Heat treatment kills pests in wood packaging by raising core temperature to 56C for at least 30 minutes.
Detailed Definition
ISPM-15 heat treatment is performed in accredited kilns using gas-fired or steam heating. Modern facilities reach the required temperature in 4-8 hours depending on kiln load. The treatment must be measured at the wood core, not the surface. Facilities are accredited by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) through agencies including PLIB and SPIB.
Authoritative Sources
- FAO ISPM-15 Standard (ISPM-15): the international phytosanitary standard for wood packaging used in international trade, published by the FAO.
- USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS): the US federal authority that enforces ISPM-15 wood packaging compliance for imports and exports.
- American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC): the committee that accredits lumber grading agencies under the US Department of Commerce voluntary product standard PS 20.
- Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau (PLIB): the lumber grading agency accredited by the American Lumber Standard Committee for Pacific softwoods used in pallet production.
- Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB): the lumber grading authority for Southern Yellow Pine, the most common pallet stock in the US Southeast.
Related Glossary Terms
Does United States Pallets supply pallet glossary 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
