Frequently Asked Questions

We serve the entire West Coast region, including California, Nevada, Oregon, and Arizona. Our primary hub is located at 2622 Wigwam Dr, Stockton, CA 95205, in the heart of the Central Valley. We regularly run delivery and pickup routes throughout the Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley, Bay Area, and greater Southern California. For large orders, we can arrange delivery to locations outside our standard service area, including interstate shipments to neighboring states.

We carry a comprehensive inventory of wood pallets (our primary product), as well as plastic pallets and metal pallets in a wide range of sizes. Our wood pallets come in Grades A, B, and C, covering everything from premium export-quality units to economical one-way shipping pallets. We stock standard 48x40 GMA pallets along with many specialty sizes including 42x42, 48x48, 36x36, 48x45, 44x44, 40x40, and custom dimensions. We also carry heat-treated (HT) pallets for international shipping and food-grade applications.

Stockton Pallet Co. has been serving the California pallet market for over a decade. Our team brings decades of combined experience in pallet recycling, logistics, and sustainable supply chain management. We have built lasting relationships with hundreds of businesses across multiple industries, from agriculture and food processing to manufacturing, retail, and pharmaceutical distribution. Our deep roots in the Central Valley community give us unmatched knowledge of regional logistics needs.

We serve virtually every industry that uses pallets for shipping, storage, or distribution. Our largest customer segments include agriculture and food processing (a major sector in the Central Valley), general manufacturing, retail distribution, pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics, beverage and dairy, automotive parts, chemical and hazardous materials, construction materials, and e-commerce fulfillment. Each industry has unique pallet requirements, and our team is experienced in matching the right pallet type, grade, and treatment to each application.

Absolutely. We welcome facility tours by appointment at our location at 2622 Wigwam Dr, Stockton, CA 95205. During a tour, you will see our full operation including the inspection and sorting area, repair stations, heat treatment kilns, recycling processing, and finished pallet inventory. Tours typically take 30 to 45 minutes and give you a firsthand look at the quality standards and processes behind every pallet we sell. Contact us at info@stocktonpallet.com to schedule a visit.

Our standard minimum order for delivery is one partial truckload, which typically starts at around 50 pallets depending on the size. However, we can accommodate smaller quantities for customer pickup at our Stockton facility. For full truckload orders of 400 to 800 pallets, we offer our best per-unit pricing and free delivery within our standard service area. We work with businesses of all sizes, from small local operations to large national distribution centers, so do not hesitate to reach out regardless of your volume needs.

We use a three-tier grading system that is consistent with national pallet industry standards. Grade A pallets are in like-new condition with minimal cosmetic wear, no broken boards, and tight fasteners. They are suitable for export, clean environments, and retail display. Grade B pallets are fully functional with light wear, may have minor repairs or slight cosmetic blemishes, and are ideal for general warehouse use and shipping. Grade C pallets show visible wear and may have repaired boards but remain structurally sound, making them perfect for one-way shipping or temporary storage. Every pallet passes our multi-point quality inspection regardless of grade.

Absolutely. We offer ISPM-15 certified heat-treated pallets for international shipping, food-grade applications, and any situation where pest-free wood is required. Our on-site kilns heat wood to the required core temperature of 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 minutes, killing all insects, larvae, and pathogens. Each treated pallet receives the official ISPM-15 stamp with our certification number. We maintain full chain-of-custody documentation for compliance audits and can provide certificates of treatment for your records.

Standard sizes in common grades are usually available for next-day or same-week delivery from our Stockton warehouse. We maintain deep inventory of 48x40 GMA pallets in all three grades at all times. Specialty sizes, large volume orders exceeding 1,000 units, or heat-treated pallets may require 3 to 7 business days of lead time. We recommend placing orders at least one week in advance for the best availability and pricing. Rush orders can often be accommodated for an additional fee, and we will always communicate realistic timelines upfront.

Yes, mixed orders are common and we are happy to accommodate them. Many of our customers need different pallet sizes for different product lines, or a mix of Grade A pallets for retail shipments and Grade C pallets for internal warehouse use. We can load mixed orders on a single truck to save on delivery costs. Simply provide us with a breakdown of sizes, grades, and quantities, and we will put together a detailed quote. We can also set up standing mixed orders for recurring deliveries.

Yes, we supply pallets that meet the stringent requirements of food and pharmaceutical logistics. For food-grade applications, we provide heat-treated wood pallets that comply with FDA and USDA guidelines, as well as plastic pallets that are washable, non-porous, and resistant to moisture and bacteria. For pharmaceutical use, we offer clean-room compatible pallets with documentation proving treatment and handling chain of custody. All food and pharma pallets undergo additional inspection for cleanliness, chemical contamination, and structural integrity before shipping.

