Hardwood lumber comes from deciduous trees and is denser, heavier, and stronger than softwood.
Detailed Definition
Common pallet hardwoods: oak, maple, hickory, elm, ash, gum. Hardwood pallets are heavier (35-50 lbs typical for 48x40 GMA) but support higher load capacity. Mixed hardwood is the standard pallet stock in the US Northeast and Midwest.
Authoritative Sources
- Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association (HPVA): the trade association for hardwood materials used in heavy-duty pallet construction.
- US Forest Service (USFS): the federal agency that manages the National Forest System and reports on US lumber supply used in pallet production.
Related Glossary Terms
What's the minimum order quantity for pallet glossary?
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.
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.
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.
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.
