Frequently Asked Questions

We sell both used and new pallets in various grades (A, B, C) and sizes. Our inventory includes standard 48"x40" GMA pallets, 42"x42" drum pallets, 48"x48" square pallets, and custom sizes. We maintain over 100,000 pallets in stock at our Columbus headquarters.

Grade A pallets are in like-new condition with no repairs, perfect for retail and export. Grade B pallets have minor repairs but maintain full functionality - ideal for warehousing and shipping. Grade C pallets have multiple repairs and are best for one-time use or internal operations. Each grade undergoes our 12-point inspection process.

Yes, we manufacture and source brand new pallets. New pallets are available in standard GMA specifications and custom dimensions up to 72"x72". All new pallets can be heat-treated (ISPM-15 certified) for international shipping compliance. Lead time is typically 5-7 business days for custom orders.

We serve all of Ohio from our 6 strategic locations in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo, and Akron. We also deliver to neighboring states including Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Same-day delivery available within 50 miles of any location.

Columbus Pallets was founded in 2009 and has been serving Ohio businesses for over 15 years. We've grown from a small operation to one of the largest pallet suppliers in the state, now serving over 500 active customers and processing over 1 million pallets annually.

Yes, we offer food-grade pallets that meet FDA requirements. These pallets are inspected for cleanliness, free of chemical contamination, and can be heat-treated to eliminate pests. Many of our food & beverage customers require Grade A or new pallets for their operations.

There is no minimum order - we can supply 1 pallet or 10,000+ pallets. However, orders of 20+ pallets qualify for better pricing, and orders of 100+ pallets receive our best volume discounts. Even small orders can be delivered or picked up from any of our locations.

Same-day delivery is available for orders placed before noon within our primary service areas (50-mile radius of any location). Standard delivery is 1-2 business days for most Ohio locations. Rush delivery can be arranged for urgent needs - call us for availability.

Absolutely! We offer tiered pricing: 5% off for 100+ pallets, 10% off for 500+ pallets, and 15% off for 1,000+ pallets. High-volume customers with ongoing needs can negotiate even better rates. Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your requirements.

Yes! Self-pickup is available at all 6 of our locations during business hours (Mon-Fri 7AM-5PM, Sat 8AM-12PM). Please call ahead to ensure inventory availability and allow us to prepare your order. Self-pickup customers receive an additional 5% discount.

Absolutely. We encourage customers to visit our facilities and inspect our inventory. Our grading is consistent and transparent, but we understand the importance of seeing the product firsthand. Schedule a visit and our team will walk you through our inventory.

Yes, we offer pallet rental and exchange programs for customers with recurring needs. This can be more cost-effective for businesses that return pallets regularly. Our rental program includes delivery, pickup, and maintenance services.

Contact us with details about your pallets - quantity, condition, size, and location. We'll provide a quote within 24 hours. If accepted, we'll schedule a pickup at your convenience. For large quantities (500+), we can provide same-day pickup in most cases.

We buy pallets in ALL conditions - from pristine Grade A to broken pallets suitable only for recycling. Every pallet has value. We assess each load and pay fair market prices based on condition. Even badly damaged pallets can be recycled for mulch or biomass.

Payment is processed within 3-5 business days of pickup for standard transactions. Established accounts can receive same-day or next-day payment. We pay via check, direct deposit (ACH), or company check based on your preference.

For free pickup, we require a minimum of 50 pallets. Smaller quantities can be delivered to any of our locations - we'll still pay you fair value. For ongoing pallet accumulation, we can set up scheduled weekly or monthly pickups.

We evaluate pallets based on size, condition, type (stringer vs block), and current market conditions. Standard 48x40 Grade A pallets typically fetch the highest prices. We provide transparent pricing and can explain our assessment for any load.

Yes! Our core exchange program is popular with manufacturers and distributors. For every pallet you return to us, we can deliver a replacement at a reduced rate. This creates a sustainable loop and reduces your overall pallet costs.

Yes, we offer comprehensive repair services. On-site repair is available for large quantities - our technicians come to your facility with mobile repair equipment. Off-site repair at our facilities is more cost-effective for smaller quantities. Repair costs are typically 40-60% less than buying new.

Our zero-landfill recycling program processes pallets that can't be repaired. Wood is separated by grade: clean wood becomes animal bedding and landscaping mulch, painted/treated wood becomes biomass fuel for energy generation. Metal fasteners are recycled separately. We provide recycling certificates for environmental compliance.

Our comprehensive pallet management includes: regular delivery scheduling, automated reorder systems, on-site inventory management, return/exchange programs, and detailed reporting. We become an extension of your supply chain team, ensuring you never run out of pallets.

We specialize in high-volume accounts. Our largest customers receive 5,000+ pallets weekly. We maintain dedicated inventory, provide assigned account managers, and offer flexible scheduling. Contract pricing is available for consistent monthly volumes.

Yes, our Columbus and Cleveland facilities are ISPM-15 certified for heat treatment. Heat-treated pallets are required for international shipping to prevent pest transmission. We can treat new or used pallets and provide official IPPC stamps and certificates.

Absolutely. Our manufacturing team can build pallets to your exact specifications - any size up to 72"x72", various load capacities (standard, heavy-duty, extra-heavy), different wood types (hardwood, softwood, combination), and special features like runners, blocks, or composite materials.

Pricing factors include: pallet grade and condition, size (standard vs custom), quantity ordered, delivery requirements, and current lumber market conditions. We aim for transparency - our quotes break down all costs. Market prices fluctuate seasonally, with summer typically being peak demand.

Delivery is included for orders over $500 within our primary service areas. Smaller orders or deliveries outside normal areas incur a delivery fee ($50-$150 depending on distance). Self-pickup always saves on delivery costs and includes an additional discount.

We accept: cash, company checks, certified checks, all major credit cards (3% processing fee), ACH direct payment, and wire transfers. Business accounts with approved credit can be set up with Net 15, Net 30, or Net 45 terms.

First-time customers ordering over $1,000 may be asked for a 50% deposit. Established customers with good payment history have open terms. Custom manufacturing orders require 50% deposit with balance due on delivery. No deposits required for orders under $500.

Never. Our quotes include all costs - pallets, delivery (if applicable), and any applicable taxes. We don't charge fuel surcharges, environmental fees, or administrative fees. The price we quote is the price you pay.

We strive to offer the best value, not just the lowest price. If you receive a lower quote from a competitor for comparable quality pallets, let us know. We'll do our best to match or beat it while maintaining our quality standards.

Standard GMA pallets support 2,500 lbs dynamically (while being moved) and 2,800 lbs statically (on the floor). Heavy-duty pallets can handle 3,500+ lbs. We can provide pallets rated for specific load requirements - just let us know your needs.

Stringer pallets have two or three parallel boards supporting the deck - they're the most common type. Block pallets have blocks at corners and center, allowing 4-way forklift entry. Block pallets are stronger but cost more. We stock both types.

A quality Grade A pallet can last 3-5 years with proper handling in a closed-loop system. In one-way shipping, expect 5-10 trips. Grade B pallets last 1-3 years. Factors affecting lifespan include load weight, handling equipment, storage conditions, and weather exposure.

Standard wood pallets can be used outdoors but will degrade faster from moisture and UV exposure. For outdoor storage, we recommend treated wood pallets or can apply weather-resistant coatings. Plastic pallets are also available for permanent outdoor applications.

Most of our pallets use a mix of hardwood (oak, maple) for deck boards and softwood (pine, fir) for stringers. This provides optimal strength and cost efficiency. We can source all-hardwood pallets for heavy-duty applications or specific requirements.