§1When to buy it
Good for warehouse storage, internal transfers, outbound to customers who don't specify a grade, and as the base for loads that are stretch-wrapped tightly enough to hide cosmetic faults.
Check the receiver's rules first. Some receivers ask for grade A by name, and a #2 pallet can earn a refusal or chargeback.
§2RFQ fields
| Footprint | 48 × 40 in stringer, partial 4-way |
|---|---|
| Allowed repairs | List them: companion stringers (yes/no), plates (yes/no, which type), replaced deckboards (max count), mixed board thicknesses (yes/no) |
| Forbidden repairs | Repairs that reduce fork entry, or plates on the top deck surface |
| Board condition | No broken or missing boards after repair |
| Appearance | Dry and free of contamination; colour variation acceptable |
| Rated load | Supplier's rated dynamic load for the repaired grade |
| Volume and cadence | Pallets per month, delivery frequency, delivery ZIP |
§3Acceptance and reject criteria
| Accept a pallet when… | Reject a pallet when… |
|---|---|
| Every repair is on your allowed list and is fully fastened. | Any repair on the forbidden list. |
| Deck surfaces flat enough that cartons don't sit on a raised board edge. | Broken, cracked-through or missing boards remaining after repair. |
| Fork entries clear on both ends and in the notches. | Exposed nail points or loose plates. |
| Contamination, odour or visible mould. |
§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
The gap between #1 and #2 prices widens when cores are scarce. If your receivers accept either, a contract that lets the supplier ship #1 at the #2 price when it has surplus can help both sides.
Repaired pallets weigh more and vary more in weight. If you pay freight by weight, check the tare in the cost-per-trip calculator.
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.