Pallet Grades Explained
Our transparent grading system takes the guesswork out of buying used pallets.
At Bakersfield Pallet Co., every pallet that enters our facility at 3240 Patton Way is individually assessed and assigned a grade by our trained sorting team. This page provides a comprehensive overview of each grade, including visual inspection criteria, weight capacity ratings, pricing ranges, and recommended use cases. Understanding these grades will help you order the right pallets for your application, avoid overspending, and ensure your products are shipped safely.
Order by Grade
Select the grade that fits your needs and budget.
How We Grade Pallets
Under the direction of Operations Manager Oakley Thorne, our grading process follows a standardized protocol that ensures consistency across every pallet we sell. Each pallet goes through a multi-point inspection that evaluates structural integrity, dimensional accuracy, cosmetic condition, and safety compliance.
Our grading team members complete a training program before they are authorized to assign grades independently. We conduct regular calibration exercises to ensure all team members are grading to the same standard. This consistency is what allows our customers to order by grade with complete confidence, knowing exactly what they will receive.
The grading process takes place immediately after sorting and before any repairs are made. Pallets that enter the repair process are re-graded after repair work is complete. This ensures the final grade reflects the pallet in its delivered condition.
Visual Inspection
Every surface is examined for damage, staining, contamination, mold, and wear. Inspectors check both top and bottom decks, all stringers, and all edges.
Structural Assessment
Stringers and deckboards are tested for integrity. Any cracking, splitting, or weakness that could compromise load capacity is identified and documented.
Dimensional Check
Length, width, and height are measured against the target specification. Pallets outside tolerance are flagged for repair or downgraded accordingly.
Grade Assignment
Based on the combined results of all inspection criteria, the pallet is assigned a grade and routed to the appropriate inventory zone in our yard.
Standard Grading Tiers
Grade A
— Premium / Like NewGrade A pallets represent the highest quality tier in our used pallet inventory. These pallets have minimal signs of use and pass our most rigorous inspection criteria. They are virtually indistinguishable from new pallets in terms of structural integrity and visual appearance. Grade A pallets are hand-selected by our team and represent approximately 15 to 20 percent of all used pallets we process.
Characteristics
- No broken or missing boards on top or bottom deck
- No major staining, contamination, or odor
- All fasteners flush, secure, and free of protrusion
- Minimal signs of wear — no splintering or cracking
- Meets original dimensional specifications within 1/4 inch tolerance
- Suitable for retail-facing and export shipments
- Stringers fully intact with no repairs or reinforcement needed
- Clean appearance appropriate for customer-visible applications
- No mold, mildew, or biological contamination
- Lead boards intact and unchipped
Best For
Retail displays, export shipping, clean environments, pharmaceutical, food-adjacent, customer-facing warehouses, trade shows, branded product displays
Pricing
Highest price point for used pallets, but 40 to 50 percent less than purchasing new. Expect to pay between $8.00 and $14.00 per unit for standard 48x40 GMA pallets, depending on quantity and current market conditions.
Common Sizes
Lead Time
Typically in stock. Orders of 500+ may require 2 to 3 business days for quality selection and staging.
Weight Capacity (Standard 48x40 GMA)
2,500 lbs
Static Load
Stationary on floor
2,200 lbs
Dynamic Load
Being moved by forklift
1,800 lbs
Racking Load
Supported on beam edges only
Inspection Criteria
- Visual inspection under bright lighting for surface defects
- Dimensional measurement with calibrated tools for length, width, and height
- Structural flex test — pallet must not deflect more than 1/4 inch under 2,500 lb static load
- Fastener audit — every nail and staple checked for flush placement
- Contamination screening for chemical stains, biological matter, and foreign odors
Grade B
— Standard / Good ConditionGrade B is our most popular pallet grade, accounting for roughly 50 percent of all sales. These pallets are in solid working condition with possible minor cosmetic imperfections or professionally executed repairs. Grade B pallets deliver excellent value for the vast majority of commercial and industrial applications where appearance is secondary to function.
Characteristics
- May have minor repairs such as one or two replacement boards
- Some discoloration, light staining, or ink marks acceptable
- Structurally sound — no compromised load capacity
- All fasteners secure with no protruding nails or staples
- May show moderate wear marks from normal use
- Most popular grade for warehouse and distribution operations
- Stringers intact or professionally reinforced where needed
- Bottom deck boards functional and secure
- No structural cracks in load-bearing components
- Repair boards may differ slightly in wood species or color
Best For
Warehouse storage, distribution centers, manufacturing floors, internal logistics, one-way shipping, and any application where function matters more than appearance
Pricing
Best value for most business applications. 50 to 60 percent less than new pallets. Expect to pay between $5.50 and $9.00 per unit for standard 48x40 GMA pallets. Volume discounts available for orders over 200 units.