New pallets are manufactured from virgin lumber and have never been used. They carry the highest price point but offer pristine condition and maximum load capacity. Recycled pallets have been previously used, inspected, and either resold as-is or repaired to meet grade standards. The key advantage of recycled pallets is cost savings (typically 40-60% less than new) and environmental benefit (each recycled pallet saves approximately 3.5 board feet of lumber and avoids 28.9 kg of CO2 emissions). For most applications, a Grade A recycled pallet is functionally equivalent to a new pallet at a fraction of the cost.

Yes. Buying used pallets is a core part of our business and one of the main ways we support the circular economy. We purchase pallets from warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturers, retailers, agricultural operations, and any business that accumulates surplus pallets. We buy all standard sizes and most specialty sizes in any condition, from like-new to heavily damaged. Even broken pallets have value to us since we can repair or recycle the components. Selling your used pallets turns waste into revenue and keeps reusable materials out of the landfill.

Pricing depends on several factors: pallet size and type, condition and grade, quantity available, your location relative to our pickup routes, and current market demand. Standard 48x40 pallets in good condition command the highest prices. We provide free on-site assessments for quantities exceeding 100 pallets. You can also request a preliminary quote by emailing photos and a description of your pallets to info@stocktonpallet.com. We pride ourselves on offering fair, transparent pricing and can typically provide a quote within 24 hours of assessment.

Yes, we offer free pickup for quantities that fill a partial or full truckload, which is generally 100 or more standard pallets. For smaller quantities, we can coordinate pickup during our regular route schedules in your area to minimize costs. In many cases, we can also provide ongoing scheduled pickups if your business generates pallets regularly, keeping your loading dock clear and providing a steady revenue stream. We service the entire Central Valley and greater California on a weekly route schedule.

We accept pallets in virtually any condition. Grade A and B pallets in good shape are purchased for resale and command the best prices. Pallets with minor damage (broken boards, loose nails) are purchased at a lower rate and repaired by our technicians. Even pallets that are completely broken or dismantled have value as raw material for our recycling operations. The only pallets we cannot accept are those contaminated with hazardous chemicals, those that have been treated with prohibited substances, or pallets made from prohibited wood species. When in doubt, ask us.

For standard pickup requests within our Central Valley service area, we can typically schedule a pickup within 2 to 3 business days. If your location is on one of our regular routes, we may be able to accommodate same-week or even next-day pickup. For urgent cleanout situations where you need pallets removed quickly (such as warehouse moves or tenant vacating), we offer priority pickup service. Contact us at info@stocktonpallet.com with your location, approximate quantity, and preferred timing, and we will provide a pickup date.

Nothing goes to waste at Stockton Pallet Co. Pallets that are beyond repair are broken down and the wood is processed into several useful secondary products. Clean wood is ground into landscape mulch, animal bedding, or compost material. Other wood becomes biomass fuel for renewable energy generation. Nails and metal fasteners are separated using magnetic extraction systems and sent to scrap metal recyclers. Even sawdust from our repair operations is collected and repurposed. We maintain a 99% material recycling rate across all incoming materials, meaning virtually nothing ends up in a landfill.

Pallet recycling provides substantial and measurable environmental benefits across multiple dimensions. Every recycled pallet saves approximately 3.5 board feet of lumber, reducing pressure on forests and the ecosystems they support. Recycling avoids the 28.9 kg of CO2 emissions that manufacturing a new pallet from virgin lumber produces. It diverts bulky wood waste from landfills, where it would decompose anaerobically and release methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than CO2. It also reduces the energy consumption, water usage, and transportation emissions associated with harvesting, transporting, and processing virgin timber.

We maintain a 99% material recycling rate, which means that 99% of all materials that enter our facility are either resold, repaired, or recycled into secondary products. Only a tiny fraction of contaminated or non-recyclable material is disposed of, and even that is handled through proper waste management channels. This rate is independently tracked through our internal material flow accounting system. We process over 25,000 pallets per month at our Stockton facility, and each one is accounted for from intake to final disposition.

Yes, we provide environmental impact documentation for customers who need it for corporate sustainability reporting, ESG disclosures, or environmental management system (EMS) certifications. We can provide statements documenting the number of pallets recycled on your behalf, the estimated CO2 savings, trees saved, and landfill diversion achieved. This data is calculated using industry-standard conversion factors from the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) and the EPA. Contact info@stocktonpallet.com to request your environmental impact summary.

We can accept most pallets regardless of condition, but we do require disclosure of any known contamination. Pallets that have been exposed to hazardous chemicals, pesticides, petroleum products, or biological contaminants require special handling and may not be suitable for all recycling streams. We evaluate contaminated pallets on a case-by-case basis. If we cannot safely process them, we will advise you on proper disposal channels. Pallets that have been used in clean environments such as food distribution, retail, or general manufacturing are always accepted without concern.

