Kiln-dried = moisture removal (8-15% MC) for FSMA/cold-chain. Heat-treated = ISPM-15 phytosanitary (56C core 30 min) for export.
Definitions
Kiln-dried (KD): lumber dried in kiln to 8-15% moisture content for dimensional stability. Heat-treated (HT/ISPM-15): lumber heated to 56C core temperature for 30 minutes minimum to kill pests, per IPPC ISPM-15 standard.
Purpose
KD: prevents warping, splitting, mold in cold-chain or humid environments. HT: meets phytosanitary requirements for export to 180+ IPPC member countries.
Both at Once
Many pallets are both KD and HT - kiln drying often achieves the 56C core temp incidentally. The IPPC mark on stamped pallets specifies HT (heat-treated) regardless of moisture target.
Cost
KD: typically built into spec, no separate charge. HT/ISPM-15: $0.85-1.10 per pallet add-on for stamping at ALSC-accredited facility.
Use Cases
KD: cold storage, dairy, frozen, pharma cold-chain, FSMA Sanitary Transportation. HT: any export shipment to IPPC-member countries (China, EU, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Brazil, etc).
Companion Resources
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.
What's the minimum order quantity for pallet comparison?
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.
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.
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.
Can United States Pallets handle pallet comparison 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.
Quote Request
Sub-2-hour response.
