§1When to buy it
Small heavy items such as castings, small machinery and boxed parts.
Display or club-store programs where the receiver asks for a smaller footprint (check the receiver's own document).
§2RFQ fields
| Footprint | 36 × 36 in, ±1/8 in |
|---|---|
| Style and entry | Stringer, 2-way or partial 4-way |
| Rated loads | Dynamic load in lb |
| Wood | New or recycled, species |
| Minimum order | Supplier's minimum run quantity and lead time |
| Volume and cadence | Pallets per month, delivery ZIP |
§3Acceptance and reject criteria
| Accept a pallet when… | Reject a pallet when… |
|---|---|
| Dimensions within tolerance. | Broken or missing boards. |
| Boards complete and fastened. | Protruding fasteners. |
| Rated load documented. | Footprint outside tolerance. |
§4Inspecting deliveries
- Sample each delivery with an attribute sampling plan agreed in the contract (ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 general inspection level II is a common reference), and record the lot size, sample size and defects found.
- Count a pallet as defective on the first reject criterion it meets; don't add up minor faults into a reject unless the contract says so.
- Photograph every rejected pallet with the delivery's bill of lading number visible, and send the photos with the debit note within the contract's notice window.
§5What to watch in the contract
Custom runs carry setup cost. Agree whether the supplier may hold safety stock for you and who pays for it.
Small footprints tip more easily in transit when loaded tall; specify the load height you plan to ship.
Grade words vary by supplier and region; confirm every field with your receivers and your own engineering.
For the engineering standards behind these fields, see palletstandards.com.