Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh EcoPallet is a used pallet company based in Raleigh, NC. We buy, sell, repair, recycle, and transport pallets for businesses throughout the Raleigh-Durham area and across North Carolina. Our mission is to keep usable pallets out of landfills while providing businesses with affordable, quality-inspected used pallets that perform just as well as new ones.

Our facility is located in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. We are conveniently situated for businesses across the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) and provide delivery services throughout most of North Carolina. Our location is accessible for trucks of all sizes, from pickup trucks to full tractor-trailers.

We offer a comprehensive suite of pallet services: buying and selling used pallets (all grades and sizes), pallet repair and restoration, pallet recycling and take-back programs, pallet transport and logistics, custom pallet fabrication, ISPM-15 heat treatment for international shipping, and ongoing pallet management programs for businesses with recurring needs.

We carry used wood pallets in all standard sizes and grades, new wood pallets, plastic pallets, and custom-built pallets. Our most popular product is the used 48x40 GMA standard wood pallet, which accounts for the majority of our sales. We also stock Euro pallets, drum pallets (48x48), automotive pallets (48x45), and various other standard and industry-specific sizes.

Our primary service area covers the greater Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle area, including Wake, Durham, Orange, Johnston, Franklin, and Granville counties. We also deliver to most cities across North Carolina, including Greensboro, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Charlotte, and Asheville for larger orders. For very large orders, we can arrange delivery to neighboring states.

Raleigh EcoPallet was founded in 2018. Since then, we have grown from a small startup to one of the most trusted used pallet providers in the Triangle area, processing over 50,000 pallets annually and serving businesses of all sizes across North Carolina.

Three things differentiate us: First, every pallet we sell goes through a rigorous six-step inspection process and is assigned a transparent grade (A, B, or C) so you know exactly what you are getting. Second, our commitment to sustainability means we maintain a 95% material recovery rate — virtually nothing goes to landfill. Third, our customer service is personal and responsive — we treat every order with the same care whether it is 20 pallets or 20,000.

Yes, we welcome facility visits. You can see our inspection process, view our inventory, and meet the team. We recommend calling ahead to schedule a visit so we can have someone available to give you a tour and answer your questions. Facility tours are a great way to build confidence in our quality standards before placing your first order.

Grade A (Premium/Like New) pallets are in excellent condition with minimal wear, no broken boards, no repairs, and a clean appearance. They cost 60-75% of new pallet price. Grade B (Standard/Good) pallets show moderate wear, may have minor repairs, and have some cosmetic imperfections but are fully functional. They cost 40-55% of new pallet price. Grade C (Economy) pallets show significant wear with multiple repairs, heavy discoloration, and cosmetic damage, but remain structurally functional for basic use. They cost 20-35% of new pallet price. For a comprehensive breakdown, visit our Pallet Grading Guide.

Every pallet that enters our facility goes through a rigorous six-step inspection process: visual inspection for obvious defects, structural testing for load-bearing integrity, dimensional verification to ensure size accuracy, fastener check for protruding or loose nails, contamination screening for chemicals or mold, and final grade assignment. Only pallets that pass all inspection criteria receive a grade and enter our sales inventory. Pallets that do not meet even Grade C standards are directed to our recycling program. This ensures every pallet you purchase from us meets the stated quality level.

Yes, you can specify exactly which grade you want when placing your order. We stock Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C pallets separately, so your order will be fulfilled entirely from the grade you request. If you are unsure which grade is right for your application, our team can make recommendations based on your industry, use case, and budget. We are happy to send samples or photos of each grade so you know exactly what to expect.

We stock used pallets in all major standard sizes. Our most popular size is the 48x40 inch GMA/North American standard, which accounts for the majority of our sales. We also regularly carry 48x48 (drum pallets), 42x42 (telecom), 48x42, 48x45 (automotive), Euro pallets (800x1200mm), half pallets (24x40), and various other sizes. For a complete reference of all available sizes with dimensions in both inches and millimeters, visit our Pallet Size Guide.

Yes, we stock used Euro pallets (also known as EUR or EPAL pallets). These are the 800x1200mm (31.5 x 47.24 inch) block pallets standard throughout Europe. While they are less common in North America than the 48x40 GMA standard, we maintain inventory for businesses involved in European trade, export shipping, or operations that use European-standard racking systems. Availability may be more limited than GMA pallets, so we recommend ordering in advance for larger quantities.

Yes, in addition to our core used pallet business, we also sell new wood pallets and plastic pallets. New pallets are available for applications that specifically require them, such as certain pharmaceutical or food industry standards, export shipments requiring certified new-wood treatment, or customer-specific requirements. New pallets are available in all standard sizes and can be built to custom specifications.