We are an active member of the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) and follow their Pallet Design System (PDS) standards. Our facility is ISPM-15 certified for heat treatment of wood packaging materials. We comply with California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations for wood processing operations. Our sustainability practices align with the principles of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), though we primarily work with recycled rather than virgin materials. We also participate in CalRecycle reporting programs for wood waste diversion.

Yes. We operate our own fleet of trucks and offer direct delivery to your facility throughout California and neighboring states. Deliveries are scheduled to fit your receiving hours, and our drivers are trained to unload pallets wherever you need them on your property, whether that is a loading dock, a warehouse floor, or an outdoor staging area. For recurring orders, we can set up automatic delivery schedules so you never run short. Our dispatchers work with you to find the most efficient delivery windows.

We use a diverse fleet including flatbed trucks, enclosed trailers, and full-size tractor-trailers depending on the order size and your site requirements. Flatbeds are ideal for easy forklift access from the side and are preferred for most pallet deliveries. For large volume orders, we use 53-foot trailers that can carry between 600 and 800 standard 48x40 pallets. We also have smaller box trucks for tight urban delivery locations or smaller orders. Our fleet is maintained to current emission standards, and we are actively transitioning to more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Absolutely, and this is one of our most popular and cost-effective services. We call it our swap program. We deliver your fresh pallets and pick up your used or surplus pallets in the same visit. This saves you money on transportation costs, reduces the number of truck trips (lowering emissions), and simplifies your logistics coordination. Many of our regular customers use this model on a weekly or biweekly basis. The swap program is available throughout our standard delivery area at no additional cost beyond the normal pickup and delivery fees.

Our primary delivery area covers the entire Central Valley from Sacramento to Bakersfield, the San Francisco Bay Area, the greater Los Angeles region, and all major corridors in between. We also regularly deliver to Nevada (Reno, Las Vegas), Oregon (Southern Oregon, Portland metro), and Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson). For destinations outside these areas, we can arrange delivery through our network of freight partners. Delivery fees vary by distance and order size. Contact us for a delivery quote to your specific location.

The number of pallets per truck depends on the pallet size and stacking configuration. For standard 48x40 pallets, a 53-foot trailer can hold approximately 600 to 800 pallets when stacked efficiently. A standard flatbed truck carries roughly 400 to 500 pallets. For 42x42 or 48x48 pallets, capacity is slightly lower. We optimize every load to maximize the number of pallets per trip, which reduces your per-unit delivery cost and our environmental impact. Our logistics team can provide exact load counts for any pallet size and truck type combination.

Yes, custom pallet fabrication is one of our specialties. If standard sizes do not fit your product or packaging configuration, we can design and build pallets to your exact specifications. We handle custom dimensions, non-standard deck board configurations, reinforced designs for heavy loads, specialized entry points, and unique material requirements. Our custom pallets start with a consultation where we review your product dimensions, weight, shipping method, and handling requirements. We then produce detailed specifications and a quote before manufacturing begins. Typical lead time for custom orders is 5 to 10 business days.

Yes, we offer comprehensive pallet management programs for businesses that want to outsource the complexity of pallet logistics. Our managed programs include scheduled delivery of fresh pallets, regular pickup of used pallets, on-site inventory tracking, quality reporting, and environmental impact documentation. We work with you to forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and ensure you always have the right pallets on hand without overstocking. Managed programs are popular with distribution centers, food processors, and manufacturing plants that use pallets at high volume.

Yes, we offer custom marking and branding services including stenciling, hot branding, and ink stamping. Custom marks can include your company name, logo, return address, lot numbers, or any identifier you need for tracking and inventory management. Many customers use custom marks to track pallet pools, identify property for return, or meet internal quality control requirements. Heat branding is the most durable option and will not wear off during normal use. We can also apply color coding or painted markings for visual sorting in your warehouse.

Yes. If you are not sure what pallet configuration best suits your product and logistics chain, our team can help. We offer complimentary pallet design consultations where we assess your product weight and dimensions, shipping and storage requirements, handling equipment, regulatory needs, and budget. Based on this assessment, we recommend the optimal pallet size, construction type (stringer vs. block), grade, deck board configuration, and treatment. We can also provide load testing data and specification drawings for your engineering or procurement team to review.

Absolutely. Seasonal demand fluctuations are common in many industries we serve, particularly agriculture, food processing, and retail. We maintain strategic inventory reserves to accommodate peak season surges and work with our customers to forecast demand months in advance. During the Central Valley harvest season, for example, our agricultural customers often need two to three times their normal pallet volume. We plan for these peaks by building inventory in advance and adjusting our production schedules accordingly. Contact us early in your planning cycle so we can ensure availability.

