OurProcess
From collection to delivery, every step is designed for maximum sustainability and quality. Here's how we turn discarded pallets into premium products.
Start the Process
Tell us your needs and we'll handle the rest.
The 6-Step Journey
Every pallet that enters our facility follows this proven process.
Collection & Pickup
Our logistics team collects used pallets from your location. We handle the heavy lifting — literally. Whether you have 50 pallets or 50,000, we scale our operations to match your needs.
- Free pickup for bulk orders
- Scheduled or on-demand collection
- GPS-tracked fleet for transparency
Inspection & Sorting
Every pallet undergoes a rigorous multi-point inspection. We assess structural integrity, moisture content, dimensions, and overall condition to determine the optimal path forward.
- 12-point quality inspection
- Moisture content testing
- Digital tracking and documentation
Grading
Based on inspection results, each pallet is assigned a grade that determines its next step. Our transparent grading system ensures you always know exactly what you're getting.
- Grade A — Like New condition
- Grade B — Good, minor cosmetic wear
- Grade C — Economy, fully functional
Repair & Refurbishment
Pallets that need attention go through our repair line. Skilled technicians replace damaged boards, reinforce weak points, and restore pallets to their assigned grade standard.
- Board-level repair precision
- Reclaimed materials used whenever possible
- Structural integrity testing post-repair
Treatment & Compliance
All pallets are treated to meet ISPM-15 international standards. Heat treatment ensures pallets are pest-free and safe for use in food, pharmaceutical, and export applications.
- ISPM-15 heat treatment
- Official stamping and documentation
- Safe for food and pharma industries
Delivery & Integration
Finished pallets are delivered on your schedule. We work with your receiving team to ensure smooth integration into your supply chain operations.
- Flexible delivery scheduling
- Volume discounts available
- Ongoing supply agreements
Our Quality Promise
Every pallet that leaves our facility has been inspected, graded, and certified. If it doesn't meet your standards, we'll replace it — no questions asked. That's the Riverside guarantee.
Technology & Equipment
Purpose-built systems powering every step of our operation
Automated Sorting Line
Optical sensors classify pallets by size and condition in seconds, routing each unit to the correct processing lane with minimal human intervention.
Moisture Meters
Digital moisture testing ensures wood meets treatment standards before entering our kilns. Readings are logged for every batch for full traceability.
Heat Treatment Kilns
Industrial kilns reaching 56°C core temperature per ISPM-15 standards. Continuous monitoring sensors verify temperature uniformity throughout the treatment cycle.
Structural Testing
Hydraulic press testing validates load capacity after repair. Every repaired pallet must pass the same load-bearing threshold as a new pallet of equivalent grade.
Digital Tracking
Our barcode system tracks every pallet through every step — from intake and inspection through repair, treatment, and final delivery to your dock.
Fleet Management GPS
Real-time route optimization for pickup and delivery ensures the fastest turnaround times while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions.
Turnaround Times
We move fast so your supply chain never stops
Standard Orders (In Stock)
Common sizes ready in our warehouse
Custom Size Orders
Built or sourced to your exact specifications
Large Volume (1,000+)
Dedicated production line for bulk orders
Heat Treatment Add-On
ISPM-15 compliant treatment added to any order
Rush Delivery Available
Priority processing and express logistics
Recycled vs New — A Comparison
See why recycled pallets are the smarter choice across every metric
* Cost estimates are based on standard 48"x40" GMA pallets. Actual costs vary based on volume, condition, and market conditions.
Our Equipment Arsenal
We invest in purpose-built industrial equipment to ensure every pallet meets our standards. Here is a detailed look at the machines powering our facility.
Viking Pallet Dismantler
Our primary dismantling machine processes up to 400 pallets per hour, cleanly separating deck boards from stringers with minimal wood damage. The hydraulic band saw system preserves 95% of usable lumber for repair stock.
Automated Nailing System
Pneumatic nailing stations with adjustable jigs handle standard and custom pallet assembly. Each station uses 3.25-inch spiral shank nails for maximum holding power. Operators can switch between GMA, CHEP, and custom patterns in under 2 minutes.
Industrial Heat Treatment Kiln
Two walk-in kilns measuring 8ft x 20ft each treat batches of 200 pallets simultaneously. Core temperature probes ensure uniform 56 degrees Celsius treatment per ISPM-15. Full cycle time is 8 hours including ramp-up and cool-down.
Delmag Hydraulic Press
Our load testing press applies forces up to 10,000 lbs to verify structural integrity post-repair. Every repaired pallet is tested against its grade-specific load requirement before receiving approval for delivery.