Common Sizes
Lead Time
Always in stock in standard sizes. Same-day pickup available. Large orders (1,000+) may require 1 to 2 business days for staging.
Weight Capacity (Standard 48x40 GMA)
2,500 lbs
Static Load
Stationary on floor
2,000 lbs
Dynamic Load
Being moved by forklift
1,500 lbs
Racking Load
Supported on beam edges only
Inspection Criteria
- Visual inspection for major structural defects — minor cosmetic issues acceptable
- Dimensional check within 1/2 inch tolerance of original specifications
- Load test — pallet must support rated capacity without structural failure
- Repair quality audit — all replacement boards must be properly fastened and flush
- Stringer integrity check — no through-cracks or rot in load-bearing members
Grade C
— Economy / BudgetGrade C pallets are the most affordable option in our inventory. These pallets show significant signs of use and may have undergone multiple repairs, but they remain structurally functional for their intended load capacity. Grade C is the economical choice for businesses that need functional pallets at the lowest possible cost, particularly for one-way shipments or temporary storage applications.
Characteristics
- Multiple repairs may be present including several replacement boards
- Noticeable wear, staining, markings, or weathering
- Structurally functional for intended load rating
- May have cosmetic issues that do not affect performance
- Boards may be mismatched from repairs in wood species or thickness
- Ideal for one-way or short-term use where pallets are not returned
- Some boards may have minor edge damage or rounding
- Fasteners functional but may not be perfectly flush
- Stringer repairs with companion boards or metal plates acceptable
- Bottom deck may have fewer boards than original configuration
Best For
One-way shipping, temporary storage, non-customer-facing applications, construction site material staging, seasonal overflow, and situations where pallets will not be returned
Pricing
Most affordable option. 60 to 75 percent less than new pallets. Expect to pay between $3.00 and $6.00 per unit for standard 48x40 GMA pallets. Best pricing available in volume with orders of 500 or more.
Common Sizes
Lead Time
Always in stock. Immediate availability for pickup. Delivery within 24 hours for orders placed before noon.
Weight Capacity (Standard 48x40 GMA)
2,200 lbs
Static Load
Stationary on floor
1,800 lbs
Dynamic Load
Being moved by forklift
1,200 lbs
Racking Load
Supported on beam edges only
Inspection Criteria
- Structural safety inspection — pallet must support rated load without risk of collapse
- Dimensional check within 1 inch tolerance of target specifications
- Stringer integrity — no broken or severed stringers, reinforcement plates acceptable
- No protruding nails or staples that pose safety hazards
- No rot, severe mold, or chemical contamination that would make the pallet unsafe
Additional Pallet Options
In addition to our standard used pallet grades, we offer new construction, like-new returns, and combo lots to cover every budget and application.
New Pallets
— Custom-Built to Your SpecificationsBrand-new pallets manufactured at our facility or sourced from trusted mill partners. Built from kiln-dried or green lumber to your exact specifications. New pallets come with a quality guarantee and are ideal for applications that require virgin wood, such as export shipments, food-grade environments, or pharmaceutical supply chains. We offer both standard GMA dimensions and fully custom sizes.
Features
- Built to exact dimensional specifications
- Choice of hardwood, softwood, or mixed lumber
- Kiln-dried or heat-treated options available
- ISPM-15 compliant when heat-treated
- Available with custom stenciling or branding
- Full quality guarantee on materials and workmanship
Price Range
$12.00 to $22.00 per unit depending on size, lumber type, and specifications. Custom quotes available.
Lead Time
5 to 10 business days for standard sizes. 10 to 15 business days for custom dimensions. Rush orders available for an additional fee.
Like-New Pallets
— Single-Use Returns in Exceptional ConditionLike-New pallets have been used once or twice and returned in near-original condition. They bridge the gap between new and Grade A, offering pristine appearance at a lower price point than new construction. These pallets are particularly popular with companies that require a clean, professional look but want to keep costs below new pallet pricing.
