Why 24/7 restoration dispatch exists
A Cat 2+ Atlantic hurricane landfall triggers thousands of utility reels, transformer skids, pole-structure dunnage, and generator skids through the Florida restoration contractor network within a 72-hour window. FPL, Duke Energy Florida, JEA, OUC, Tampa Electric, and mutual-aid utility partners (Alabama Power, Georgia Power, out-of-state mutual aid) all deploy restoration crews. Those crews consume wood packaging at a pace normal supply chains cannot sustain.
Pike Electric, Davis-Ulmer, local Florida utility mutual-aid partners, and the broader Southeast restoration contractor network all require fast dispatch during restoration windows. A supplier that cannot pre-stage inventory in Florida during hurricane season (June-November) and dispatch 24/7 after landfall cannot serve this market.
United States Pallets runs pre-staged restoration inventory in the Central Florida yard during Atlantic hurricane season. We coordinate with Florida utility pool programs (FPL/Duke/JEA/OUC/Tampa Electric cable-reel pool specs) and have published dispatch protocols for named-storm-notice through post-landfall restoration.
What we stage during Florida hurricane season
- Grade-A new + Grade-A recycled wood cable reels in NEMA WC 26 standard sizes (urgent utility distribution rebuild)
- Heavy-duty transformer skids with oil-stop base integration (urgent transformer transport)
- Heavy-timber dunnage (6x6 Douglas fir bunks for pole-structure and heavy-equipment ride)
- Generator skids (72x120, 96x96, custom)
- Pre-cut truckload block kits (for inbound mutual-aid equipment transport)
- Flatbed-ready platform wood (oversized construction equipment staging)
- ISPM-15 stamped wood packaging (for Caribbean mutual-aid dispatches to Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)
Pre-staged quantities scale with named-storm forecast intensity. For a Cat 1 or tropical storm warning we move 500-1,000 reels + 50-100 transformer skids to the yard. For Cat 3+ warnings we scale to 2,500+ reels + 200+ transformer skids plus mutual-aid dispatch inventory.
Dispatch protocol
T-120 hours (named storm advisory): pre-staging begins
As soon as the National Hurricane Center issues a named-storm advisory with projected Florida landfall, we begin moving inventory from the national yard network to the Central Florida yard. Target: full pre-staging complete by T-72 hours.
T-48 hours (hurricane warning): dispatch coordination
FPL, Duke Energy Florida, major Florida municipal utility operations contacts confirm restoration flow forecasts. We confirm available inventory per utility pool spec and allocate restoration-reserved quantities.
T-24 hours (landfall imminent): staged dispatch
For strike-zone counties we pre-position dispatch trucks and verify driver availability. Our dispatch is 24/7 from this point through post-landfall restoration.
Post-landfall: 4-hour-order-to-truck target
For 19 Florida same-day counties we target 4-hour order-to-loaded-truck. For out-of-state mutual-aid partners we coordinate dispatch via their logistics teams. Our record is 4 hours from order confirmation to loaded trailer out of the Central Florida yard for a Panhandle hurricane response.
Post-restoration debrief
After restoration operations wind down (typically 10-21 days post-landfall), we review flow volumes with utility pool operators and adjust standing-program inventory for the next storm cycle.
Pricing during restoration
For standing-program utility customers (FPL, Duke Energy Florida, major Florida municipal utilities) with pre-contracted restoration rates: standard program pricing applies throughout the restoration window - no post-storm surge pricing.
For spot-order restoration customers (mutual-aid partners, contractors without pre-contracts), rates are the standard commercial-buyer ranges published on our product pages. We do not apply surge or crisis pricing even during restoration.
Freight: for strike-zone counties, 4-hour-order-to-truck dispatch at standard freight rates. For emergency expedited dispatch (sub-4-hour) we quote a modest premium for driver-overtime and tow-truck-assisted highway access.
How to request restoration dispatch
During active storm windows (Atlantic hurricane season June-November with named-storm advisories active): send utility pool spec or product specifications, strike-zone county, required quantity, timing. We confirm available inventory within 1 business hour. For mutual-aid dispatches to Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, or Caribbean partners we provide ISPM-15 stamped wood packaging with bilingual (English + Spanish) documentation.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can you dispatch during a hurricane?
Our Central Florida yard pre-stages reel inventory during hurricane season (June-November). For a Cat 2+ Florida landfall, FPL and major Florida utility restoration crews typically have reels in-hand within 4-12 hours of order depending on strike-zone distance. For 19 same-day Florida counties, orders by 2 PM EST ship same business day; after-hours dispatch runs 24/7 during active restoration windows.
Do you serve mutual-aid partners from out-of-state?
Yes - during Florida hurricane restoration we coordinate with Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Carolinas EMC co-ops, and other Southeast mutual-aid partners. For wood packaging being dispatched to Puerto Rico or Caribbean destinations we provide ISPM-15 stamped product with bilingual documentation.
What is your pre-staged inventory during hurricane season?
Depends on named-storm forecast intensity. For Cat 1 or tropical storm: 500-1,000 wood cable reels + 50-100 transformer skids. For Cat 3+: 2,500+ reels + 200+ transformer skids plus mutual-aid dispatch inventory. We scale pre-staging based on NHC advisories.
Do you charge surge pricing during restoration?
No - standard commercial-buyer rates apply throughout restoration windows. For standing-program utility customers with pre-contracted rates: contract rates apply. For spot-order customers: standard product-page ranges. We do not apply crisis or surge pricing even during active restoration.
What is the record order-to-loaded-truck time?
4 hours. Our record is 4 hours from order confirmation to loaded trailer out of the Central Florida yard for a Panhandle hurricane response. Standard target for strike-zone counties is 4-hour order-to-truck during 24/7 dispatch windows.
Do you match the FPL cable-reel pool spec during restoration?
Yes - we match FPL pool spec exactly for flange marking, bolt pattern, head-plate thickness, and barrel-stave construction. Same for Duke Energy Florida, JEA Jacksonville, OUC Orlando, Tampa Electric, Lakeland Electric, Gainesville Regional. Pool-matched reels mean empty reels return cleanly into the pool without re-inspection.
Can you supply heavy-timber dunnage for generator and transformer transport during restoration?
Yes - 6x6 and 8x8 Douglas fir heavy-timber dunnage for generator, transformer, and pole-structure transport. Pre-staged at the Central Florida yard during hurricane season. 4-hour order-to-truck target for same-day counties.
What about Caribbean mutual-aid dispatches (Puerto Rico, USVI)?
For dispatches to Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, or Caribbean mutual-aid partners we supply ISPM-15 heat-treated and IPPC-stamped wood packaging. Bilingual (English + Spanish) documentation standard. Dispatch via Jaxport container-barge or Port Miami container shipping.
How do I set up a standing restoration program with pre-contracted rates?
Email us with utility pool spec, expected restoration-flow forecast, and payment terms preference. We quote cap-and-collar pricing anchored to CME softwood lumber index, scheduled pre-staging inventory, and dedicated dispatch coordinator. Standing programs typically require minimum annual spend commitment.
What is the typical restoration-window duration?
Varies by storm intensity. Tropical storm / Cat 1: 3-7 days of acute restoration flow. Cat 2-3: 7-14 days. Cat 4-5: 14-30+ days including extended power-restoration and infrastructure rebuild. We staff dispatch 24/7 throughout the active window.
Updated 2026-10-07