Wagner Moisture Meters
Pinless electromagnetic moisture meters provide non-destructive readings in seconds. We test every incoming pallet and every post-treatment pallet, maintaining digital logs for full traceability. Target range is 19-22% for standard pallets.
Conveyor Sorting Line
A 120-foot powered roller conveyor with optical dimension sensors automatically routes pallets to the correct processing lane. Sensors measure length, width, and height, classifying pallets by standard and sending non-standard units to manual inspection.
Toyota 8FGU25 Forklifts
Eight LP-gas powered forklifts with 5,000 lb capacity handle all internal material movement. Equipped with side-shift and fork positioners for efficient pallet stack handling. All operators hold current OSHA certification with quarterly refresher training.
Horizontal Grinder
A Morbark 3800XL horizontal grinder processes pallet components that cannot be repaired into landscape mulch and biomass fuel. Processing capacity is 80 tons per hour, ensuring zero wood waste leaves our facility for landfill.
Dust Collection System
A centralized dust collection system with 15,000 CFM capacity captures airborne wood particles from all cutting and sanding stations. Collected material is compressed into briquettes and sold as biomass fuel, turning waste into revenue.
Quality Control Checkpoints
Every pallet passes through 12 quality checkpoints from intake to delivery. Here are the critical gates that ensure nothing substandard ever reaches your dock.
Intake Visual Inspection
Trained sorters visually inspect every incoming pallet for mold, contamination, pest damage, and chemical staining. Contaminated pallets are immediately quarantined and disposed of per environmental regulations.
Dimensional Verification
Automated sensors on the sorting line verify length, width, and height against standard specifications. Pallets outside tolerance are flagged for manual measurement and reclassification.
Moisture Content Test
Pinless moisture meters test every pallet at intake. Units above 28% moisture are set aside for air drying before processing. This prevents mold growth and ensures treatment efficacy.
Structural Integrity Check
Inspectors check all stringers, lead boards, and deck boards for cracks, splits, and fastener failures. Load-bearing components must meet minimum thickness and grain straightness standards.
Grading Assignment
Based on inspection results, each pallet receives a grade: A (like new), B (good with minor wear), or C (economy, fully functional). Grade criteria follow NWPCA industry standards.
Post-Repair Verification
After repair, a second inspector verifies all replaced boards meet grade specifications, nails are properly driven flush, and no protruding hardware exists that could damage products or injure handlers.
Heat Treatment Monitoring
Core temperature probes embedded in sample pallets verify that the entire batch achieves and maintains 56 degrees Celsius for minimum 30 minutes per ISPM-15 requirements. Treatment logs are archived for 3 years.
Post-Treatment Stamping
Treated pallets receive the official ISPM-15 stamp with our facility code, treatment type (HT), and country of origin. Stamp legibility and placement are verified on every unit before it leaves the kiln area.
Load Test (Repaired Units)
Every repaired pallet undergoes hydraulic press testing to verify load capacity meets its assigned grade. Grade A pallets must support 2,500 lbs dynamic load; Grade B must support 2,200 lbs; Grade C must support 1,800 lbs.
Final Visual Inspection
A dedicated final inspector reviews every pallet on the outbound staging line. This catch-all inspection checks for cosmetic defects, correct stamping, and overall presentation before pallets are approved for shipment.
Load Preparation Audit
As pallets are loaded onto delivery trucks, a supervisor verifies count accuracy, grade consistency, and proper stacking to prevent transit damage. Load manifests are signed off before the truck departs.
Delivery Confirmation
Drivers obtain signed delivery confirmation at the customer site, including any notes about condition on arrival. Any reported issues trigger an immediate investigation and replacement within 24 hours.
Turnaround Guarantees
We back our turnaround times with a written guarantee. If we miss a committed delivery date, you receive a 10% credit on that order.
Standard Orders
2-3 Business DaysWritten guarantee included on every invoice. If we miss this window, you receive a 10% order credit automatically applied to your next invoice.
Custom Orders
5-7 Business DaysCustom dimensions and specifications require additional processing time. Turnaround begins from the date we confirm the order, not the date we receive the inquiry.
Emergency/Rush
Same Day or Next DayRush service is available for in-stock standard sizes. A 15% rush fee applies. We guarantee same-day dispatch for orders placed before 10 AM, next-day for orders placed before 3 PM.
Recurring Supply Agreements
Pre-ScheduledFor partnership clients on recurring schedules, we pre-build your order in advance. Your pallets are staged and ready before your truck arrives. Zero wait time.
On-time delivery rate across all orders in the last 12 months
Before & After Repair Examples
See the transformation. Our repair technicians bring damaged pallets back to reliable, working condition through skilled craftsmanship and quality materials.
