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What Is an RFQ?

By United States Pallets Editorial Team · Reviewed by industry operators · Last updated: June 23, 2026

By Mark Gabrielli, Pallet Industry Specialist — Updated 2026

An RFQ (Request for Quotation) is a formal request from buyer to supplier specifying pallet quantity, dimensions, treatment, documentation, and target delivery date, used to obtain pricing.

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Quick Answer: An RFQ (Request for Quotation) is a formal request from buyer to supplier specifying pallet quantity, dimensions, treatment, documentation, and target delivery date, used to obtain pricing.

Industrial box truck loaded with wood pallets for B2B distribution

Detailed Answer

RFQ components: spec sheet (dimensions, treatment, grading); quantity; delivery date; documentation requirements; payment terms; freight terms. USP's RFQ generator at /tools/rfq-generator/ structures requests. Sub-2-hour response is industry-standard for serious B2B suppliers.

Sources

USP RFQ generator

Companion Resources

Can United States Pallets handle pallet answer for high-volume national operations?

Yes. Standing-order programs for national operations running 500+ pallets/week lock in tiered pricing, reserve delivery slots, and run on autopilot in the background. Custom contract terms available for accounts running 2,000+/week.

Does United States Pallets ship pallet answer to all of United States?

Yes. We deliver to every commercial address in United States, with same-day shipping standard in our Southeast/Mid-Atlantic core and scheduled weekly delivery elsewhere. national-area accounts are typical - submit a quote with your dock location and we route accordingly.

How does United States Pallets compare to United States-based local pallet suppliers?

Local United States suppliers offer geographic proximity. United States Pallets offers nationwide sourcing depth, multi-grade inventory always in stock, sub-2-business-hour quote response, audit-ready documentation, and standing-order automation that local yards typically don't match.

Does United States Pallets supply pallet answer for export from national?

Yes, with ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets carrying IPPC stamps and full ISPM-15 documentation. Required for international shipments to all WTO member countries. Common for national customers with port access via United States's major export gateways.

What documentation accompanies pallet answer loads?

BOL, packing list, grade certifications standard. Heat-treated loads add IPPC stamps and ISPM-15 documentation. Pharma-grade loads add batch records. Food-grade loads add FSMA Sanitary Transportation Rule certifications. All documentation ships electronically before delivery.

Operational details for Florida

Compliance specification

GMA 48x40 four-way stringer construction conforms to the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) 2014 Uniform Standard; deck board configuration 7-board top, 5-board bottom.

Florida regulatory context

Citrus packers operating in Florida's three citrus belts (Indian River, Polk County, Highlands County) require Florida-specific phytosanitary documentation; we coordinate with the Florida Citrus Mutual office for compliant freight.

Florida Department of Agriculture inspects pallet treatment facilities under the federal cooperative inspection agreement; our Tampa and Jacksonville locations are stamp-authorized facilities.

Pallet specification detail

Lumber spec for new GMA stock: mixed hardwood (oak, maple, ash, hickory) with minimum 600 SG (specific gravity); kiln dried to <19% moisture; visible defects limited to wane on outer 1/3 of deck board only.

48x40 GMA load capacity is 2,800 lb racked (face-loaded), 4,600 lb static, and 2,500 lb dynamic per ASME MH1 2016; deck board span 3.5 inches; deflection under rated load <0.5 inch.

Delivery and logistics

Same-day delivery available within 75 miles of our Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, and Lakeland yards; minimum 24 pallets; small-order pricing applies on freight.

Customer use case

Citrus packhouses operate seasonal volume peaks November-April; we maintain dedicated Polk County and Indian River inventory to support 6-12 truckload weekly delivery during peak; standing-order pricing locks rates Oct 1.

Pricing context

Pricing structure: new 48x40 GMA stock ranges $14-18 per pallet in 500+ lot pricing; recycled Grade A runs $7-10 per pallet; recycled Grade B at $5-7; custom builds priced per spec on a quote basis.

Sustainability

Pallet pooling reduces lifecycle waste 40-60% vs single-use models; our pool program manages inventory between participating customers with quarterly reconciliation.