and sensitive goods
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Automated systems and tight warehouse operations
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High-volume shipping environments
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International export requiring ISPM 15 compliance
Because they provide consistency and strength, Grade A pallets reduce product damage and improve handling efficiency.
Grade B Pallets
Grade B pallets are more budget-friendly. They may have visible repairs—like replaced boards or patched stringers—but remain structurally sound for many applications. These are ideal for:
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Internal warehouse use
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One-way or single shipments
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Non-sensitive goods
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Businesses looking for affordable, reliable options
Grade B pallets help reduce operating costs without compromising safety for everyday tasks.
Choosing the right grade helps companies avoid overpaying for tasks that don’t require premium pallets and prevents costly issues caused by using the wrong pallet for heavy or sensitive loads. When you source the right used wooden pallets for sale, you get durability, performance, and value—without overspending.
Wrapping Up
Delayed shipments, damaged products, and operational bottlenecks cost far more than the price of a pallet. Every pallet in your workflow is a small investment that impacts your entire supply chain. How you choose, maintain, and source your pallets determines how much value they return.
At B&G, businesses can find wooden pallets for sale that match their unique needs—whether it’s for heavy-duty shipments, export requirements, or budget-friendly daily use. The right pallets make handling easier, ensure safe transportation, and help maximize space in warehouses and trucks. Over time, choosing high-quality wooden pallets customized to your operations keeps shipments consistent and transforms your supply chain into a strategic asset—strengthening your ROI with every shipment.
