FIFO (First In, First Out) is the inventory rotation method where products received first ship first, common in food, beverage, and consumable goods distribution. FIFO is the default inventory rotation method for goods without expiration date concerns. Pallet flow racks support FIFO automatically. WMS systems track FIFO via receipt date.

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What Is FIFO?

By United States Pallets Editorial Team · Reviewed by industry operators · Last updated: June 24, 2026

By Mark Gabrielli, Pallet Industry Specialist — Updated 2026

FIFO (First In, First Out) is the inventory rotation method where products received first ship first, common in food, beverage, and consumable goods distribution.

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Quick Answer: FIFO (First In, First Out) is the inventory rotation method where products received first ship first, common in food, beverage, and consumable goods distribution.

Dry van loaded with pallets for warehouse delivery

Detailed Answer

FIFO is the default inventory rotation method for goods without expiration date concerns. Pallet flow racks support FIFO automatically. WMS systems track FIFO via receipt date.

Sources

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Companion Resources

Can national customers run a buyback program alongside their pallet purchases?

Yes. Backhaul logistics are coordinated on outbound delivery routes - empty or non-spec pallets get picked up on the return leg of new pallet deliveries. Per-pallet freight cost on the backhaul approaches zero for accounts running both new-pallet purchase + buyback simultaneously.

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.

How fast does United States Pallets deliver to national, United States?

Same-day shipping in our Southeast/Mid-Atlantic core (FL, GA, AL, TN, MS, SC, NC, KY, VA) and scheduled weekly delivery elsewhere. Express options available for national rush orders. Quote response under 2 business hours, dispatch within hours of order confirmation.

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.

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.

Operational details for Florida

Compliance specification

All pallets stamped IPPC HT for ISPM-15 export compliance to 180+ countries; documentation includes treatment temperature logs and the registered facility number.

Florida regulatory context

FAA Part 121 air-cargo operations at MIA, MCO, and TPA require flame-retardant treated pallets for in-cabin loads; we maintain Class A flame-rated stock for forwarder accounts.

Florida Department of Transportation hauler permits restrict pallet loads above 80,000 lb GVW to specific corridors; our DOT-permitted carriers handle the routing.

Pallet specification detail

Deck board edge type defaults to chamfered for forklift safety; square-edge available on request for ASRS compatibility; rounded-edge banding tracks available for high-throughput line-side delivery.

ISPM-15 export pallets receive heat treatment to 56C core temperature for 30 minutes; stamping shows IPPC logo, country code 'US', registered facility number, and treatment code 'HT'.

Delivery and logistics

Dry-van loads handle weather-sensitive pallet stock and food-grade freight; sealed loads with bill-of-lading documentation; supports DOT-required commercial routing.

Customer use case

Furniture manufacturers in High Point NC (and southeast suppliers shipping to FL) use custom oversized pallets for assembled freight; 60x40 and 72x48 builds available on 5-day production lead time.

Pricing context

Net 30 terms standard for established customers with credit approval; Net 15 or COD for first three orders; credit card and ACH accepted for spot orders.

Sustainability

Our Lakeland and Jacksonville recycling streams process 200,000+ pallets per year; broken stock is repaired or chipped for mulch (sold separately); zero-landfill goal targeted for 2027.