Broken Lead Board Replacement
Lead board cracked through center with exposed nail heads. Stringer intact but top surface uneven. Not safe for loaded transport.
New kiln-dried hardwood lead board installed. Nails driven flush, surface planed even. Pallet restored to Grade B standard with full load rating.
Stringer Notch Repair
Center stringer cracked at forklift notch from impact damage. Pallet cannot safely support dynamic loads. Classified as non-functional.
Companion stringer bolted alongside damaged stringer using 3/8-inch lag bolts. Structural testing confirmed 2,800 lb dynamic load capacity. Restored to Grade B.
Full Deck Board Replacement
Three of seven top deck boards split or missing. Gaps exceed 3-inch maximum. Pallet classified as non-functional and potential safety hazard.
All three boards replaced with matching-thickness reclaimed lumber. Board spacing verified uniform. Nail pattern consistent with original construction. Restored to Grade A.
Bottom Board Rebuild
All three bottom boards cracked or missing. Pallet rolls on conveyor systems and cannot be racked. Non-functional for automated warehouses.
Three new bottom boards installed with anti-skid surface scoring. Pallet rolls smoothly on conveyor, sits flush on racking. Restored to Grade A with full automation compatibility.
Material Sourcing
We source materials responsibly, prioritizing reclaimed wood and certified sustainable lumber when new materials are required.
Reclaimed Lumber (Primary Source)
85% of the lumber we use in repairs comes from pallets that are beyond full repair. We carefully dismantle these units, extracting every usable board for our repair stock. This creates a closed material loop where damaged pallets become the raw material for repairing other pallets.
Our dismantling team uses specialized equipment that minimizes board damage during extraction, recovering an average of 4.2 usable boards per dismantled pallet. These boards are sorted by species, thickness, and condition before entering our repair inventory.
SFI-Certified New Lumber
When reclaimed stock cannot meet demand or specific client requirements call for new materials, we purchase from SFI-certified sawmills in the Pacific Northwest. Our primary suppliers are located in Oregon and Washington, minimizing transportation distances.
Species used include Southern Yellow Pine for stringers (selected for its high density and load-bearing capacity), Douglas Fir for deck boards (valued for its straight grain and dimensional stability), and mixed hardwoods for high-load applications requiring extra durability.
Hardware & Fasteners
We use 3.25-inch spiral shank nails with vinyl coating for superior holding power and corrosion resistance. All nails are sourced from domestic manufacturers using recycled steel content. For heavy-duty applications, we use 3/8-inch galvanized lag bolts and steel reinforcement plates.
Sourcing by the Numbers
Inside Our Facility
A closer look at our Riverside operations
Sorting & Inspection Area
Our 120-foot automated sorting line processes 600 pallets per hour with optical dimension sensors.
Repair Workshop
Skilled technicians operate 12 repair stations, each equipped with pneumatic nailing systems and custom jigs.
Heat Treatment Kilns
Two industrial kilns treat 400 pallets per day to ISPM-15 standards with continuous temperature monitoring.
Outbound Staging Area
Graded, inspected, and treated pallets staged by order for next-day delivery across Southern California.
Technology Driving Our Process
We combine industrial craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver consistency, traceability, and speed.
Barcode Tracking System
Every pallet receives a unique barcode at intake that follows it through every processing step. Our warehouse management system logs inspection results, repair actions, treatment data, and delivery confirmation. Clients can request full traceability reports showing the complete history of any pallet in their order.
Computer Vision Grading (Pilot)
We are piloting a machine learning system that uses high-resolution cameras to automatically grade pallets based on visual characteristics. The system identifies cracks, splits, stains, and dimensional defects with 94% accuracy in testing. Full deployment is planned for Q4 2026.
Fleet GPS & Route Optimization
Every delivery truck is equipped with real-time GPS tracking and our custom route optimization software. The system considers traffic, delivery windows, load weight, and fuel efficiency to plan the most efficient routes. This reduces delivery times by 18% and fuel consumption by 22% compared to manual routing.
IoT Kiln Monitoring
Our heat treatment kilns are equipped with IoT-connected temperature sensors that stream data to a cloud dashboard in real time. If any sensor detects a temperature drop below the ISPM-15 threshold, the system alerts operators immediately and automatically extends the treatment cycle to ensure compliance.
Inventory Management Platform
Our proprietary inventory management system tracks real-time stock levels across all pallet sizes, grades, and treatments. The platform automatically generates purchase orders when stock drops below minimum thresholds and provides clients with a self-service portal to check availability before ordering.
Digital Work Orders
Every repair technician works from a digital work order displayed on a tablet at their station. The system specifies the exact repairs needed based on inspection data, including board replacement locations, nail patterns, and required materials. This ensures consistency across all technicians and shifts.