Weight capacity depends on pallet size, construction type, and grade. A standard 48x40 GMA pallet in Grade A or B condition typically supports 2,500 lbs static (on the floor), 2,200 lbs dynamic (being moved by forklift), and 2,000 lbs in racking. Grade C pallets retain full static capacity but may have reduced dynamic and racking capacity. We always recommend discussing your load requirements with our team so we can recommend the appropriate grade. Visit our Size Guide for detailed capacity data for all sizes.

While used pallets by nature cannot carry the same warranty as new products, we stand behind our grading. Every pallet we sell has been inspected and graded according to our published standards. If you receive pallets that do not match the grade you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery and we will make it right — either by replacing the pallets or issuing a credit. Our reputation depends on delivering what we promise.

We provide delivery service throughout the greater Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area and across most of North Carolina. Our primary delivery zone covers Wake, Durham, Orange, Johnston, Franklin, Granville, and surrounding counties. We can also arrange delivery statewide and to neighboring states for larger orders. Delivery fees vary based on distance and order size. Local deliveries within the Raleigh metro area are often included free of charge for orders over a certain quantity.

For standard sizes and grades that we have in stock, we can typically deliver within 1 to 3 business days from order confirmation. Rush delivery (same day or next day) is available for most in-stock items at an additional charge. For non-standard sizes, custom pallets, or very large orders, lead times may be 3 to 7 business days. We always communicate expected delivery times clearly when you place your order.

Yes, customer pickup is welcome and is the most cost-effective option. Our facility is conveniently located in the Raleigh area and is accessible for trucks of all sizes. Pickup orders can be ready within 24 hours of order confirmation. Please call ahead to schedule your pickup time so we can have your order staged and ready for efficient loading.

Delivery fees depend on the order size and delivery distance. For local deliveries within the Raleigh metro area, delivery is often included free of charge for orders above a minimum quantity (typically 50+ pallets). For deliveries outside our primary zone, fees are calculated based on distance and load size. We always provide delivery cost information as part of your quote so there are no surprises. Customer pickup from our facility is always free.

Our fleet includes flatbed trucks and trailers suitable for pallet delivery. For smaller orders, we use trucks that can navigate tight loading docks and narrow driveways. For large orders, we use full-size trailers that can carry hundreds of pallets per load. When providing a quote, we consider your delivery location access to recommend the appropriate vehicle. If you have specific access restrictions (low clearance, narrow approach, etc.), let us know when ordering.

We schedule deliveries within morning (8am-12pm) or afternoon (12pm-5pm) windows for local orders. While we make every effort to deliver within the scheduled window, traffic, weather, and previous stops can sometimes cause minor delays. For customers who need a specific arrival time, we offer priority scheduling at a small additional charge. Recurring delivery customers receive priority scheduling as part of their service agreement.

Yes, we offer custom pallet fabrication to your exact specifications. If you need a non-standard size, we can build it from new lumber or modify existing used pallets to meet your dimensions. Custom pallets are available in any size, wood species, and construction style (stringer, block, two-way, four-way). Lead time for custom orders is typically 3 to 7 business days depending on complexity and quantity. We can also add special features like heat treatment (ISPM-15), chamfered edges, painted markings, or notched stringers.

Custom pallet orders typically have a minimum of 25 units, though this can vary based on the complexity of the design and materials required. For very simple modifications (trimming a standard pallet to a slightly different size, for example), we can sometimes accommodate smaller quantities. For complex custom designs requiring special materials or construction, minimums may be higher. Contact us with your specifications and quantity needs for a detailed quote.

Yes, modifying used pallets is often more cost-effective than building custom pallets from scratch. Common modifications include trimming pallets to smaller dimensions, adding or removing deck boards, reinforcing stringers, adding notches for four-way forklift access, and changing the number of bottom boards. Modified used pallets give you the cost savings of used wood with the exact specifications your application requires. Typical turnaround is 1 to 3 business days.

Yes, we can add custom markings to pallets including company logos, handling instructions, weight limits, inventory codes, or color-coded paint markings. Stenciling, heat branding, and paint markings are all available. Branded pallets help with tracking, identification, and ensuring return of your pallet assets. Custom marking adds a small per-pallet cost depending on the complexity of the marking. This service is available for both new and used pallets.

Standard custom orders are typically completed within 3 to 7 business days depending on the complexity, quantity, and materials required. Simple modifications (like trimming standard pallets to size) can often be completed in 1 to 2 days. Complex builds involving non-standard materials, special treatments, or very large quantities may require 7 to 14 business days. We communicate expected lead times clearly when you place your order and will let you know immediately if anything changes.