You might be surprised to learn that used pallets can be recycled and reused in a number of different ways. Not only are they an inexpensive way to obtain material for your next project, but used pallets can also hold the key to helping your business run smoothly. There are many reasons to choose used pallets, but don’t underestimate the importance of finding a reputable supplier.
Finding high-quality, usable pallets
You’ll need a dependable supplier for high-quality pallets in a typical size with a track record you can count on. It’s all about finding attractive, clean, and undamaged pallets at a fair price. Your unique applications may need certain features like heat-treated or fumigated wood, and you’ll need to find a supplier that can provide those options.
If you’re trying to save a few bucks by scouring pallets from behind your local businesses, you might want to think again. Some firms demand a deposit on pallets and may charge you if they are not returned. So, while it may seem like those pallets are up for grabs, it’s best to check with the store before taking any.
There are several things to consider when choosing a pallet supplier, such as footprint, condition and material. You need a reputable, reliable supplier who can provide the right pallets for your needs. With so many variables to consider, it’s important to find a supplier you can trust to provide the right products for your business. See below for a more detailed breakdown of the variables to consider when choosing a pallet supplier.
Things to Look For
It’s important to source only the best pallets for your shipping needs from Verde Trader. Unfortunately, not all pallets on the market are created equal. Some are damaged, unclean, or unsafe. This is especially true for pallets that have been used to transport a wide variety of products. They might be covered with hazardous substances or putrid sludge.
You don’t want to bring in something that might possibly carry pesticides from a shipment of chemicals or reek like fish, for example.
Stay away from wooden pallets that are damp, greasy, or have any other unidentified debris on them. Keep away from pallets with protruding nails, splinters, or any other sharp objects that could damage your product or injure an employee.
You should always use the best quality and most robust pallets available, even if you believe you’ll be able to repair them. Plastic or metal pallets are a safer and more reliable option.
Lightweight plastic pallets are ideal for most shipping requirements and can endure harsh chemicals. Aluminum or steel welded metal pallets are suitable for food processing and pharmaceutical use.
Wooden pallets for sale
Greenhouse pallets are often treated with pesticides or other chemicals to protect the plants inside. These chemicals can seep into the wood of the pallets, making them unsuitable for reuse. Pallets that have carried pollutants like gasoline, oil, or grease might be hazardous. It’s important to inspect greenhouse pallets before using them to make sure they’re clean and safe. If you’re not sure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and choose a different material.
Look for stamps or other markings that might give you an indication of what was last carried on the pallet. If there are no stamps or markings, avoid using the pallet. It’s best to be safe than sorry when it comes to chemicals and bacteria. The main thing to keep in mind when using a pallet is that you don’t want to use one that has been used to transport something toxic or dangerous.
Understanding stamps on pallets
Few people realize that the wood used to make pallets must be treated before it can be shipped. In Canada and the United States, regulations require pallet manufacturers to treat the wood with chemicals or heat. This is done to prevent disease and pests from traveling across borders and wreaking havoc on ecosystems. However, only if it was constructed after 2005 does treated wood acquire a stamp and appear darker in color.
Pallets that have been treated with heat or chemicals have a stamp that indicates they are safe to use for food shipping. Pallets with an icon of a wheat stalk means it was used for carrying food.
The letters HT or MB on the stamp indicate that the pallet was either heat treated or treated with methyl bromide. Regardless of the treatment method used, the process ensures that insects and larvae are killed and any chemical or food residue that may remain from prior use are eliminated. After being properly treated, the pallet can be reused multiple times to ship food products safely.
Pallets that have been heat treated are lighter, as the wood has less moisture. This lowers your freight costs while assuring that your goods are safe from cross-contamination and can travel across borders without restriction.
Pallets made of plastic or metal do not require special treatment before being exported across borders.
