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.

Resource: Encyclopedia

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

Recycled pallet inventory bulk warehouse supply

Definition

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

Detailed Explanation

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

Companion Resources

What credit terms does United States Pallets offer national customers?

Net-30 credit terms standard after the first 1-3 prepaid or COD loads while credit is being established. Submit a credit application with three trade references; approval typically processes within 48 hours. Volume accounts can negotiate net-45 or net-60.

What's the minimum order quantity for What Is FIFO??

50 pallets per order minimum on buy-side. Sell-side (buyback) minimum is 250 pallets per single-size load. Volume tiers kick in automatically as cumulative monthly volume increases - 500+/week accounts qualify for standing-order programs with reserved delivery slots.

Does United States Pallets buy back used pallets in national?

Yes. We buy back used pallets from national collectors, recyclers, and warehouses - 250-pallet minimum per load, single-size only (no mixed-size loads). Fast ACH payment, typically same-day or net-7 depending on volume. Pickup arranged on standard outbound delivery routes.

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 What Is FIFO? 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.

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

FL DEP solid-waste rules classify wood pallets as recyclable; our recycled pallet stream qualifies for the FL Recycling Business Assistance Center small-business grant program.

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

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.

Custom 42x42 pallet builds use 7/8 inch deck boards for telecommunications-equipment loads; nail-pattern density doubled to handle 5,000 lb static load; runner spacing optimized for 4,000 lb-capacity narrow-aisle reach trucks.

Delivery and logistics

Flatbed delivery handles oversized loads or pallets with overhanging product; tarping included; preferred for export crates and bulk lumber shipments.

Customer use case

Concrete and aggregate suppliers use bagged-goods stringers (heavier construction, denser nail pattern) to support 4,000+ lb cement-sack loads; we stock these in our Tampa Bay and Jacksonville warehouses.

Pricing context

Delivery freight runs $250-450 per truckload (53-foot) within 75 miles of a yard; longer hauls priced at $2.50-3.50 per loaded mile; flatbed loads premium 10-15%.

Sustainability

Pallet recycling diverts ~80% of returned stock from landfill; recycled pallets carry 60-70% lower embodied carbon than new GMA; our annual sustainability report documents tons diverted per customer.