Every pallet that enters our facility goes through a rigorous multi-point inspection process. Trained technicians check structural integrity, board condition, fastener security, dimensional accuracy, and cleanliness. Pallets are then graded according to our standardized criteria using visual indicators and physical testing. Repaired pallets undergo a second full inspection before being cleared for sale. We use calibrated measurement tools to verify dimensions and load-test samples from each batch. We stand behind our quality with a satisfaction guarantee on every order, and our quality control procedures are documented and auditable.

Yes, and this is an area where quality is absolutely critical. We offer food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade pallets that meet the strictest industry hygiene and safety standards. These pallets are heat-treated to ISPM-15 specifications, which eliminates biological contaminants including insects, mold spores, and bacteria. For the most demanding applications, we also carry plastic pallets that are washable, non-porous, and resistant to moisture and bacterial growth. We can provide documentation for your quality audits, HACCP plans, FDA inspections, and GMP compliance reviews.

We stand behind the quality of every pallet we sell. If any pallet does not meet the grade specifications stated at the time of purchase, we will replace it at no charge. For recurring customers, we offer formal quality agreements that define inspection criteria, acceptable defect rates, and replacement procedures. Our goal is to be a partner you can rely on without second-guessing, and our track record of customer retention reflects our commitment to consistent quality. If you ever have a quality concern, email info@stocktonpallet.com and we will resolve it within 24 hours.

ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is a global regulation developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) that governs the treatment of wood packaging materials used in international trade. Its purpose is to prevent the spread of invasive wood-boring pests across borders. If you are shipping any goods internationally on wood pallets or in wood crates, ISPM-15 compliance is almost certainly required. The standard mandates that wood be heat-treated to 56 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes and stamped with the IPPC mark. Non-compliance can result in shipments being refused, quarantined, or returned at your expense.

We take quality complaints seriously and have a structured resolution process. When a complaint is received, we assign it to a quality manager who contacts you within four hours to gather details and photos if needed. We then investigate the root cause, which may involve reviewing our inspection records, speaking with the production team, or visiting your site. Resolution options include replacement of defective pallets at no charge, credit toward your next order, or a revised quality specification to prevent recurrence. We track all complaints in our quality management system and use them to drive continuous improvement in our processes.

Pallet pricing depends on several variables: the type and size of pallet (48x40 GMA pallets are the most competitively priced), the grade (A, B, or C), whether heat treatment is required, the order quantity (volume discounts apply), and the delivery distance from our Stockton facility. Recycled pallets are generally 40-60% less expensive than new pallets of equivalent size and grade. We provide detailed, itemized quotes so you can see exactly how your price is calculated. Market conditions can also affect pricing, as lumber costs and supply availability fluctuate seasonally. Contact us for a current quote.

Yes, volume discounts are a standard part of our pricing structure. Per-unit pricing decreases as order quantity increases, with the most significant discounts available at full truckload quantities (typically 400 to 800 pallets depending on size). We also offer annual contract pricing for customers who commit to regular monthly or quarterly orders, which locks in a favorable rate regardless of market fluctuations. For very high-volume customers using more than 5,000 pallets per month, we can negotiate custom pricing programs that factor in dedicated inventory, priority production, and guaranteed delivery schedules.

We accept checks, ACH bank transfers, wire transfers, and all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). For established business customers, we offer net-30 payment terms upon credit approval. New customers typically start with prepayment or COD terms and can transition to net-30 after establishing a positive payment history with us. We also offer prepaid account programs where customers deposit funds and draw down against their balance, which can simplify accounting for businesses with frequent orders.

Delivery pricing depends on the order size and destination distance. For full truckload orders within our standard Central Valley service area (roughly Stockton to Sacramento to Fresno), delivery is often included in the pallet price at no additional charge. Partial truckload deliveries and deliveries to locations outside our primary zone carry a separate delivery fee that is quoted at the time of your order. We always disclose delivery charges upfront so there are no surprises on your invoice. For customers who prefer to pick up at our facility, there is no delivery charge.

Absolutely. We encourage businesses to request quotes so they can compare options and make informed purchasing decisions. Quotes are provided free of charge with no obligation to buy. You can request a quote by emailing info@stocktonpallet.com with your desired pallet size, grade, quantity, and delivery location. We typically respond within 24 hours with a detailed quote including per-unit pricing, delivery costs, and estimated lead time. Quotes remain valid for 14 days unless market conditions change significantly. We are happy to quote multiple configurations so you can evaluate different options.

For very large orders or customers establishing ongoing pallet management programs, we can discuss customized payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Options may include extended payment terms (net-45 or net-60), staggered payment schedules tied to delivery milestones, or monthly billing for managed programs. These arrangements require a credit review and a signed agreement, but we work to find terms that align with your cash flow and procurement cycle. Contact us at info@stocktonpallet.com to discuss your specific situation.