Features
- Used only one or two times in controlled environments
- No repairs — all original construction intact
- Clean appearance with minimal handling marks
- Full structural integrity matching new pallet standards
- Often sourced from retail return programs
- Available in limited quantities — contact us for current inventory
Price Range
$10.00 to $16.00 per unit for standard 48x40 GMA. Pricing depends on availability and lumber market conditions.
Lead Time
Subject to availability. We recommend inquiring about current stock via our contact form.
Combo Pallets
— Mixed Grades for Maximum ValueCombo pallets are a mix of Grade A, B, and occasionally C pallets sold as a single lot at a blended price. This option is ideal for businesses that can accommodate some variation in pallet quality, such as internal warehouse operations, agricultural packing, or one-way shipping programs. Combo lots offer the best overall value per pallet.
Features
- Mix of Grade A and Grade B pallets in each load
- All pallets structurally sound and safe for use
- Best per-unit pricing in our inventory
- Available in full truckload quantities (typically 400 to 800 pallets per load)
- Popular with agriculture, manufacturing, and distribution operations
- Grade mix ratio varies by availability — typically 30 percent A, 60 percent B, 10 percent C
Price Range
$4.00 to $7.00 per unit depending on quantity and current inventory mix. Full truckload pricing available.
Lead Time
Usually in stock for immediate pickup or delivery. Full truckload orders may require 1 to 2 business days for loading.
Grade Comparison Chart
This side-by-side comparison makes it easy to see the key differences between Grade A, B, and C pallets at a glance. Use this chart to quickly identify the right grade for your needs.
| Criteria | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Appearance | Excellent — minimal wear | Good — light wear marks | Fair — visible wear and repairs |
| Structural Integrity | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Static Load Capacity | 2,500 lbs | 2,500 lbs | 2,200 lbs |
| Dynamic Load Capacity | 2,200 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 1,800 lbs |
| Racking Load Capacity | 1,800 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 1,200 lbs |
| Repairs Present | None or minimal | 1 to 2 boards replaced | Multiple repairs |
| Customer-Facing Use | Yes | Acceptable | Not recommended |
| Export Suitable | Yes (with HT) | Yes (with HT) | Case by case |
| Approximate Savings vs New | 40 to 50% | 50 to 60% | 60 to 75% |
| Best For | Retail, pharma, food | Warehouse, distribution | One-way, temporary |
How to Choose the Right Grade
Choosing the right pallet grade comes down to four factors: your budget, the visual requirements of your application, the load you need to support, and whether the pallet will be seen by your end customer. Here is a simple framework to guide your decision.
Is appearance important?
If your pallets will be seen by retail customers, displayed in a store, or photographed for e-commerce, choose Grade A or Like-New. Clean, uniform pallets project professionalism and protect your brand image.
Are you shipping one-way?
If the pallet is making a one-way trip and will not be returned to you, Grade C or Combo pallets offer the best value. There is no reason to invest in premium pallets that you will never see again.
Do you need racking capability?
If pallets will be stored on warehouse racking systems, ensure the grade you select has an adequate racking load rating for your products. Grade A and B both perform well on standard pallet racking.
What is your volume?
High-volume buyers often find that Grade B delivers the best cost-to-quality ratio. For very high volumes (1,000+ per month), Combo lots can reduce per-unit costs even further.
Industry Recommendations
Agriculture & Produce
Grade A or BClean pallets are important for food safety audits. Grade A for direct retail, Grade B for processing and cold storage.
Manufacturing
Grade BThe workhorse grade. Reliable, consistent, and cost-effective for moving raw materials and finished goods internally.
Retail & E-Commerce
Grade A or Like-NewCustomer-facing pallets must look professional. Grade A is the minimum standard for retail floor displays.
Construction
Grade C or ComboJob sites are rough on pallets. Use budget grades for staging materials and one-way deliveries.
Logistics & 3PL
Grade B or ComboHigh throughput operations benefit from the value of Grade B with Combo lots for overflow capacity.
Pharmaceutical
Grade A or NewStrict cleanliness and contamination requirements. Many pharma companies require new or like-new pallets exclusively.
Not Sure Which Grade?
Most businesses find that Grade B offers the best balance of quality and value. If appearance matters (retail, customer-facing), go with Grade A. If you just need functional pallets at the lowest cost, Grade C delivers.
Still unsure? Contact us and we can send you samples of each grade so you can decide with confidence. Our team is also happy to visit your facility, assess your operation, and recommend the grade that makes the most sense for your specific application. There is no obligation and no pressure — just honest advice from people who understand pallets.
Request Grade Samples